Antitumor Effect of Resveratrol: Mechanism and Research Progress

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound widely found in a variety of plants such as grapes, apples, blueberries, plums and peanuts, has been widely studied for its multiple biological functions such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory and antitumor effects. This review aims to analyze the pleiotropic antitumor effects of resveratrol, including inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, promotion of tumor cell autophagy, improvement of the tumor microenvironment, reduction of tumor cell resistance, and induction of epigenetic modifications. The research progress of resveratrol in colorectal, breast, lung, cervical, prostate, and oral cancers is also summarized. With its wide range of anti-tumor activities, resveratrol is expected to be a potential drug for tumor prevention and treatment.