Chemo-Protection and Berries: Nutritional Strategies in Oral Oncology, a Systematic Review

This review focuses on the phytochemical composition and biological activity of frequently consumed berries, including bilberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries, with a focus on their anti-proliferative properties in preventing oral cancer. To analyse the cytotoxic effects of berry phytoextracts on oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) from January 2014 to May 2025, a systematic review was carried out using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Following a rigorous screening procedure, 16 studies were included, comprising of two clinical trials, five animal studies, and five cell line studies. The key finding showed that black raspberry extracts reduced oral lesions while blueberry anthocyanins caused cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. A moderate risk of bias was found in most studies. Overall, the study suggests the possibility that berry phytochemicals can promote cell death, arrest tumor growth, and provide therapeutic advantages in the prevention and treatment of oral cancer using distinct metabolic pathways.