This study explores the role of anticancer antioxidants in the treatment of oral cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies with high mortality rates, frequent recurrence, and substantial treatment costs. Conventional therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, present significant challenges due to their severe side effects and restricted efficacy. This research concentrates on antioxidant compounds that exhibit a potent anticancer impact on oral cancer cells and their protective properties.
A wide range of compounds, including flavonoids (apigenin, genistein, quercetin, casticin, kaempferol), terpenoids (farnesol, cryptotanshinone, brusatol, zerumbone, ophiopogonin D), polyphenols (resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, honokiol, magnolol, curcumin), alkaloids (berberine, indirubin), isothiocyanates (sulforaphane), and vitamins (γ-tocotrienol) have demonstrated anticancer activity through multiple signaling pathways. These include PI3K/AKT/mTOR, inhibited by zerumbone and statins; Wnt/β-catenin, suppressed by casticin; NF-κB, downregulated by curcumin and berberine; and JAK/STAT, modulated by brusatol and honokiol. Besides, MAPK/ERK, affected by kaempferol and quercetin, plays a role in cell proliferation, while LKB1/AMPK, activated by statins, reduces tumor growth. The COX-2/PGE2 pathway, involved in inflammation and cancer progression, is inhibited by curcumin, whereas MMP-2/MMP-9, essential for tumor invasion, is suppressed by epigallocatechin gallate and kaempferol.
These compounds inhibit cancer cell growth, generate apoptosis, suppress metastasis, and reduce drug resistance. Findings recommend that incorporating these antioxidants with dual capability as complementary therapeutic agents can enhance the efficacy of conventional treatments with fewer adverse effects on oral cancers. At the same time, healthy cells can benefit from their protective properties.
However, additional clinical studies must determine the optimal dosage and administration methods to harness their potential in oral cancer treatment.
