Cancer is among the most prominent causes of mortality worldwide. Different cancer therapy modes employed, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been reported to be significant in cancer management, but the side effects associated with these treatment strategies are still a health problem. Therefore, alternative anticancer drugs based on medicinal plants or their active compounds have been generating attention because of their less serious side effects. Medicinal plants are an excellent source of phytochemicals that have been recognized to have health-prompting effects through modulating cell signaling pathways. Resveratrol is a well-known polyphenolic molecule with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health-prompting effects among which its anticancer role has been best defined. Additionally, this polyphenol has confirmed its role in cancer management because it activates tumor suppressor genes, suppresses cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, inhibits angiogenesis, and modulates several other cell signaling molecules. The anticancer potential of resveratrol is recognized in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. Previous experimental data suggested that resveratrol may be valuable in cancer management or improve the efficacy of drugs when given with anticancer drugs. This review emphasizes the potential role of resveratrol as an anticancer drug by modulating numerous cells signaling pathways in different types of cancer.
Keywords: cancers; cell signaling pathways; clinical trials; resveratrol; synergistic effect.