Phytotherapy for colorectal cancer: about some phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is very common in both men and women. Phytochemicals such as polysaccharide alkaloids, polyphenols, diterpenoids among others, have been used for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The mechanisms of action of these compounds on cancer cells include molecular targets in the apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. At the level of the whole organism, they improve the intestinal microbiota, which plays an important role in the initiation and progression of CRC. Recent research is aimed at obtaining and modifying phytochemicals to improve their effectiveness, safety and their inclusion in functional foods, but more studies are needed to validate their properties.