Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Anticancer Activities of Resveratrol in Colorectal Cancer

Evelien Schaafsma, Tze-chen Hsieh, Barbara B Doonan, John T Pinto and Joseph M Wu

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a dietary polyphenolic phytochemical that has demonstrated health benefits such as cardioprotection, the prevention of neurodegeneration and chemoprevention. Resveratrol has shown great potential in the prevention and treatment of carcinomas and clinical trials support resveratrol as anticancer compound in colorectal carcinoma. Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women in industrialized countries. Because of this widespread prevalence, identifying major risk factors and initiating colorectal screening procedures provide the distinct advantage for recognizing early disease and addressing treatable forms of CRC. Epidemiological studies of fruit and vegetable consumption in relationship to developing CRC have led to the notion that safe and inexpensive chemopreventive agents might be a valuable tool in diminishing the morbidity and mortality of CRC. While clinical trials and in vivo data show positive effects of resveratrol in CRC, the mechanism of action is relatively unclear. In this review, we will evaluate the current literature on the actions of resveratrol in CRC and provide a more mechanistic view of resveratrol in relationship with CRC.