Molecular mechanisms of anticancer effect of rutin

Because of the extensive biological functions of natural substances such as bioflavonoids, and their high safety and low costs, they could have high priority application in the health care system. The antioxidant properties of rutin, a polyphenolic bioflavonoid, have been well documented and demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological applications in cancer research. Since chemotherapeutic drugs have a wide range of side effects and rutin is a safe anticancer agent with minor side effects so recent investigations are performed for study of mechanisms of its anticancer effect. Both in‐vivo and in‐vitro examinations on anticancer mechanisms of this natural agent have been widely carried out. Regulation of different cellular signaling pathways such as Wnt/β‐catenin, p53‐independent pathway, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, MAPK, p53, apoptosis as well as NF‐ĸB signaling pathways helps to mediate the anticancer impacts of this agent. This study tried to review the molecular mechanisms of rutin anticancer effect on various types of cancer. Deep exploration of these anticancer mechanisms can facilitate the development of this beneficial compound for its application in the treatment of different cancers.