A review of molecular mechanisms involved in anticancer and antiangiogenic effects of natural polyphenolic compounds

The aim of this review is to obtain a further understanding of the reported inhibitory effects of polyphenols on cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis process and the probable mechanisms by which these natural compounds inhibit proliferation of cancer cells and angiogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that polyphenols are beneficial against human fatal diseases such as cancer. Because angiogenesis has a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis, therefore, we decided to review the potential anticancer and antiangiogenic activities and molecular mechanisms of different groups of known polyphenolic compounds. As knowledge and data on anticancer and antiangiogenic effects of plant-derived phenols are on the rise, it may be possible in the near future to develop and discover specific polyphenolic compounds with potent anticancer and antiangiogenic activity for treatment of malignant tumors.