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Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Natural Food

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 April 2026 | Viewed by 5923

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ewa Piątkowska

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Guest Editor

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Interests: human nutrition; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; plant food
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mariola Drozdowska

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
Interests: functional food; cancer prevention; plant food origin; bioactive compounds

Dr. Ewelina Piasna-Słupecka

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
Interests: cancer; antioxidant food

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic inflammation and cancer are closely related to health challenges, with inflammation creating an environment that promotes cell damage, genetic mutations, and tumor growth. Dietary interventions rich in antioxidants offer a promising approach to prevention and management by reducing oxidative stress and mitigating inflammation. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, dark leafy greens, nuts, and colorful vegetables protect cells and fight inflammation. This issue aims to explore the role of natural antioxidant-rich foods in preventing and treating chronic inflammation and cancer. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how antioxidants in the diet combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth. Through a collection of studies and reviews, it aims to explore innovative dietary strategies and public health initiatives to effectively address these global health challenges.

Prof. Dr. Ewa Piątkowska
Dr. Mariola Drozdowska
Dr. Ewelina Piasna-Słupecka
Guest Editors

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Keywords

antioxidants
chronic inflammation
cancer prevention
bioactive compounds
oxidative stress
anti-inflammatory foods
preventive nutrition

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3820 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Polyphenols Curcumin and Resveratrol Exert Selective Anticancer Effects in Melanoma Cells

by Moon-Kyun Cho, Yeji Lee, Ki Dam Kim, Min Hyuk Choi, Sang-Han Lee, Dongsic Choi, Hae-Seon Nam and Yoon-Jin Lee

Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030548 - 6 Feb 2026

Viewed by 642

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RSV) are natural polyphenolic compounds with reported anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, their combined anticancer effects in melanoma cells remain incompletely characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of CUR and RSV, individually, and in combination, in melanoma cells compared to normal melanocytes. Methods: Cell viability and intracellular ATP levels were quantified, and dose–response analyses performed. Cellular morphology and nuclear alterations were examined by phase-contrast microscopy and DAPI staining. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by Muse™ Cell Analyzer with dedicated assay kits. Survival- and death-related signaling proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. Results: Combined treatment with CUR (60 μM) and RSV (40 μM) for 48 h synergistically reduced melanoma cell viability and markedly depleted intracellular ATP levels, while exerting minimal cytotoxic effects on normal melanocytes. CUR/RSV co-treatment induced pronounced morphological and nuclear alterations, significantly increased apoptotic cell populations, and modulated key signaling pathways regulating cell survival and programmed cell death in melanoma cells. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that combined CUR and RSV treatment exerts enhanced, melanoma-selective anticancer activity while sparing normal melanocytes. The results provide a strong experimental rationale for further in vivo validation of CUR/RSV-based combination strategies as a potential therapeutic approach for melanoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Natural Food)

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31 pages, 2756 KB

Open AccessArticle

Iodoquinoline-Biofortified Lettuce as a Safe and Bioavailable Dietary Iodine Source: In Vivo Study in Rats

by Agnieszka Dyląg, Piotr Pawlicki, Anna Gałuszka, Sylwester Smoleń and Aneta Koronowicz

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010036 - 21 Dec 2025

Viewed by 665

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Iodine plays a key role in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolic regulation in vertebrates. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo bioavailability of iodine and assess selected biochemical parameters and thyroid-related gene expression in male Wistar rats fed lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) biofortified with iodoquinolines (8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid or 5,7-diiodo-8-quinolinol) or potassium iodate. Methods: Two iodine intake levels were applied, a nutritionally adequate iodine level and a supranutritional level, to evaluate the nutritional safety of iodine obtained from biofortified vegetables. Results: A diet containing lettuce biofortified with iodoquinolines at the adequate level had no significant effect on thyroid hormone concentrations, the expression of Dio1, Dio2, Slc5a5, and Tpo genes, or thyroid morphology. While supranutritional iodine intake led to increased levels of T4, fT4, T3, and fT3, all hormone concentrations remained within the physiological range. No elevation in liver enzyme activity (ALT, AST, ALP) was observed, indicating the absence of hepatotoxic effects from high-iodine diets based on biofortified lettuce. Compared to potassium iodate, iodoquinolines demonstrated superior bioavailability, as evidenced by enhanced iodine accumulation in tissues and more efficient thyroid hormone synthesis. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vivo nutritional study assessing the physiological effects of supranutritional iodine intake from a biofortified plant source. These findings confirm the nutritional safety and efficacy of iodine biofortification using iodoquinolines and highlight the need for further research, including human nutritional clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Natural Food)

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22 pages, 2484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Discovering Anticancer Effects of Phytochemicals on MicroRNA in the Context of Data Mining

by Yumi Sakai and Kurataka Otsuka

Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3913; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243913 - 14 Dec 2025

Viewed by 632

Abstract

Background: miRNA is linked to a variety of human diseases, including cancer. The expression levels and profiles can be related to disease prevention and the promotion of good health. Understanding the beneficial changes in miRNA expression mediated by micro- and macronutrients is vital for maintaining optimal health. However, it remains unknown which phytochemicals affect miRNA expression, thereby hindering the identification of novel dietary functions. Methods: We searched for and investigated novel phytochemicals that would regulate miRNAs in colon cancer using artificial intelligence. We comprehensively analyzed miRNA expression in colon cancer cell lines treated with new phytochemical candidates using next-generation sequencing. Results: We identified three phytochemicals (fisetin, glabridin, and silibinin) that suppressed cell proliferation and were associated with changes in cancer-related miRNA expression in colon cancer cells. The miRNA expression profiles observed in response to each phytochemical shared some common features while also displaying compound-specific miRNA signatures. Exploratory pathway analyses of fisetin, glabridin, or silibinin have shown that each affects pathways involved in tumor development, including the p53 signaling pathway, apoptosis, cellular senescence, and colorectal cancer. Conclusions: The use of artificial intelligence to explore candidate compounds is beneficial, leading to the discovery of new phytochemicals modulating tumor-related miRNAs. Investigating the mechanisms of action of miRNAs will be essential for understanding new functions of dietary nutrients, thereby providing further insights into the development of diet-based health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Natural Food)

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24 pages, 1493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Compositional and Functional Analysis of Golden and Brown Flaxseed: Nutrients, Bioactive Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity, and Cellular Responses

by Mariola Drozdowska, Ewelina Piasna-Słupecka, Klaudia Kmiecik, Ivo Doskocil, Barbora Lampova, Petr Smid, Barbara Domagała and Kinga Dziadek

Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3407; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213407 - 29 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1653

Abstract

Background: Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) represents a unique source of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. The main aim of the research was to investigate the chemical composition, content of bioactive compounds and biological activities of various types of flaxseed and their defatted forms. Methods: Proximate composition (crude fat, protein, ash, digestible carbohydrates, fiber) was determined, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed via GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Mineral content was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, while total and individual polyphenols were quantified spectrophotometrically and by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three assays. In vitro functional assays evaluated the effects of flaxseed extracts on lactic acid bacteria adhesion in two cellular models, nitric oxide production in liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the proximate composition: brown flaxseed exhibited the highest crude fat content, whereas defatted seeds had higher levels of digestible carbohydrates and ash. α-Linolenic acid was the dominant fatty acid, with the highest concentration in defatted golden flaxseed. Defatted forms generally displayed increased mineral concentrations, particularly calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. The polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were highest in defatted brown flaxseed, which also exhibited the greatest diversity of individual polyphenols. Flaxseed extracts modulated the adhesion of lactic acid bacteria, reduced the production of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis of the mentioned cells. Conclusions: Flaxseed, especially the brown type, could be a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential, supporting its use in nutritional and functional applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Natural Food)

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20 pages, 1332 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Antioxidant-Rich Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) Infusion and Carvacrol: Impact on Metabolic Activity and Cytotoxicity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

by Brian Enrique Rojo-Ruvalcaba, Montserrat Maldonado-González, Gabriela María Cálix-Rodríguez, Elia Herminia Valdés-Miramontes, Juan Florencio Gómez-Leyva, Teresa Arcelia García-Cobián, Pedro Ernesto Sánchez-Hernández, Andrea Carolina Machado-Sulbaran, Rocío Ivette López-Roa, Iván Balderas-León and Trinidad García-Iglesias

Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3089; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193089 - 28 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1572

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The search for natural alternatives in breast cancer (BC) management has spurred interest in plant-derived extracts, particularly oregano variants and their bioactive compound carvacrol (Cv). However, Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) infusion (MoI) remains unexplored. This study aimed to chemically characterize MoI and compare its anticancer effects with Cv across BC cell lines, including aggressive triple-negative (TN) subtypes. Methods: MoI was analyzed for composition, antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, total phenols/flavonoids), and phytochemical profile (FTIR, HPLC). Anticancer activity was assessed via MTT and LDH assays. Results: MoI exhibits strong antioxidant capacity and concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects, with IC50 values ranging from 0.08 to 0.18 mg/mL across BC lines, significantly higher (i.e., less cytotoxic) than Cv IC50 of 121–211 µM. Importantly, MoI displayed markedly lower cytotoxicity toward non-cancerous cells (IC50 0.18 mg/mL) compared to Cv (IC50 110 µM). Conclusions: While both agents reduced metabolic activity, Cv induced a more acute suppression. These findings position MoI as a promising, selective candidate for BC therapy, particularly for poor-prognosis subtypes like TN BC, warranting further mechanistic investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antioxidant-Rich Natural Food)

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