Potential anticancer therapeutic targets of resveratrol and its role in the therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Resveratrol (RES) is a stilbene natural phytoestrogen with anti-cancer, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review explores the therapeutic potential of RES in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by emphasizing its mechanisms of action. Plant-based natural sources of RES, such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables, have been found to be effective and safe in treating various illnesses, including cancer and inflammation. Literature suggested that RES may protect the liver from developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in its early stages. The compound also induces apoptosis in abnormally growing hepatocytes. Moreover, RES also significantly reduces angiogenesis and metastasis, which are two hallmarks of advanced cancer stages. RES caused apoptosis and prevented HCC cell lines (HepG2) from proliferating, migrating, and invading. Additionally, RES has been shown to greatly enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs by working together with them and making cancer cells more sensitive to treatment. Therefore, several targets have been connected to RES as molecular mechanisms by which the compound induces combat against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review discusses RES's natural sources, biosynthesis, bioavailability, and improved synthetic derivatives, as well as a comprehensive overview of the metabolic and cellular signaling pathways influenced by RES in HCC. The review also discussed the beneficial role of RES in liver disorders. We also want to identify future studies that will maximize the therapeutic potential of RES in HCC.