Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Current Review

Resveratrol (RSV; 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural polyphenolic compound with notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. It has been investigated for therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review emphasizes the potential of RSV in oncology and neuroprotection, synthesizing evidence from systematic database searches and experimental studies. Despite promising biological activities, RSV is limited by poor stability, low aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and restricted bioavailability, necessitating improved delivery strategies such as nanoencapsulation, nanocrystals, prodrugs, and structural analogues. Mechanistically, RSV exerts anticancer and neuroprotective effects through modulation of p53, STAT3, NF-κB, and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Its antioxidant actions involve regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of NRF2, AMPK signaling, and SIRT1. RSV and related antioxidants act on multiple molecular pathways, including TP53, β-catenin, STAT3, NF-κB, NRF2-AMPK, PI3K/AKT, and SIRT1, to regulate inflammation and cell death. The balance between oxidative and antioxidative processes is critical for therapeutic efficacy. Notably, RSV-induced ROS-mediated cell death, particularly in the context of TP53 mutations, represents a promising target for future interventions. Overall, RSV demonstrates multi-target potential for cancer and neurodegenerative disease therapy, though optimization of its pharmacological profile remains essential.