Effect of Natural Products in the Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as a significant and emerging global public health concern. The increasing incidence and associated mortality rates are attributable to a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, adverse environmental exposures, and modifiable lifestyle factors. Current therapies, e.g., chemotherapy and surgery, do not demonstrate satisfactory clinical outcomes and are often associated with undesired side effects. This has led to the search for alternative or adjunctive treatments. Natural products derived from microorganisms, marine organisms, and plants comprise a wealth of bioactive compounds that have long been recognized for their beneficial and safe profiles. These natural products provide attractive adjuvant therapies for the prevention and therapy of CRC. This review highlights the anti-CRC activity of natural compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin, along with corresponding molecular mechanisms associated with their anti-CRC actions: modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. They may also enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and reduce their toxicities by inhibiting signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), and Wnt signaling pathway and β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin). Unfortunately, in contrast to a great many promising pre-clinical data, there is still little validation. More research, particularly on bioavailability and balance of dose and long-term safety, is required for these compounds. In conclusion, natural products show great promise as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents against CRC. Their integration into pharmacology, oncology, and nanomedicine should be continuously promoted to maximize the potential of these agents in a personalized medicine setting.