Molecular Insights Into Phytochemicals as Modulators in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor therapeutic outcomes and high recurrence rates. This review aims to summarize the structural, molecular, and analytical mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of key phytochemicals, including curcumin, resveratrol, and anthocyanins, and other phytochemicals in OSCC. METHODS: A narrative review was performed based on a structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using predefined keywords related to OSCC, phytochemicals, molecular signaling pathways, and analytical characterization. Relevant preclinical and mechanistic studies were critically evaluated. RESULTS: Phytochemicals exert anticancer effects in OSCC by modulating major signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, VEGF, IL-6, Bax/Bcl-2, and MMP2/9, resulting in the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques play a pivotal role in the extraction, characterization, quantification, and structural elucidation of phytochemicals, supporting pharmacological standardization. Furthermore, several phytochemicals demonstrate synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and may reduce treatment-associated toxicity. CONCLUSION: This review integrates molecular, structural, and analytical evidence to provide a comparative framework for the role of phytochemicals in OSCC management. Although preclinical data strongly support their therapeutic potential, further analytical refinement and well-designed clinical studies are necessary to translate these findings into effective OSCC treatments.