Natural Compounds in Gastric Cancer Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Treatment Options

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common type of cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Surgery remains the most effective treatment, but new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The use of natural polyphenolic compounds such as curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RSV) has played a significant role in this effort. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current applications and molecular mechanisms of curcumin and resveratrol in gastric cancer, highlighting their therapeutic potential and translational relevance. Analytically, CUR induces apoptosis, endoplasmic stress and cell cycle arrest. On the other hand, resveratrol enhances apoptosis and reduces inflammation. Both compounds increase cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and help prevent chemoresistance, highlighting their potential as molecular enhancers in anticancer therapy. Combined with standard therapeutic drugs, they represent an innovative strategy for GC treatment. By presenting these innovative approaches, this review offers a global perspective on how their administration could shape future treatment strategies.