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ID: ALA4184147

Journal: J Med Chem

Title: Polyphenolic Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Bioavailability versus Bioefficacy.

Authors: Estrela JM, Mena S, Obrador E, Benlloch M, Castellano G, Salvador R, Dellinger RW.

Abstract: Natural polyphenols are organic chemicals which contain phenol units in their structures. They show antitumor properties. However, a key problem is their short half-life and low bioavailability under in vivo conditions. Still, definitively demonstrating the human benefits of isolated polyphenolic compounds (alone or in combination) using modern scientific methodology has proved challenging. The most common discrepancy between experimental and clinical observations is the use of nonphysiologically relevant concentrations of polyphenols in mechanistic studies. Thus, it remains highly controversial how applicable underlying mechanisms are with bioavailable concentrations and biological half-life. The present Perspective analyses proposed antitumor mechanisms, in vivo reported antitumor effects, and possible mechanisms that may explain discrepancies between bioavailability and bioefficacy. Polyphenol metabolism and possible toxic side effects are also considered. Our main conclusion emphasizes that these natural molecules (and their chemical derivatives) indeed can be very useful, not only as cancer chemopreventive agents but also in oncotherapy.

CiteXplore: 28654265

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01026