Dietary pterostilbene and cancer: a critical review on its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Natural compounds have emerged as promising candidates for cancer treatment due to their diverse pharmacological activities and relatively low toxicity. Among these, pterostilbene, a natural stilbenoid found mostly in blueberries and grapes, has garnered increasing attention for its potential anti-cancer properties. Pterostilbene has been shown to modulate multiple molecular mechanisms involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, and metastasis by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AMPK, MAPK/ERK, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB. Evidence from studies on various cancer types highlights its capability to suppress tumor growth, modulate oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammation. Furthermore, preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability of pterostilbene to inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Overall, pterostilbene holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for cancer treatment, offering potential benefits for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. So, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying pterostilbene’s anti-cancer effects and evaluates its role as a potential therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.