Potential of Bioactive Food Components against Gastric Cancer: Insights into Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Targets

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Recently, it has been found that cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, especially gastric cancer (GC), is the second most leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Extensive research has shown that most epidemiological investigations indicated the increased intake of naturally-occurring bioactive food components could decrease the gastric cancer risk. Several experimental studies have explained that the molecular mechanisms of action to prevent GC comprise induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of angiogenesis and metastasis, and regulation of autophagy. To provide an updated understanding of relationships between naturally occurring bioactive food components and gastric cancer, this study will be helpful for guiding and preventing gastric cancer by natural bioactive food products. ABSTRACT: Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a cancer that develops from the lining of the stomach. Accumulated evidence and epidemiological studies have indicated that bioactive food components from natural products play an important role in gastric cancer prevention and treatment, although its mechanism of action has not yet been elucidated. Particularly, experimental studies have shown that natural bioactive food products display a protective effect against gastric cancer via numerous molecular mechanisms, such as suppression of cell metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of autophagy. Chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer along with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, as well as immunotherapy, and its adverse side effects including neutropenia, stomatitis, mucositis, diarrhea, nausea, and emesis are well documented. However, administration of naturally occurring bioactive phytochemical food components could increase the efficacy of gastric chemotherapy and other chemotherapeutic resistance. Additionally, several studies have suggested that bioactive food components with structural stability, potential bioavailability, and powerful bioactivity are important to develop novel treatment strategies for gastric cancer management, which may minimize the adverse effects. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the potential therapeutic effects of natural bioactive food products on the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer with intensive molecular mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and safety efficacy.