Anti-cancer efficacy of dietary polyphenols is mediated through epigenetic modifications

• Polyphenols reduce cancer cell proliferation through epigenetic modifications.
• Polyphenols induce cell death through epigenetic modifications in cancer.
• Polyphenols regulate epigenetic modifications to inhibit cancer metastasis.
• Dietary polyphenols are potential candidates for anti-cancer treatment strategies.

Accumulating studies in tumorigenesis indicate that dysregulated gene expression caused by genetic and epigenetic changes lead to the formation of human cancers, and most dysregulated or dysfunctional genes are associated with cell proliferation, programmed cell death (PCD), metastasis, and, in part, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) or oncogenes. Epigenetic modifications are important regulatory mechanisms that are induced by chemical treatment or environmental changes. Recently, studies have considered the effects of epigenetic modifications on tumorigenesis and disease. Over the past few decades, dietary polyphenols have become a focus of investigation because of their bioactive function in cancer prevention and treatment. In this review article, we summarize the current research on the anti-cancer effects of polyphenols and provide useful information to help promote polyphenol application in cancer research.

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