Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Over the past decade, resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound present in peanuts, grapes, and berries has attracted significant scientific attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties. As a member of the phytoalexin family, resveratrol exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects, making it a promising therapeutic candidate in a variety of disease models. It is also worth noting that resveratrol exerts antioxidant activities in healthy cells, whereas it exerts pro-oxidant effects in cancer cells. This review provides an in-depth overview of the pharmacokinetic profile and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol and signaling pathways (such as NF-kB, STAT3, or Akt/mTOR), with a particular focus on its therapeutic potential for the treatment of leukemia. We conducted an extensive literature review of preclinical and experimental studies investigating the biological effects of resveratrol on leukemia. Emphasis was placed on elucidating its mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and interactions with key molecular targets involved in leukemogenesis and tumor progression. Resveratrol has demonstrated significant antiproliferative effects in various leukemia models, primarily through the modulation of cell-cycle regulators, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Recent findings suggest that resveratrol may enhance the efficiency of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs by sensitizing leukemic cells to oxidative stress and apoptotic signaling pathways. Given its ability to modulate key oncogenic pathways and sensitize malignant cells to chemotherapy, resveratrol holds considerable promise as an adjunctive agent in leukemia treatment. Despite its broad-spectrum antileukemic efficacy in vitro, the poor oral bioavailability and rapid hepatic metabolism of resveratrol remain primary bottlenecks hindering its clinical translation. To overcome these pharmacokinetic obstacles and preserve its therapeutic efficacy, advanced nanoformulations (such as liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles) are currently being developed, bridging laboratory discoveries to clinical application. Given that previous reports on resveratrol in hematological malignancies and mechanisms were scattered, inconsistent, and limited, this review aims to integrate and make them more complete. Future clinical studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and optimize its therapeutic application in combination therapies for hematologic malignancies.
Source: OncoTargets and Therapy
DOI: 10.2147/ott.s624444
Authors: Tina Tabei, Simin Sharifi, Fatemeh Mezginejad
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W7224097298