Ferulic acid as a promising candidate for developing selective and effective anti-cancer therapies

Abstract

Purpose: Cancer, a complex and rapidly advancing disease, stands as the second leading cause of death globally. Among the most frequently diagnosed cancers are breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. The incidence of these cancers has been rising sharply, a trend attributed partly to the insufficient effectiveness of current therapeutic drugs. This growing challenge has intensified the search for novel anti-cancer agents derived from natural sources. Methods: This review covers the most recent literature on FA’s anti-cancer properties. It provides an in-depth analysis of ferulic acid’s impact on various cancer cell lines and the mechanisms of action. Results: Plants are a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds that offer promising alternatives to synthetic drugs. Among these compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, stilbenes, curcuminoids, and other phenolic substances have demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity, suggesting their potential in various therapeutic applications. Ferulic acid (FA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid and phenolic compound found in different plants, fruits, vegetables, and grains. It occurs in exceptionally high concentrations in popcorn and bamboo shoots. Conclusion: FA exhibits remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.