Potential anti-cancer properties of malvidin and its glycosides: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

Malvidin and its glycosides have been studied for their anti-carcinogenic potential in various forms of cancer, however the in-depth review for malvidin and its glycosides in in vitro and in vivo studies, is yet to be reported. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the anti-carcinogenic potential of malvidin and its glycosides in various cancer types such as leukemia, colon/colorectal, gastric, hepatocarcinoma, lung, oral and breast cancer. Malvidin and its glycosides were found to induce apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, suppression of cell proliferation, and prevent metastasis through modulation of various signaling pathways. This study recommends the incorporation of plant-based phytochemicals like malvidin in a prolonged dietary pattern, and its use over the drug based chemical compounds that might prove beneficial against cancer related pathology. Moreover, further in depth in vitro, in vivo, and human studies must be conducted to reveal the actual potential of malvidin against cancer.