Role of Luteolin in Prevention of Oral, Esophageal, Gastric, Pancreatic, and Colon Cancers: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives

Cancers such as oral, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal malignancies represent a significant global health burden. Amid continuous efforts to develop effective pharmacological interventions, the natural flavonoid luteolin, which is found to be abundantly present in various dietary sources, has gained consideration as a potential therapeutic agent for the management of these malignancies. This review provides a succinct overview of current strategies and potential perspectives concerning the established role of luteolin in preventing such cancers. The multifaceted protective mechanism/s offered by luteolin are contributed by its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties, thus characterizing it as a potent drug candidate against gastrointestinal cancers. Recent findings have emphasized its precise targeting of cancer cells without affecting healthy tissues, thus marking its potential in precision medicine. Particularly, the impact of luteolin on limiting esophageal and gastric cancers is mediated by alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting chronic inflammation, and significant induction of apoptosis. Such findings accentuate the potential of luteolin for considering it as a pivotal molecule in personalized preventive interventions. The futuristic perspective investigations uncovering luteolin's precise mechanism of action and subsequent establishment of its targeted delivery system are warranted to further strengthen its efficacy in managing such malignancies.