Gastrointestinal cancers continue to pose a significant global health challenge, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. Despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for many patients remains poor. This article explores the potential of garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone found in various Garcinia species, as a therapeutic agent against gastrointestinal malignancies. The objective is to review recent research on garcinol's anticancer properties, its mechanisms of action, and safety aspects. Garcinol exhibits anticancer effects in esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers by inhibiting metastasis, inducing apoptosis, and targeting key molecular pathways in cancer progression. Nanotechnology is explored as a means to enhance garcinol delivery and efficacy. Safety assessments suggest a promising toxicity profile. Garcinol shows significant potential as a natural therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal cancers, and future research is needed on optimizing its delivery, exploring synergistic combinations, and conducting clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety for clinical applications.

Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management Amity University Noida U P India

Department of Bio Sciences and Technology Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College Maharishi Markandeshwar 133207 Mullana Ambala India

Department of Biotechnology Graphic Era Deemed to be University Dehradun Uttarakhand 248002 India

Department of Chemistry Indian Institute of Technology Delhi India

Department of Chemistry Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur Ambala 134007 Haryana India

Gilbert and Rose Marie Chagoury School of Medicine Lebanese American University Beirut 11022801 Lebanon

Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology Department of Animal Morphology Physiology and Genetics Faculty of AgriSciences Mendel University in Brno 61300 Brno Czech Republic

Research and Scientific Studies Unit College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Jazan University Jazan 45142 Saudi Arabia

University Centre for Research and Development University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Chandigarh University Gharuan Mohali 140413 India

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