What a 2025 Review of 1,100+ Studies Reveals About Cancer Pathways

Cancer is not a single process. Tumors rewire metabolism, suppress the immune system, resist treatment, and spread into healthy tissue, all at the same time. That’s why single-target therapies often struggle to keep up. A landmark 2025 scientific review published in Chinese Medicine analyzed over 1,100 studies and identified 12 natural compounds that repeatedly interfered with cancer’s core survival pathways across cell research, animal models, and multi-omics studies.

In preclinical models, many of these compounds demonstrated effects such as triggering cancer cell death, reducing immune evasion, inhibiting metastasis, disrupting tumor metabolism, and helping reverse drug resistance, influencing multiple key pathways involved in tumor growth and survival.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.

Infographic highlighting curcumin, EGCG, berberine and other anti-cancer botanicals

How Researchers Analyzed 1,100+ Studies in This Review

From a functional medicine perspective, we are always asking: What is really happening at the root level? This review took a similarly deep approach.

Researchers examined:

  • In vitro studies: human and animal cancer cell lines
  • In vivo models: mouse xenografts, orthotopic tumors, zebrafish, and chemically induced cancers
  • Ex vivo assays: mechanistic tests outside the body
  • Multi-omics platforms: including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolic profiling

By layering these data sources, they mapped how each natural compound influenced:

  • Cell death pathways (apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis)
  • Immune checkpoint and immune-evasion signals
  • Tumor metabolism and energy production
  • Angiogenesis (tumor blood supply)
  • Metastasis, invasion, and tissue breakdown
  • Drug-resistance mechanisms (including efflux pumps like P-gp)

A striking pattern emerged: a relatively small group of natural molecules repeatedly disrupted the same core systems tumors depend on to grow and survive.

Why These Findings Matter in Functional Medicine

At Internal Healing & Wellness MD, we use data-driven functional medicine to look beyond symptoms and uncover the “why” behind illness. In the context of cancer, that means understanding:

  • How the immune system interacts with tumors
  • How inflammation, toxins, infections, and metabolism influence cancer behavior
  • How lifestyle, nutrition, and environment shape the internal terrain

This review does not prove that these 12 compounds treat or cure cancer in humans. However, it provides a compelling scientific map of how certain plant-derived molecules may interact with cancer biology at a systems level, something very aligned with a root-cause, whole-person approach.

The 12 Natural Anti-Cancer Compounds Identified

Below is a high-level overview of each compound and the pathways it influences, based on the reviewed preclinical research.

1. Apigenin (Chamomile)

Apigenin, found in chamomile and other plants, was shown to:

  • Help immune cells “see” tumors more clearly by lowering PD-L1
  • Slow internal growth signals in cancer cells (PI3K/AKT, EGFR, ERK)
  • Improve chemotherapy responsiveness by reducing MDR1/P-gp activity
  • Limit tissue invasion via NF-κB and MMP-2/9
  • Trigger several forms of cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis

2. Artemisinin (Sweet Wormwood)

Best known from malaria therapy, artemisinin and its derivatives:

  • Generate oxidative stress inside tumors (ROS, lipid peroxidation)
  • Show anti-angiogenic activity, restricting tumor blood supply
  • Slow cancer cell movement by reducing vimentin and N-cadherin
  • Influence resistance-related pathways such as STAT3, AKT, and HSP90
  • Demonstrate activity across multiple animal tumor models

3. Berberine (Coptis / Goldenseal)

Berberine, a bright yellow alkaloid, was found to:

  • Disrupt major growth pathways (PI3K/AKT, HER2, TGF-β)
  • Reduce tumor-fueling inflammation via NF-κB
  • Help reverse drug resistance (P-gp, MRP1, NRF2)
  • Lower immune-evasion signals like PD-L1
  • Reduce metastatic behavior by lowering MMP-2/9

4. Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin, the active component in turmeric:

  • Triggers multiple cell death processes (apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis)
  • Lowers inflammatory signaling (NF-κB, STAT3)
  • Inhibits blood-vessel growth through VEGF suppression
  • Modulates drug transporters (P-gp, BCRP) involved in chemo resistance
  • Reduces invasive behavior by targeting Twist1, MMP-9, and EMT markers

5. Emodin (Rhubarb Root / Japanese Knotweed)

Emodin appears to act as a communication “disruptor” inside tumors:

  • Interferes with signaling networks (Wnt/β-catenin, STAT3, NF-κB)
  • Initiates necroptosis and ferroptosis alongside apoptosis
  • Alters tumor metabolism by lowering GLUT1 (a glucose transporter)
  • Limits tissue invasion by reducing MMP-2/9
  • Helps counter drug resistance through effects on P-gp and GST

6. EGCG (Green Tea)

EGCG, the best-studied polyphenol in green tea:

  • Slows growth via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition
  • Promotes programmed cell death (increasing Bax, decreasing Bcl-2)
  • Reduces inflammatory signaling (STAT3)
  • Inhibits invasion and angiogenesis (MMP-2/9 and VEGF)
  • Decreases drug resistance through P-gp suppression

7. Ginsenosides (Ginseng)

Ginsenosides are a diverse group of active molecules in ginseng:

  • Reduce metastatic potential by slowing EMT and suppressing MMPs
  • Improve immune responses through STAT3 downregulation
  • Promote apoptosis via caspase activation
  • Support tumor-suppressor pathways (p53, PTEN)
  • Influence the gut microbiota, which is increasingly recognized as part of the tumor microenvironment

8. Icariin / Icaritin (Horny Goat Weed)

These flavonoids showed both immune and anti-tumor effects:

  • Support immune recognition of tumors by enhancing CD8+ T cells and chemokines (CXCL9/10)
  • Lower PD-L1, a key immune “shield” used by many tumors
  • Inhibit PI3K/AKT-driven growth signaling
  • Counteract chemotherapy resistance (P-gp, MRP1)
  • Improve cell adhesion and reduce invasiveness by increasing E-cadherin

9. Resveratrol (Grapes, Berries)

Resveratrol, found in grape skins and berries:

  • Activates p53, a crucial tumor-suppressor gene
  • Reduces inflammation via NF-κB
  • Slows invasive behavior by lowering vimentin and EMT markers
  • Initiates multiple cell death pathways (apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis)
  • Shows synergy when combined with conventional cancer therapies

10. Silibinin (Milk Thistle)

Silibinin has been studied both for liver support and anti-cancer activity:

  • Slows growth signals by targeting mTOR and STAT3
  • Reduces tumor blood vessel development (anti-angiogenic)
  • Limits spread by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling
  • Supports mitochondrial function, which is often disrupted in cancer cells
  • Decreases PD-L1 expression, potentially improving immune detection

11. Triptolide (Thunder God Vine)

Triptolide is extremely potent but also requires caution due to significant toxicity:

  • Active at nanomolar concentrations in many models
  • Blocks multiple tumor-promoting pathways (NF-κB, STAT3, AKT/mTOR)
  • Lowers immune-evasion markers such as PD-L1 and CD47
  • Promotes apoptosis and enforces cell-cycle arrest

12. Ursolic Acid (Apples, Basil, Rosemary)

Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid found in many culinary herbs and fruits:

  • Promotes cell death via p53 activation and ROS generation
  • Slows tumor growth by inhibiting AKT/mTOR
  • Limits metastatic behavior by affecting CXCL12 and FN1
  • Helps reduce drug resistance
  • Activates stress pathways linked to ferroptosis through NRF2 suppression

What These Findings Mean for Patients in Functional Medicine

It’s important to be clear:

  • These findings come primarily from preclinical research (cells, animals, mechanistic studies).
  • They do not mean that taking a supplement or herb will treat or cure cancer.
  • Doses, forms, safety, interactions, and long-term effects in humans require controlled clinical trials.

That said, this review is significant because it shows that certain natural compounds:

  • Consistently target core tumor pathways
  • Show multi-pathway effects rather than just one isolated mechanism
  • Several of these compounds, such as icaritin and certain ginsenosides, are being evaluated in human clinical trials, including Phase II and III trials for specific formulations. Other compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, silibinin, and artemisinin derivatives have early-stage clinical research underway.

For a functional medicine practice, this kind of data helps inform thoughtful, evidence-informed conversations about how nutrition, botanicals, and lifestyle may support the body alongside standard oncology care.

Our Functional Medicine Approach to Cancer Support

At Internal Healing & Wellness MD, we do not replace your oncologist or conventional cancer treatment. Instead, we:

  • Use advanced functional testing to evaluate inflammation, toxins, hormones, gut health, micronutrients, and immune function
  • Look for root-cause drivers that may influence tumor behavior or recovery, such as toxin load, chronic infections, insulin resistance, or nutrient depletion
  • Build personalized care plans that may include nutrition, lifestyle, targeted supplementation, and therapies aimed at supporting overall wellness and physiological balance during treatment.

Disclaimer: These tests do not diagnose cancer but help evaluate overall health factors that may influence wellness during treatment.

If you are undergoing cancer treatment or have a history of cancer and are curious about natural compounds like those discussed here, it is essential to:

  • Work closely with your oncologist
  • Avoid self-prescribing high-dose supplements that may interact with chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted drugs
  • Partner with a practitioner trained in both conventional and functional medicine to navigate these decisions safely

Explore a Root-Cause, Whole-Person Cancer Support Approach

If you’re interested in understanding how your immune system, metabolism, toxic load, and inflammation may be influencing your cancer risk or recovery, we can help you investigate the “why” behind your health story.

  • Book a functional medicine consultation to review your history, current diagnosis, medications, and goals
  • Discuss which advanced testing panels may be appropriate, including inflammation markers, toxin panels, gut health, micronutrients, or hormone balance
  • Work with Dr. Khan to create a personalized, step-by-step plan to support your overall wellness alongside your oncology care

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A 2025 review found 12 promising natural compounds with broad anti-cancer activity: apigenin, artemisinin, berberine, curcumin, emodin, EGCG, ginsenosides, icariin/icaritin, resveratrol, silibinin, triptolide, and ursolic acid. Evidence is preclinical, not proven for cancer treatment in humans.

No. Natural compounds cannot replace chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Their effects come from lab and animal studies, and they should only be considered as adjunct support under medical supervision.

Sometimes, but it depends on your medications and cancer type. Some supplements may interact with chemotherapy or affect drug metabolism. Always check with your oncologist or functional medicine provider before taking any botanicals.

Functional medicine may use natural compounds to support immunity, inflammation, and overall wellness, but not as standalone cancer treatments. All recommendations are individualized and coordinated with conventional oncology care.

Yes. Testing helps identify inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxin load, and metabolic imbalances, ensuring any supplement plan is personalized and safe, especially during cancer treatment.

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