NRF2 modulation in colorectal cancer chemoprevention: integrating traditional medicine with translational strategies against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer stem cells.

Authors

Raviteja A, Pinki Verma

Published in

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology. Oct 24, 2026. Epub Oct 24, 2026.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important and significant reason for cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. Treatment remains challenging due to recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Evidence shows that oxidative stress, ongoing inflammation, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) play essential functions in CRC development and progression. Nrf2 is a master regulator of cellular redox balance through the Keap1-Nrf2-is signalling pathway. Normal activation of Nrf2 protects colonic cells from oxidative DNA harm and inflammation during initial carcinogenesis. However, sustained Nrf2 activation in tumours encourages chemoresistance, metabolic reprogramming, and CSC upkeep, showing a dual role. Traditional medicine and dietary phytochemicals (curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, EGCG, berberine) can modulate Nrf2 while interacting with NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch pathways. This review synthesises mechanistic and translational evidence on Nrf2 modulation in CRC chemoprevention, stressing conventional medicine-derived agents in modern approaches. It moreover highlights difficulties, limitations, and future viewpoints for precision chemoprevention and personalised interventions.

PMID:
42919975
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Oct 2026.

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