The preventive and therapeutic potential of native Brazilian fruits on colorectal cancer

In the last years, colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing substantially in developing countries. While the consumption of fat and meat have been linked with increased CRC risk, fruits intake can be protective. In addition, since CRC's chemotherapy may be accompanied with adverse effects, natural plant products have been postulated as alternative or complementary therapeutic options. Brazilian fruits are rich sources of bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits, thus, future candidates for CRC management. Therefore, this narrative review aims to present and discuss the potential of native Brazilian fruits (e.g., acai, cocoa, jaboticaba, passionfruit) on CRC. Experimental studies performed from 2001 to present were considered. Polyphenol-rich powders and extracts from Brazilian fruits are the most promising products for CRC management. Studies with acai (Euterpe oleracea) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) are more numerous and their effects on CRC models in vitro and in vivo are demonstrated with more complexity in terms of molecular mechanisms. The main signaling pathways modulated by the effects of native Brazilian fruits, so far studied on CRC, are associated with: 1. apoptosis (B-cell lymphoma 2- and caspase 3-related proteins), 2. inflammation (pro-inflammatory interleukins and enzymes), and 3. oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymes). In addition, adhesion molecules and nuclear factor kappa B have been shown to be downregulated, which can interfere positively in several cellular processes, including proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration. The investigation of signaling pathways of great relevance for CRC initiation and progression is still necessary.