Fucoxanthin: From chemical properties and sources to novel anticancer mechanistic insights and synergistic therapeutic opportunities

Fucoxanthin (FX) is a carotenoid of marine origin primarily distributed in brown seaweeds and has garnered interest for its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Despite its potential, a comprehensive understanding of its anticancer effects and mechanisms of action remains elusive. The aim of this review is to present novel insights into the anticancer effects of FX, shedding light on previously unexplored molecular mechanisms and its synergistic potential with established chemotherapeutic agents. A comprehensive search was conducted employing databases like PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, and Web of Science to aggregate relevant pharmacological experimental studies. The results of the studies showed that FX exhibits anticancer activity against various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, through multiple pathways: cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Additionally, FX potentiates the effects of existing chemotherapeutic agents, making it a potential candidate for combination therapies. The evidence suggests that FX possesses considerable anticancer properties, acting through diverse molecular mechanisms; the heterogeneity of study designs and the limited number of clinical trials make it hard to conclude. Further in-depth studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, are essential for validating FX's efficacy and for paving the way for its integration into standard cancer treatment regimens; additional research is needed to explore its pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and potential synergistic effects with existing chemotherapeutics.