Emerging Roles of Phytochemicals in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular cancer is the most common liver cancer and is the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Cirrhosis, secondary to viral hepatitis, remains the most common underlying cause worldwide. Surgical resection or liver transplantation is the mainstay of treatment. Various other treatment options include chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors including sorafenib. More than 30 genetic mutations have been described in peer-reviewed literature affecting multiple signaling pathways. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have been reported in the peer-reviewed literature demonstrating the benefit of phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of hepatocellular cancer. In this chapter, we summarize the role of different phytochemicals including ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, coffee, and cruciferous vegetables that have been implicated in playing significant roles in the preventions and management of hepatocellular cancer. We also summarize the theorized pathways affected by these agents. This can lay a groundwork for further studies and randomized clinical trials to address the unmet needs of the topic.