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Theobroma cacao L., commonly known as cocoa, has been an integral part of human culture and diet for thousands of years. However, recent scientific research has highlighted its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. This comprehensive review analyzes the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of Theobroma cacao extracts combined with nanoparticles using in vitro and in vivo studies. Its diverse biological activity can be attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. In vitro studies have found that cocoa extracts, alone or in combination with nanoparticles, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and modulate key signaling pathways in various cancer cell lines. The extracts have also been found to reduce tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, potentially reducing their side effects, in vivo. Its anti-inflammatory properties are based on its ability to modulate inflammatory mediators, inhibit NF-κB signaling, and regulate macrophage polarization. These effects have been observed in both cellular and animal models of inflammation. This review opens up new possibilities for future research and therapeutic applications, highlighting the potential of Theobroma cacao as a valuable complementary approach in the treatment and prevention of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Anthocyanins, a class of flavonoid compounds responsible for the vibrant colors of many fruits and vegetables, have received considerable attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits. This review, focusing on evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the health-promoting properties of anthocyanins. The chemical structure and diversity of anthocyanins, their bioavailability, and their mechanisms of action at the cellular and molecular level are examined. Research on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects of anthocyanins is critically reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the role of anthocyanins in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review also discusses the challenges of translating in vitro findings to in vivo and highlights the importance of considering dose, bioavailability, and metabolism when assessing the therapeutic potential of anthocyanins. This review concludes with the identification of gaps in current research and suggestions for future directions for anthocyanin studies, including the need for more long-term clinical trials and investigations into potential synergistic effects with other phytochemicals. This comprehensive analysis highlights the promising role of anthocyanins in promoting human health and provides valuable insights for researchers, health professionals, and the nutraceutical industry. This study provides new insights, as it comprehensively investigates the dual anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of anthocyanins in both in vitro and in vivo models. By uncovering the biological properties of anthocyanins from a variety of natural sources, this research not only expands our knowledge of the action of these compounds at the cellular level, but also enhances their clinical relevance through in vivo validation. Furthermore, the innovative use of anthocyanins may lead to important advances in their therapeutic application in the future.

Plants are rich sources of a diverse range of chemicals, many of which have significant metabolic activity. One large group of secondary compounds are the phenolics, which act as inter alia potent reactive oxygen scavengers in cells, including fibroblasts. These common dermis residue cells play a crucial role in the production of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen, and maintaining the integrity of connective tissue. Chronic wounds or skin exposure to UV-irradiation disrupt fibroblast function by the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may damage cell components and modify various signaling pathways. The resulting imbalance may be reversed by the antioxidant activity of plant-derived phenolic compounds. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on the impact of phenolics on fibroblast functionality under oxidative stress conditions. It examines a range of compounds in extracts from various species, as well as single specific plant-derived compounds. Phenolics are a good candidate for eliminating the causes of skin damage including wounds and aging and acting as skin care agents.