FlavonoidsApigenin

Resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, jaceosidin, cucurbitacin, apigenin, and genistein trigger activation of ATM in different cancer cells, while some agents cause ATM inactivation.

This review summarizes evidence from cell-based studies that various phytochemicals modulate ATM, the master regulator of DNA double-strand break repair. Specific compounds like resveratrol and curcumin activate ATM in cancer cells, while other agents can inactivate it, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for enhancing DNA damage-inducing therapy.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Activation and Inhibition of ATM by Phytochemicals: Awakening and Sleeping the Guardian Angel Naturally.

observational

Farooqi AA, Wu SJ, Chang YT, Tang JY, Li KT, Ismail M, Liaw CC, Li RN, Chang HW · Archivum immunologiae et therapiae experimentalis (2016)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Phytochemicals including resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, jaceosidin, cucurbitacin, apigenin, and genistein
Outcome: Activation or inactivation of ATM signaling in cancer cells
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Different cancer cell lines (in vitro cell-based studies)

Result:

PubMed: 26089209DOI: 10.1007/s00005-015-0346-x

Mechanism Graph

Phytochemicals interact with ATM signaling pathways
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ATM activation triggers DNA damage response checkpoints
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ATM modulates TRAIL-induced intracellular signaling network
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Result: Enhanced or suppressed DNA repair and apoptosis in cancer cells

Limitations

  • ⚠Evidence is based solely on cell-based studies, not in vivo or clinical trials
  • ⚠The review does not provide specific quantitative data on efficacy or potency of individual phytochemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phytochemicals activate ATM in cancer cells?▼

Resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, jaceosidin, cucurbitacin, apigenin, and genistein are reported to trigger ATM activation in different cancer cell lines.

What is the role of ATM in cancer therapy?▼

ATM is the master regulator of DNA double-strand break repair. Modulating ATM activity with phytochemicals may enhance the response to DNA damage-inducing therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.

Are these findings from human studies?▼

No, the evidence comes from cell-based (in vitro) studies, not human clinical trials.

Can phytochemicals also inactivate ATM?▼

Yes, the review mentions that some agents can cause ATM inactivation, though specific compounds are not detailed in the abstract.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Farooqi AA, Wu SJ, Chang YT, Tang JY, Li KT, Ismail M, Liaw CC, Li RN, Chang HW. "Activation and Inhibition of ATM by Phytochemicals: Awakening and Sleeping the Guardian Angel Naturally.." Archivum immunologiae et therapiae experimentalis, 2016. PMID: 26089209 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-015-0346-x
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.