Nobiletin reprograms cancer cell fate signaling: PI3K/Akt/mTOR-MAPK crosstalk, NF-kB/STAT3 inhibition and chemosensitization.

Nobiletin, a polymethoxylated flavonoid derived from citrus peels, exhibits a wide range of anticancer activities, including inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis, modulation of autophagy, and arrest of cell cycle progression. These effects are mediated through the regulation of multiple oncogenic and survival signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT3. Despite its potent preclinical efficacy, the clinical translation of nobiletin remains limited by poor aqueous solubility, minimal oral bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. This review synthesizes in vitro, in vivo, and pharmacokinetic data to elucidate the mechanistic basis of nobiletin's anticancer activity and summarizes emerging formulation strategies designed to enhance its pharmacokinetic profile. Literature searches across major databases identified studies investigating its molecular targets, delivery systems, and therapeutic outcomes. Nobiletin consistently suppressed tumor growth across diverse cancer models, with synergistic effects observed in combination with chemotherapeutics. Advanced delivery approaches, including nanoparticles, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, plant exine capsules, and transdermal enhancers, markedly improved solubility, stability, and systemic exposure in preclinical studies. However, translational gaps remain, with no completed clinical trials in oncology and limited human pharmacokinetic data. Current evidence positions nobiletin as a promising multi-target anticancer agent with potential to overcome drug resistance and enhance existing therapies. Future research should prioritize optimizing bioavailability, assessing metabolite activity, and conducting rigorously designed clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in cancer patients.