# Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Vitamin D and Plant-Derived Compounds: Molecular Mechanisms, Therapeutic Potential, and Nanotechnology-Enabled Delivery Approaches

**Authors:** Arik Dahan, Sapir Ifrah, Ludmila Yarmolinsky, Boris Khalfin, Sigal Fleisher-Berkovich, Shimon Ben-Shabat

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/ijms27052507 · 2026-03-09

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how combining vitamin D with plant compounds can fight cancer better, using new delivery methods to improve treatment.

## Contribution

The paper introduces new insights into synergistic anticancer mechanisms and nanotechnology-based delivery systems for vitamin D and phytochemicals.

## Key findings

- Vitamin D and phytochemicals show synergistic anticancer effects across multiple cancer types.
- Nanotechnology-based delivery systems enhance the therapeutic potential of vitamin D.
- Combination therapies offer multi-targeted approaches for improved cancer treatment outcomes.

## Abstract

Vitamin D is widely recognized for its pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of various cancers. The active compounds derived from plants have garnered significant attention due to their multi-faceted anticancer properties. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, monotherapies often fall short in effectiveness. As a result, combinatorial pharmacological strategies, which utilize multiple drug agents, are increasingly being employed globally. Notably, emerging evidence highlights the potent synergistic anticancer effects of vitamin D in combination with certain phytochemicals against a variety of cancers. This review explores the cooperative mechanisms through which vitamin D and phytochemicals enhance cancer prevention and therapy. In addition to examining their synergistic effects, this review also discusses recent advancements in nanotechnology-based delivery systems for vitamin D, which hold promise for optimizing its therapeutic potential. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of combining vitamin D with phytochemicals and innovative delivery methods as a promising strategy in the fight against cancer, paving the way for more effective, multi-targeted therapeutic approaches.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Chemicals:** Vitamin D (MESH:D014807)

## Figures

28 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12985745/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12985745