Abstract: The biological processes of tumor cells such as proliferation, differentiation, invasion and migration are the signs of cancer. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway has been proved to be an essential pathway that can adjust the biological processes of tumor cells. A number of studies indicate that natural plant polyphenols, such as tea polyphenols, resveratrol and anthocyanins, have a significant regulatory effect on tumor cells. Plant polyphenols can adjust tumor cells through the MAPK signaling pathway, which has attracted widespread research interest worldwide. This article reviews the regulating effect of plant polyphenols on tumor cells through the MAPK signaling pathway and elucidates the response mechanisms of different polyphenols to the four MAPK signaling pathways (p38, ERK-1/2, ERK5 and JNK pathways), aiming to further clarify the antitumor activity of plant polyphenols and the underlying molecular mechanisms and provide a reference for developing anticancer health foods or drugs.

Key words: plant polyphenols, mitogen-activated protein kinase, signaling pathway, antitumor