Anthocyanin is a type of soluble natural pigments that widely exists in plants. The current study shows that anthocyanin has anti-inflammatory

antioxidant

anti-aging and anti-proliferation effects

and can selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce cardiovascular disease. Anthocyanin can realize its biological functions by inhibiting expressions of interleukin (IL)

cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among malignant tumors in our country. The occurrence and development of lung cancer is correlated with the persistent inflammation to some extent. At present

traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could enhance the overall efficacy in treating lung cancer. Inflammation

which is also called ‘the seven main characteristics of cancer’

plays an important role in the development of cancer. IL-6

COX-2

tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) are closely related to the occurrence and development of lung cancer. In the relationship between inflammation and lung cancer

there are many signal transduction pathways

and the development of lung cancer is closely correlated with NF-κB and Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway. IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine in the signal transmission process. A variety of proteins

like MAPK

STAT and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K)

involve in the signal transduction of IL-6 and the formation of Ras/MAPK pathway

JAK/STAT pathway and PI3K-mediated pathway. Some cell stimulating factors can increase dramatically the expression of COX-2

and produce prostaglandins

such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 can promote cell proliferation and migration

and inhibit apoptosis of tumor cells. Many studies in recent years have shown that IL-6 and COX-2 are correlated with the realization of anthocyanin's effect

and there are interactions between IL-6 and COX-2 signal transduction. The detailed mechanism of action of these cytokines may provide a new method for the treatment of lung cancer. This paper introduces some of recent studies on the effect of anthocyanins on inflammatory factor signal transduction pathways related to lung cancer cells.