The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) represent two vital intracellular signaling pathways, which are associated with various aspects of cellular functions. These functions play vital roles in quiescence, survival, and growth in normal physiological circumstances as well as in various pathological disorders, including cancer. These two pathways are so intimately connected to each other that in some instances these are considered as one unique pathway crucial for cell cycle regulation. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the role of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in different cancer conditions and the importance of natural products targeting the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. This review also aims to draw the attention of scientists and researchers to the assorted beneficial effects of the numerous classes of natural products for the development of new and safe drugs for possible cancer therapy. We also summarize and critically analyze various preclinical and clinical studies on bioactive compounds and constituents, which are derived from natural products, to target the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway for cancer prevention and intervention.

磷脂酰肌醇 3-激酶 (PI3K)-Akt 和雷帕霉素的哺乳动物靶标 (mTOR) 代表了两个重要的细胞内信号通路，它们与细胞功能的各个方面相关。这些功能在正常生理环境下的静止、存活和生长以及包括癌症在内的各种病理疾病中发挥着至关重要的作用。这两种途径彼此密切相关，以至于在某些情况下，它们被认为是对细胞周期调节至关重要的一种独特途径。本综述的目的是强调 PI3K-Akt-mTOR 信号通路在不同癌症状况中的作用以及靶向 PI3K-Akt-mTOR 信号通路的天然产物的重要性。这篇综述还旨在提请科学家和研究人员注意多种天然产物的各种有益作用，以开发用于可能的癌症治疗的新的和安全的药物。我们还总结和批判性地分析了各种针对源自天然产物的生物活性化合物和成分的临床前和临床研究，以靶向 PI3K-Akt-mTOR 信号通路进行癌症预防和干预。