Some medicinal plants and their compounds have anticarcinogenic potential
Cancer is generally regarded as a neoplastic
disease with specific causative and etiologic factors, as well as protective
elements. Although it has remained difficult to treat, it is preventable. In
recent years, medicinal plants have attracted huge attention due to their
diverse range of biological and therapeutic properties. For ages, accumulating
evidence has demonstrated the promising potential of medicinal plants in
various traditional, complementary, and alternative systems, particularly for
cancer treatment. Research has demonstrated that regular intake of
phytochemicals can prevent cancer at various stages, including initiation,
promotion, and progression, based on animal models. However, the second step is
the primary stage for cancer chemoprevention. We can categorize the
phytochemicals involved in chemoprevention into different groups, such as
phenolics, carotenoids, alkaloids, organosulfur compounds, and
nitrogen-containing compounds. They are able to stop, postpone, and reverse
carcinogenesis through different mechanisms.
Several medicinal plants contain phytochemicals.
Allin is found in Allium sativum. It is used to treat cancer of the
human mammary gland. Red and blue fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries,
as well as vegetables, contain anthocyanins. They help to slow down the ageing
process, protect against heart disease and cancer, prevent blood clots, and
combat inflammation and allergies. Emodin is present in aloe vera.
Anti-angiogenic action. Eugenol is present in Ocimum sanctum. It is used
in the treatment of lung cancer. Indoles are present in broccoli, bok choy,
cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and turnips (sometimes known as
"cruciferous" vegetables). They include sulphur and activated agents
capable of destroying cancer-causing compounds. Lutein is present in leafy
green vegetables. It might help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, as
well as lower the risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Tomato products
predominantly contain lycopene. When cooked, it seems to lower the risk of
cancer and heart attack. Neferine is present in Nelumbo nucifera.
Neferine is used to treat tumours. Citrus fruits, fruit juices, grains,
legumes, and oilseeds all contain phenolic compounds. Researchers are
researching this incredibly strong compound for its potential health benefits,
such as its ability to slow down the ageing process, protect against heart
disease and cancer, and combat inflammation, allergies, and blood clots.
Punarnavine is found in Boerrhavia diffusa. Punarnavine is used to treat
malignant melanoma cancers.
In recent years, plant-derived phytochemicals possessing anticancer activities have received a huge amount of common and scientific attention due to the adverse effects of chemoprevention and radiation therapies. Researchers have found that active secondary metabolites, phytoconstituents derived from traditional medicinal plants, possess various anticancer and chemo-protective effects, making them safer for long-term therapies in cancer patients.
Conclusion
For several generations, people around the world have traditionally used a number of important medicinal plants to treat various cancers. This region's diverse geography and environment foster a rich plant biodiversity, many of which serve as sources of potent anticancer agents. Using phytochemicals to treat cancer looks promising and is growing quickly. One interesting topic for future cancer research could be the proper scientific study of the different and biologically important chemical structures of target phytochemicals, as well as their detailed anticancer role in clinical studies.
