Antineoplastic potential of medicinal plants
1Biochemistry Section, Division of Animal Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, UP, India.
Recent Patents on Biotechnology
|June 29, 2011
Summary
Plant-derived natural products are vital in developing effective anticancer drugs with fewer side effects. This review explores commercially available plant-based antineoplastic agents and related patents, aiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacognosy
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer incidence is increasing globally, remaining a leading cause of mortality despite advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
- Current cancer treatments often have significant side effects, driving the need for more effective and safer therapeutic options.
- Plants have a long history of medicinal use and are a rich source for discovering novel anticancer compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commercially available anticancer drugs derived from plants.
- To examine patents granted for plant-derived components, extracts, and polyherbal formulations with anticancer activity.
- To provide an overview of research on the antineoplastic activity of various plants in vitro and in experimental models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications and patent databases.
- Analysis of existing data on plant-derived anticancer agents.
- Synthesis of information on efficacy, safety, and commercial availability.
Main Results:
- Natural products from plants form a significant portion of current antineoplastic drugs.
- Numerous plant-derived compounds, extracts, and formulations have demonstrated anticancer potential.
- A substantial body of research supports the antineoplastic activity of various plant species.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived natural products represent a promising avenue for developing novel and improved cancer therapies.
- Further research into plant-based anticancer agents is warranted to identify new drug candidates and optimize existing ones.
- This review consolidates existing knowledge, providing a foundation for future drug discovery and development in oncology.
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