Natural Products: Implication in Cancer Prevention and Treatment through Modulating Various Biological Activities

Shehwaz Anwar1, Ahmad Almatroudi1, Mohammed A Alsahli1

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

Cancer, a leading global cause of death, arises from carcinogens damaging DNA or altering cell pathways. This review explores natural products as novel anticancer agents, offering alternatives to conventional treatments with fewer side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Cancer Etiology and Prevention

Background:

  • Cancer is a major global health burden, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Carcinogens, classified as genotoxic or non-genotoxic, induce cancer through direct genetic damage or secondary mechanisms.
  • Conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can cause adverse effects on normal tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse risk factors contributing to cancer development.
  • To discuss conventional and innovative strategies for cancer management.
  • To highlight recognized natural products with potential anticancer properties.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cancer risk factors.
  • Analysis of conventional and emerging cancer treatment modalities.
  • Compilation and summary of research on natural products as anticancer agents.

Main Results:

  • Identified genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens as key etiological agents.
  • Highlighted limitations of conventional cancer therapies, emphasizing the need for alternatives.
  • Summarized the potential of various natural products in cancer intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing novel anticancer agents with potentially fewer side effects.
  • Integrating natural product-based interventions could complement or provide alternatives to traditional cancer treatments.
  • Further research into natural products is crucial for advancing cancer care and reducing global cancer incidence.

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