Medicinal Plants Towards Modeling Skin Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, is a significant global health concern.
• Conventional therapies have limitations, driving the need for safer and more effective prevention strategies.
• Chemoprevention using natural products is emerging as a promising approach to inhibit cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic and preventive potential of medicinal plants against skin cancers.
• To highlight the role of crude plant extracts and isolated phytocompounds in cancer chemoprevention.
• To discuss the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-oncogenic properties of these natural agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies of medicinal plants and skin cancer.
• Analysis of research on crude plant extracts and isolated phytocompounds.
• Evaluation of anti-cancer mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Main Results:

• Selected medicinal plants and their phytocompounds demonstrate significant chemopreventive potential.
• These natural agents exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-oncogenic activities relevant to skin cancer.
• Evidence supports the use of plant-derived compounds in managing and preventing cutaneous malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Medicinal plants and their constituents represent a valuable resource for skin cancer chemoprevention.
• Phytocompounds offer a safer alternative or adjunct to conventional treatments for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
• Further research into these natural products could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for skin cancer.