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Potential Anti-Tumorigenic Properties of Diverse Medicinal Plants against the Majority of Common Types of Cancer
Ghosoon Albahri1, Adnan Badran2, Zaher Abdel Baki3
1Plateforme de Recherche et d'Analyse en Sciences de l'Environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O. Box 657314, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored.
Insights
Natural phytochemicals offer promising avenues for cancer therapy and prevention by targeting key molecular pathways. This review explores medicinal plants with anticancer properties, highlighting their potential in developing novel treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, necessitating innovative treatment strategies.
- Natural products, particularly phytochemicals, are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in cancer management.
- Phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants offer chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive benefits by modulating cancer-related molecular pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticancer effects of various medicinal plants and their phytochemicals.
- To explore the availability, classification, active components, and pharmacological activities of selected plants.
- To elucidate the signaling mechanisms and potential side effects of these natural agents against common cancer types.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using major scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus) and patent databases (Google Patent, Patent Scope, US Patent).
- Data extraction focused on medicinal plants with reported anticancer properties, their phytochemical constituents, and mechanisms of action.
- Analysis included pharmacological activities, signaling pathways involved, and documented side effects.
Main Results:
- Numerous medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, and Withania somnifera L., exhibit significant anticancer properties.
- Key phytochemicals from these plants demonstrate diverse mechanisms, including immune system modulation, apoptosis induction, and antioxidant effects.
- The review identified specific signaling pathways targeted by these natural compounds in various cancer types.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals from medicinal plants represent a valuable resource for developing novel anticancer therapeutics and chemopreventive strategies.
- Further research into their mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy is warranted to optimize their use in cancer treatment.
- Understanding the pharmacological activities and potential side effects is crucial for safe and effective application.
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