From Herb to Hope: A Systematic Exploration of Medicinal Plants' Role in Cancer Therapy

Medicinal plants play a critical role in drug development, serving as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, presents significant challenges in treatment due to its multifaceted nature. This study aims to evaluate the anticancer potentials of selected medicinal plants specifically focusing on in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluate therapeutic implications for cancer treatment. A systematic review was conducted to assess both in vitro and in vivo studies involving selected medicinal plants: Saussurea costus, Lepidium sativum, Rhus tripartite, Pyrus communis, Chenopodium murale, Erucaria hispanica, Trigonella hamosa, Argemone ochroleuca, and Galium odoratum. The review involved analyzing cancer cell lines, plant parts used, extraction methods, and mechanisms of action reported in the literature. A total of sixty-nine articles were identified that investigated the anticancer properties of the selected plants. Notably, S. costus, L. sativum, and R. tripartite exhibited significant anticancer potential. In contrast, P. communis, C. murale, E. hispanica, T. hamosa, A. ochroleuca, and G.odoratum had limited studies available. The predominant mechanism of action identified for the anticancer activity was the induction of apoptosis. The findings indicate that these medicinal herbs possess promising therapeutic potential as anti-cancer agents. However, further research is warranted for P. communis, C. murale, E. hispanica, T. hamosa, A. ochroleuca, and G. odoratum to enhance understanding of their anticancer activities and explore their full therapeutic capabilities.