Abstract

Sakshi Kashid*, Harshali Ahirrao, Savita Pathare and Amol Wadhave

ABSTRACT

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and globally the numbers of cases of cancer are increasing gradually. It is a major health problem in both developed and developing countries.[1] Natural products have proven to be promising anti-cancer agents due to their diverse chemical structures and bioactivity. This review examines their central role in cancer treatment, focusing on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and polyphenols, which exhibit various anticancer properties.[2] Phytochemicals have selective activities that are targeted towards tumour cells. The complex process known as carcinogenesis involves a number of signalling cascades. Phytochemicals are thought to be attractive prospects for the development of new therapeutics because of their pleiotropic effects on the target event in a number of ways.[3] Key findings reveal that phytochemicals such as quercetin, curcumin, and sanguinarine exhibit anticancer properties by targeting signalling pathways like JAK/STAT, ERK/MAPK, and p53, as well as inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis.[8] This review explains an overview of potential therapeutic plants, including a brief description of their pharmacological effect and mechanism of action.[4]