UNLOCKING NATURE’S POWER: A DECADE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS REVOLUTIONIZING CANCER THERAPY

Cancer is a severe global health burden, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality globally. Despite breakthroughs in traditional therapies including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, these methods are frequently associated with side effects, drug resistance, and limited selectivity. In recent years, medicinal plants have received increased interest as a source of bioactive chemicals with potential anticancer properties. The current analysis conducts a comprehensive evaluation of medicinal plants published between 2014 and 2024 for their anticancer potential. A structured literature search was carried out utilizing major databases, with papers chosen based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review focuses on the mechanisms of action, level of evidence, and translational significance of plant-derived chemicals. The findings suggest that a wide range of medicinal plants have anticancer action via mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, cell growth suppression, signalling pathway modification, and antioxidant properties. However, the bulk of studies focus on in-vitro and preclinical models, with only a few well-designed clinical trials. In conclusion, while medicinal plants represent a promising alternative approach in cancer therapy, further study is needed to address issues of standardization, safety, and clinical validation.