PLANT DERIVED ANTICANCER AGENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

Cancer is defined as a condition where cancerous cells multiply out of control in the body. It severely affects the human population on a global basis. New therapies are constantly needed to prevent and treat this life-threatening disease. Natural-derived compounds are attracting scientific and research interest due to their substantially fewer side effects than the current cancer treatment. Plants produce secondary metabolites with anticancer properties and are being examined for their potential to be used as clinical drugs. Amazingly, antineoplastic activity has been reported even in most commonly found locally dwelling plants like ginger, turmeric, garlic, and Ashwagandha, besides their use in other illnesses by the local community. However, many medicinal plants are yet to be properly unveiled for their potential as anti-cancerous agents. They need extensive research and valuable resources for in-depth studies like identification, isolation, in-situ studies, bioequivalence studies, and in-vitro, ex-vivo, or in-vivo studies. This review summarizes the role of bioactive compounds in cancer, the mechanism by which compounds show anticancer activity, and the list of plants used for anticancer activity and clinical trials. The scientist will test plant-based anticancer agents and fill the research gap seeking chemopreventive substances.