Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most serious cancer in man other than prostate and lung cancer, and second most common type of cancer in women right behind breast cancer. It is caused by hereditary, natural and nutritional factors. Many treatments of colorectal cancer are available such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy with many hazardous side effects. Plant derived compounds has the ability to suppress colorectal cancer in different ways such as delaying cancer development, decreasing reliability on radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, diosgenin, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, luteolin, anthiricin and kaempferol have cytotoxic ability against colorectal cancer. These bioactive compounds can affect the regulation of cell cycle, initiate apoptosis by activating caspase and affect cell signaling pathways. Conventional drugs have been utilized to treat cancer due to their antioxidant nature, anti-invasive properties and anti-angiogenic properties. This review highlights the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants that are used for treating colorectal cancer and their mechanism of action through metabolomics perspective.