Comprehensive Review on Herbal Medicine: Emphasis on Current Therapy and Role of Phytoconstituents for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer poses a significant public health challenge in both developed and developing nations, with a rising global incidence of patients facing the threat of death due to abnormal cell proliferation. Aim: Review explores the utilization of different parts of herbal medicinal plants and their active pharmaceutical constituents in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer. Methodology: Various anticancer medicinal plants have been identified, demonstrating their therapeutic effects by inhibiting cancer‐stimulating enzymes and hormones, activating DNA repair processes, boosting the synthesis of protective stimulants, reducing the formation of free radicals, and enhancing individual immunity. Data for this study were gathered from diverse online bibliographic and databases, including Google, Google Scholar, Mendeley, Springer Link, Research Gate, and PubMed. Result: Herbal drugs have a huge contribution to the inhibition of the progression of cancer. A large volume of clinical studies has reported the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on the survival, immune modulation, and quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients, when these herbal medicines are used in combination with conventional therapeutics. Conclusion: The latest medicines for the clinical purpose (Above 50%) are derived from herbal products. Furthermore, combination of these herbs with nanotechnology shows promise in treating specific carcinomas.

Alginate Nanoparticles Containing Cuminum cyminum and Zataria multiflora Essential Oils with Promising Anticancer and Antibacterial Effects

“…The everescalating threat of antibiotic resistance and the seemingly never-ending battle against cancer have created a dire need for groundbreaking therapeutic strategies. In this urgent quest, exploring safe and effective herbal medicines offers a glimmer of hope [ 8 , 9 ]. Plants such as Zataria multiflora and Cuminum cyminum have emerged as particularly exciting candidates due to their demonstrated anticancer and antimicrobial properties.…”

Cannabis sativa: Cervical cancer treatment- Role of phytocannabinoids-A story of concern

“…To overcome these side effects, naturally obtained drugs from medicinal plants are preferred. Medicinal plants have been used for decades for health benefits and to treat several different diseases including cervical cancer [361][362][363]. Tribal people in the Himalayan region used Cannabis as a home made herbal medicine for many diseases including cervical cancer .…”

“…Tribal people in the Himalayan region used Cannabis as a home made herbal medicine for many diseases including cervical cancer . Researchers at the Indian Institutes of Technology Madras, Tamilnadu, India and Mandi have metabolically engineered plant cells to increase production of anti-cancer drug camptothecin (CPT) [361][362][363]. Herbal medicine has become a very safe, non-toxic, and easily available source of cancer-treating compounds.…”