Phytochemicals in Cancer Treatment : A Review

Abstract

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and impaired
 cell cycle leading to the growth of abnormal cells that invade and metastasize to other parts of the body. Oxidative stress, hypoxia, genetic mutations and lack of apoptotic function are the main internal causes of cancer, whereas the external causes are related to increased exposure to stress, pollution, smoking, radiation and ultraviolet rays. Phytochemicals derived from plants, serve as vital resources for novel drugs and are also sources for cancer therapy. The objective of this review is to describe the active compounds derived from the natural products/plants, along with their pharmacologic action and molecular targets.