Biological evaluation of selected phytochemicals as a multi-targeted antitumor, antiproliferative and apoptotic agents in cancer

Background

Cancer is one of the most challenging and complex diseases to treat. It is currently the primary cause of mortality globally. Even with the advances in modern medicine and therapies, there is no significant progress in the overall survival rate. Thus, many efforts are continued to find new strategies and preventive agents to improve efficiency in cancer therapy.

Results

Naturally occurring components isolated from plants known as phytochemicals, serve as a vital source for cancer prevention and treatment. The majority of approved anti-cancer medications are isolated from natural sources. Phytochemicals exert complementary and overlying mechanisms of action to slow down multistep carcinogenesis. The specific mechanisms of phytochemicals include an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a decrease in proliferation rate, inactivation of carcinogens, induction of phase arrest in the cell cycle and apoptosis.

Conclusions

This review highlights the comprehensive therapeutic effects of phytochemicals against several forms of cancer with special focus on Rhein, Karanjin, 6-Gingerol, 10-Gingerol and their proapoptotic, antiproliferative, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects.