Chapter 19 - Applications of phytochemicals in cancer therapy and anticancer drug development

Abstract

Cancer is a serious health issue that remains a significant cause of mortality globally and is recognised as the "emperor of all maladies". A growing understanding of the molecular pathways behind cancer growth has resulted in the creation of a plethora of anticancer medications. However, throughout the last few decades, the usage of chemically manufactured medications has not greatly increased overall survival rates. As a result, new techniques and innovative chemoprevention medicines are required to supplement existing cancer treatments and increase efficacy. Phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring plant molecules, are important resources for innovative medications and cancer therapy. Recently, various plant-based phytochemicals have been shown to posses chemoprotective and antiproliferative actions. Taxol analogs, vinca alkaloids such as vincristine and vinblastine, and podophyllotoxin analogs are some of the important phytochemical classes possesing such activities. These phytochemicals frequently function by altering molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. These include enhancing antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, suppressing proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and death, and immune system control. This chapter’s major goal is to detail what we know so far about the active chemicals in natural products, as well as their pharmacologic action and molecular or particular targets. In this chapter, recent developments in the identification of phytochemical-based anticancer drugs are discussed in detail. The chapter gives detailed information on active pricples in natural prodcuts, along with their mechanism of action. Emphasis has been given on anticancer phytochemicals that have been tested at the preclinical and clinical levels.