Shiraj R Jodave 19320
Shiraj R Jodave 19320
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SJIF Impact Factor (2024): 8.675| ISI I.F. Value: 1.241| Journal DOI: 10.36713/epra2016 ISSN: 2455-7838(Online)
EPRA International Journal of Research and Development (IJRD)
Volume: 9 | Issue: 12 | December 2024 - Peer Reviewed Journal
ABSTRACT
Cancer encompasses a collection of diseases marked by the unrestrained growth and spread of abnormal cells. When this growth
unchecked, it may lead to tumors, harm to bodily tissues, and the dissemination (metastasis) to various other areas of the body. There
are numerous cancer types, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, each different regions. Typically, cancer
originates from genetic mutations that interfere with normal cellular regulation, prompting cells to multiply uncontrollably. These
mutations may be inherited, triggered by environmental influences (including smoking, radiation, or exposure to cancer-causing
agents), or they can occur spontaneously. Treatment alternatives vary based on the cancer type and stage, potentially involving surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Detecting cancer early through screenings can significantly
enhance the prospects for effective treatment. Synthetic drugs for cancer therapy aim to precisely focus on cancer cells, prevent tumor
advancement, or enhance the body’s immune system in combating the disease. Herbal medicines, sourced from natural plants, have
been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries and are increasingly recognized in contemporary healthcare due to their potential
healing properties. These natural substances provide a broad array of pharmacological advantages, such as antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Their capacity to influence various biological pathways makes them essential in
managing intricate conditions, including cancer, heart diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
KEYWORDS: Cancer, Herbal drugs, Treatment.
INTRODUCTION
The growing burden of cancer globally underscores the need for novel, effective, and safer treatment options. Herbal drugs, derived
from medicinal plants, have emerged as a valuable resource in cancer therapy due to their diverse bioactive compounds with
anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These natural agents act through mechanisms such as inducing apoptosis,
inhibiting angiogenesis, modulating immune responses, and suppressing cancer cell proliferation. Unlike conventional therapies,
herbal drugs often exhibit lower toxicity and fewer side effects, making them attractive as complementary or alternative treatments
[1].
Medicinal plants have been essential to healthcare for centuries and have formed the basis of many contemporary pharmaceuticals.
Recently, there has been a growing interest in plant-based treatments for cancer due to an increasing desire for alternative and
complementary medicine options. Cancer, known for its complexity and varied nature, often necessitates treatments that are both
effective and cause fewer side effects. Numerous medicinal plants possess bioactive compounds with properties that combat cancer,
such as alkalo, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have demonstrated effectiveness in slowing cancer cell proliferation, promoting
apoptosis, and hindering metastasis. Ongoing research is investigating these natural compounds for their potential to improve
standard cancer therapies or act as independent treatments. As the quest for safer and more effective cancer treatments progresses,
medicinal plants continue to be a vital asset in oncology studies. This review intends to emphasize significant medicinal plants that
are utilized in cancer treatment and the mechanisms through which they operate [2].
High-energy radiation, such as X-rays or protons, targets and destroys cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Techniques like
intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton beam therapy improve accuracy and reduce side effects.
Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments
but can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression.
Targeted Therapy focuses on specific molecular targets involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Examples include monoclonal
antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors, such as trastuzumab (for HER2-positive breast cancer) and imatinib (for chronic myeloid
leukemia).
Immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g.,
pembrolizumab) and CAR-T cell therapy represent significant advances in treating certain cancers [3, 4].
Hormonal Therapy is used for cancers driven by hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. Drugs like tamoxifen and aromatase
inhibitors block or lower hormone levels to slow tumor growth.
Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, often after high-
dose chemotherapy or radiation. This is used for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and genomics, continues to refine allopathic cancer
treatments, making them more precise and patient-centric [5].
Drug Resistance
Cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, reducing their efficacy over time.
This often necessitates a shift to alternative treatments, which may be less effective.
Incomplete Response
Not all patients respond adequately to standard treatments. Factors such as genetic heterogeneity of tumors and variations in
individual biology can limit treatment success [6-8].
Risk of Recurrence
Some treatments may not eliminate all cancer cells, leading to a risk of recurrence. This is particularly challenging in aggressive or
metastatic cancers.
Resistance to Immunotherapies
Some tumors evade immune system detection or create an immunosuppressive microenvironment, making immunotherapy less
effective.
Numerous herbal treatments function by influencing molecular pathways that play a role in cancer development. For instance,
curcumin (derived from Curcuma longa), resveratrol (found in grapes), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG from green tea) have
shown the capacity to disrupt cell signaling pathways that are essential for the survival and multiplication of cancer cells.
Furthermore, particular herbal solutions can enhance immune system activity, aiding the body in identifying and eliminating cancer
cells more efficiently.
Herbal drugs are often used in combination with conventional treatments to enhance efficacy, reduce toxicity, and improve the
quality of life for cancer patients. While some herbs are being integrated into modern oncological practices, ongoing research and
clinical trials are necessary to validate their effectiveness and ensure safety. In the future, herbal drugs may play an even more
prominent role in integrative cancer therapy, offering new avenues for treatment and prevention [11].
Compared to conventional chemotherapy and radiation, herbal drugs tend to have lower toxicity. Many cancer treatments cause
severe side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and organ damage. Herbal drugs often provide a gentler alternative or complement by
targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue [11].
Herbal drugs often act on multiple biological pathways simultaneously, which can be beneficial in treating cancer, a disease known
for its complex mechanisms. For example, they can inhibit tumor growth, reduce inflammation, suppress angiogenesis (formation
of blood vessels in tumors), and boost immune response [12].
Herbal compounds can work synergistically, meaning that when combined, their therapeutic effects are enhanced. This property is
often used to develop multi-component herbal formulations that may be more effective than single-compound treatments.
Many herbs have been found to have chemo preventive properties, meaning they can help in preventing the initiation, promotion,
and progression of cancer. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, herbal drugs can minimize DNA damage and
the risk of mutations that lead to cancer [13].
Herbal drugs are also used in palliative care to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. They can alleviate side effects of
conventional treatments (such as nausea, pain, and fatigue), enhance physical well-being, and support emotional health.
Herbal drugs are often more affordable compared to modern pharmaceutical treatments, making them accessible to a broader range
of patients, especially in developing countries where traditional medicine is more prevalent.
Some cancer cells develop resistance to conventional chemotherapy drugs. Certain herbal compounds have been found to help
overcome this resistance by altering cellular mechanisms, potentially making cancer treatments more effective over time.
Herbal drugs offer a promising and holistic approach to cancer treatment by providing natural compounds with therapeutic effects,
fewer side effects, and the ability to target multiple mechanisms involved in cancer progression. Their integrative use alongside
conventional treatments continue to be an area of active research [14-16].
Table no.1: List of medicinal plants used for the treatment mitigation and prevention of cancer
Sr. Plant Phytochemical Anticancer activity into the
no. chemical compound
1 Adiantum venustrum Terpenoids, Flavonoid Reduction in lipid peroxidation
2 Aloe vera Aloin Inhibition of human
neuroectodermal tumors
3 Heart-leaved moonseed alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, antiproliferative
4 Zingiber officinale 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol inhibit the activation of NF-κB
and MAPK signalling
5 Turmeric Curcuminoids inhibiting cell proliferation
promoting cell apoptosis
Anti-Cancer Activity
Induction of Apoptosis: Certain compounds may trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reducing inflammation can lower the risk of cancer progression, and compounds in the fern may
contribute to this effect.
While preliminary findings are promising, more extensive studies, including clinical trials, are needed to fully understand the
anticancer potential of Adiantum venustrum. Investigating its active compounds and mechanisms will be crucial for validating its
use in cancer therapy [17].
Aloe Vera
Kingdom Plantae
Family Asphodelaceae
Subfamily Asphodeloideae
Class Liliopsida
Division Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants
Species Succulen
Order Asparagales
Genus Aloe
Anti-Cancer Activity
Aloe-emodin inhibited the proliferation of Merkel Cells Carcinoma to a significant degree and has also anti-neuroectodermal tumour
activity in vitro and in vivo. Anthraquinones are involved in induction of death of human cancer cells in many studies. In Egypt, it
was demonstrated that the extracts of Aloe Vera could have anti-hepatocarcinogenic effect through modulation of apoptosis [18, 19].
Heart-Leaved Moonseed
Kingdom Plantae
Family Menispermaceae
Class Magnoliopsida
Species Cordifolia
Order Ranunculales
Anti-Cancer Activity
Cancer is one of the main reasons for death among women all around the world. In a study, HCl extract of T. cordifolia roots was
exposed to liver and extra hepatic organs of rats, at concentration levels of 50 and 100mg/kg of body weight. A significant increase
in Glutathione and other metabolizing enzymes levels was observed. Furthermore, malonaldehyde (MLD) level was decreased. In
another study, the effect of T. cordifolia hexane extract on rats having Ehrlich ascites tumor was examined. Inhibition of proliferation
of tumor cell (G1 phase) was observed and at the same time the ‘Bax’ gene expression was enhanced. The anticancer properties of
secondary metabolites including yangambin, palmatine and magnoflorine extracted from T. cordifolia were tested tested in different
types of tumor cells. Palmatine and yangambin were highly effective against oral cancerous cells, while others were effective against
colon cancer cells. Synthetic chemotherapeutic agents have adverse effects on health, which is not the case with T. cordifolia.
Therefore, it can be used as a safe drug to cure cancer disease [20, 21].
Zingiber Officinale
Kingdom Plantae
Family Zingiberaceae
Subfamily Zingiberoideae
Division Magnoliophyta
Order Zingiberales
Genus Zingiber
Anti-Cancer Activity
Activation of Caspases
Ginger compounds can activate caspases, a family of proteases that play essential roles in programmed cell death. This activation
leads to a cascade of reactions that ultimately result in cellular apoptosis.
Turmeric
Kingdom Plantae
Family Zingiberaceae
Subfamily Zingiberoideae
Class Liliopsida
Division Angiosperm
Order Zingiberales
Genus Curcuma
Anti-Cancer Activity
Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation
Cell Cycle Regulation: Curcumin has been shown to arrest the cell cycle at different phases (G1, S, or G2/M) in cancer cells. By
preventing cancer cells from dividing, curcumin can reduce tumor growth. This action is believed to occur through modulation of
key regulatory proteins such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which control the progression of the cell cycle.
2024 EPRA IJRD | Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra2016 | https://eprajournals.com/ |12 |
SJIF Impact Factor (2024): 8.675| ISI I.F. Value: 1.241| Journal DOI: 10.36713/epra2016 ISSN: 2455-7838(Online)
EPRA International Journal of Research and Development (IJRD)
Volume: 9 | Issue: 12 | December 2024 - Peer Reviewed Journal
Downregulation of Oncogenes: Curcumin can suppress the expression of genes involved in the proliferation of cancer cells, such as
Myc, K-ras, and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) [25-27].
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