Role of Medicinal Plants Against Cancer

Introduction

Cancer is the most global burden and life-threatening disease and is characterized by abnormal cell proliferation or a cell death reduction, leading to apoptosis (Roy et al. 2011). It occurs by several kinds of environmental and internal factors resulting in an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS)(Kumar et al. 2021). This oxidative stress can cause damage to Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA), including nucleic acid degradation, base mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, breaking of single- or double-strand, DNA cross-linking, and lipid peroxidation-induced damage to the integrity of the cell membrane, ultimately leading to tumour formation (Gonzalez et al. 2018). It rigorously causes an impact on the worldwide human population (WHO. 2017). It is a perilous ailment that poses significant challenges in both developing and developed nations (Roy et al. 2011). Cancer is distinguished by the aberrant rapid growth of the cells that infiltrate neighbouring tissues, ultimately leading to their death (Gennari et al. 2007). This disease poses a significant threat to life, instilling fear, and apprehension in those affected. The uncontrolled growth of these cells disrupts the delicate balance within the body, destroying vital tissues. One unique aspect of cancer is the quick formation of aberrant cells that grow beyond their normal borders and can then infect throughout the body and migrate to other organs, a process known to be metastasis. The most common reason for cancer mortality is widespread metastasis (Younis et al. 2018). The gravity of this condition necessitates urgent attention and comprehensive understanding to develop effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By unravelling the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer progression, we can strive towards mitigating its devasting impacts on individuals and society (Sultana et al. 2014). The favourable effects of incorporating fruits, vegetables, and seeds into one's diet to mitigate the risk factors associated with various diseases and also documented the leaf extracts taken from different cultivated plants have distinct phytochemical profiles and biological activity (Varghese et al. 2021). Consequently, despite being commonly regarded as agricultural waste, plant leaves have been found to contain a plethora of valuable Nutra-pharmaceutical compounds (Kumar et al; 2021; Amat-ur-Rasool et al. 2020; Mannino et al. 2020; Mateos-Maces et al. 2020). This is primarily attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds within these dietary components (Sharma et al. 2017; Chen and Yen, 2007). Plants have long served as a primary reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds, contributing significantly to the field of natural medicine. Throughout history, various plant-based remedies have successfully treated numerous ailments, as evidenced by the rich heritage of folk medicine (Varalakshmi et al. 2014).