International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Sciences

Authors: Ramesh Kumar, Arti Mishra, Nutan Kapoor

Abstract: The increasing global burden of cancer has led to the exploration of alternative therapies that could complement or even replace conventional treatments. Among these alternatives, medicinal plants have garnered significant interest due to their natural bioactive compounds, which are believed to exert anti-cancer effects. This paper reviews the anti-cancer properties of medicinal plants with a particular focus on their ability to modulate apoptosis and the cell cycle. Apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death, and cell cycle regulation are crucial mechanisms in cancer progression and therapy. The paper examines the molecular pathways involved, identifies key plant-derived compounds, and explores their potential for therapeutic development. The role of medicinal plants in overcoming resistance to conventional cancer therapies and their use in combination with standard treatments is also discussed.

Keywords: Anti-cancer, Medicinal plants, Apoptosis, Cell cycle, Bioactive compounds, Cancer therapy