Promising Role of Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
Aziz Unnisa, Ananda Kumar Chettupalli
Abstract
Cancer has a significant social consequence all around the globe. In 2020, approximately 19.3 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide, with about 10 million cancer deaths. In the next two decades, suspected cases are anticipated to increase by roughly 47%. The rising number of cancer patients, as well as the inadequacy of traditional chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and invasive surgical procedures, all rely on massive cell death with hardly any selectivity, causing severe toxicities. In comparison to synthetic medications, there has subsequently been a surge in international interest in non-synthetic and alternative remedies, owing to improved adaptability and reduced side effects of drug responses. Several people with cancer prefer alternative and complementary therapy treatments, and natural remedies play a crucial role in cancer chemoprevention as they are thought to be harmless, offer fewer negative effects, and become less sufficient to evoke addiction by the wider population. Chemopreventive, antimetastatic, cytotoxic, and anti-angiogenic actions are among the promising clinical advantages, which have been established in vitro research and certain clinical trials; nevertheless, additional clinical trials are needed. This review examines several phytochemicals that may have anti-cancer and chemopreventive properties.