Medicinal Plants have been known to be one of the oldest and most
consistent sources for the production of novel drugs. Utilization of plant extracts as
drugs can be attributed to their chemical and structural diversity along with their ability
to interact with different biological targets in the cell. Moreover, they act as huge
reservoirs for the phytochemicals which provide defense against a number of diseases.
Cost effectiveness along with lesser adverse effects, allowed natural plants to be used
as an alternative to conventional strategies for cancer treatment. Extracts from different
natural plants have also been explored in the treatment of infectious diseases. The
present chapter emphasizes on the use of plant extracts and their purified compound as
cancer therapeutics. Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Owing
to several limitations of current treatment regimens of cancer, the attention of
researchers has been drawn towards exploration of natural sources. Herein, we will
focus majorly on bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment with
emphasis on their other possible beneficiary roles.
Keywords: Anticancer Mechanism, Apoptosis, Cancer, Chemotherapy,
Flavonoids, Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, Plant Extracts, Polyphenols,
Saponins, Secondary Metabolites, Therapeutic Agents, Terpenes, Vinca
Alkaloids.
