There
are several beneficial effects of plant bioactive compounds in the evidence-based
prevention and treatment of mucocutaneous cancers. For instance, several
bioactive compounds via various antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms have
been shown to positively improve different diseases, including cancer.
Considering the complex, multifactorial processes that regulate genetic and cellular
function in cancer development, the use of small phytochemical molecules capable
of targeting multiple carcinogenetic genes and pathways is plausible. Furthermore,
the identification of molecular targets and cognate dietary bioactive molecules
in mucocutaneous cancer, using applied combinatorial chemistry approaches,
potentially presents a key complementary ancillary tool for developing robust,
physiologically bioavailable, diversity-oriented, and cost-effective therapies.
These systems biology and omics-based theragnostic tools are crucial for the management
of cancers that affect the oral mucous membranes and skin in a resourcelimited setting.
Natural products and nutraceuticals are poised to ameliorate the burden of
mucocutaneous cancers and improve the drug discovery pipelines if
state-of-the-art research techniques are used to elucidate their therapeutic
values in the era of precision medicine. Hence, this review focuses on the
currently available and potential therapeutic benefits of plant bioactive
compounds in the prevention and management of mucocutaneous cancers.
Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Mucocutaneous cancers, Oral cancer, Phytocompounds, Skin cancer, Therapy.
