Many synthetic and chemotherapeutic agents have been developed in the treatment
of cancer, which have been proven to show various side effects. To overcome these
flaws, more convenient herbal drugs have been developed as they are known for lesser
toxic side effects. Plants have been well known for the treatment of cancer and it is seen
that over 60% of currently used anti-cancer agents come from natural sources. Many of
the plants, traditionally have reported to possess anticancer activity.
Drugs discovered from plants, marine organisms and micro-organisms have led to
the development of anticancer agents. The majority of the population depends on herbal
medicine for their primary health care needs. Cancer is a major health problem globally,
affecting 15% of the world's population. Regardless of all advances in medical sciences,
it is anticipated that by 2030, the occurrence of malignant growth levels will increment
to 15 million cases causing deaths.
Hence, natural products are a significant source of new drugs, medication leads
and new chemical elements. The drug discovery from plants, marine living beings and
micro-organisms have brought about the development of anticancer agents.
Accelerated growth and disrupted apoptotic mechanism are the characteristic
features of cancer cells. The prerequisite for a cell to replicate comprise of reproduction
of DNA, adequate production of cellular organelles, membranes, soluble proteins, etc.,
empowering the daughter cells to survive, partition the DNA and cytoplasm equally to
form two daughter cells. The process can be achieved only when the molecular steps are
consecutive and suitably oriented. Failure in controlling cell cycle leads to tremendous
loss. The basic life plan undergoes apoptosis in the presence of eukaryotes.
