Review of Phytochemicals With Anticancer Properties from Different Sources by Shrija Makwana

Review of Phytochemicals With Anticancer Properties from Different Sources : Herbs, Spices ,Weeds and Algae

Cancer is a disease that is characterized by uncontrolled cell division, formation of tumors and spread of cancer cells. Phytochemicals are natural bioactive components that are found in plants, herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, algae, and others. They are known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potentially anticancer properties, affecting the processes of apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell cycle, angiogenesis and metastasis. Among the causes of numerous deaths throughout the globe, cancer ranks among the top illnesses and is estimated to take around ten million lives by 2024, making it responsible for about one-sixth of deaths worldwide. The main procedures for treating cancer includes of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, although these methods are also linked to negative effects, since chemotherapy is known to produce side effects like fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, increased chances of developing infection, or nerve-related problems, while radiotherapy may result in fatigue, hair loss, and skin alterations as well as nausea developed in the area of the body treated. Thus, in this paper, I concentrate on providing a literature review on different phytochemicals obtained from natural sources, aiming at their anticancer properties and potential use in more effective cancer treatments.

Introduction

Cancer is a type of disease in which abnormal cells divide rapidly without any control. This uncontrolled growth forms tumours (lumps of tissues) and can spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis. The process of metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Normal cells grow, divide, and die (programmed process called apoptosis), all in an orderly manner. However, cancer cells are the complete opposite. They grow without any signals, ignore stop signals, and also avoid the process of apoptosis. They trick our body’s mechanisms by forming more blood vessels around them to supply nutrients. Eventually, these cancer cells invade the surrounding tissues and spread throughout the body. Cancer cells have the ability to hide from immune cells and avoid being “caught”. The rapid growth of cancer cells is supported by the nutrients in our body. Globally, cancer causes 10 million deaths annually, which makes it one of the leading causes of death in the world.

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