3

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRONTIERS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
www.ijfstonline.org

Review Article
ISSN 2321 0494
Indexed in CAS and GOOGLE SCHOLAR
Received on: 20.3.2013., Revised and Accepted on:4.04.14

Jan-Mar 2014 Volume 2 Issue1 Page 24

Cancer and Medicinal Plants A Review
Dhulipalla Sowmya*, Malarkodi Velraj*, V. Ravichandiran, S. Jaya kumari
School of Pharmaceutical sciences, Vels University, Chennai-117.

Abstract:-
Cancer is one of the most prominent diseases in humans. Cancer, known medicinally as
malignant neoplasia, is a broad group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth. There are
over 200 different known cancers that affect humans. Herbal medicine or phytomedicine is
defined as the branch of science in which plant based formulations are used to alleviate the
diseases. India is the largest producer of medicinal plants and is rightly called the "Botanical
garden of the World". The present review is about the various medicinal plants used for anti-
cancer activity. Several reports describe that the anticancer activity of medicinal plants is due to
the presence of antioxidants in them.

Key words:- Phytomedicine, Medicinal plants, Anti-Cancer activity, Antioxidants.

Corresponding Author:Dr. Malarkodi Velraj Email.id: malarkodisanna@gmail.com

Introduction:-
Cancer (malignant tumour) is an abnormal growth and proliferation of cells. It is a
frightful disease because the patient suffers pain, disfigurement and loss of many physiological
processes
1
. Cancer has been regarded mainly as a group of diseases afflicting the more
developed countries; the incidence of various forms of cancer is now rapidly rising worldwide. It
was estimated that there were 10.9 million new cases, 6.7 million deaths, and 24.6 million
persons living with cancer around the world in a year
2
. Cancer is the second leading cause of
death, where one in four deaths is due to cancer.
Medicinal plants are the most exclusive source of life saving drugs for the majority of
the worlds population. The use of plant products in the treatment of cancer has been of recent
interest
2
. The potential of natural products as anticancer agents has been first recognized in year
Dr.Malarkodi.,et.al www.ijfstonline.org

1950s by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) and since then has made major contributions
to the discovery of new naturally occurring anticancer agents
3
. Considerable works have been
done on these plants to treat cancer and some plant products have been marketed as anticancer
drugs, based on the traditional uses and scientific reports. These plants may promote host
resistance against infection by re-stabilizing body equilibrium and conditioning the body tissues.
Some of the medicinal plants which play a role in cancer treatment include Podophyllum
hexandrum, Mistletoe, Catharanthus roseus, Taxus brevifolia, Allium sativum, Astragalus
gummifera, Curcuma longa, Aloe barbadensis, Crocus sativus, Vitex agnus, Withania Somnifera,
Pleiospermium alatum, Broccoli, Camptotheca, Camellia sinensis, Azadirachta indica and
others.
Plants Used in the Cancer Treatment:-
Allium sativum:
Family: Liliaceae
It is a remarkable plant which has multiple beneficial effects such as
antimicrobial, antithrombotic, hypolipidemic, antiarthritic, hypoglycemic
and antitumour activity. The chemopreventive activity has been attributed
to the presence of organosulfur compounds in garlic. Some organosulfur
compounds derived from garlic such as S-allylcysteine have been found to
retard the growth of chemically induced and transplantable tumours in
several animal models. Therefore, the consumption of garlic may provide some kind of
protection from cancer development
4
. It seems to be active against erythroleukemia as well as
breast and prostate cancer cells.

Allium sativum

Aloe vera:
Family: Liliaceae
Acemannan (a polysaccharide), isolated from aloe vera leaf,
stimulates the immune system, accelerates wound healing and
possess significant anticancer property. One study showed that an
aloe extract called aloe emodin can block the growth of head and
neck cancer cells in test tubes. Emodin can also stop liver cancer
cells growing in test tubes
5
. Aloe-emodin inhibits growth &
spread of stomach cancer and various sarcomas by inducing apoptosis. Aloe-emodin has
selective anticancer activity against neuroectodermal tumours (PNET). Alexin B isolated from
Aloe vera possesses strong anticancer activity against leukaemia. Aloe vera contains super
carbohydrates that protect against many cancers, particularly the liver cancer. Aloe vera
prevents genesis of cancer, regresses growth of cancer and prevents metastasis of cancer. Aloe
vera stimulates immune system response of the body by activating macrophages and releasing
cytokines such as interferon, interleukin and tumour necrosis factor.
Autumn crocus (meadow saffron)
Species Name: Colchicum autumnale
Family: Liliaceae
The native British Autumn crocus is recorded in early herbal guides as a
treatment for inflammation
6
. The Autumn Crocus is valued for its'
chemotherapeutic properties. The potent chemical Colchicine present in
Autumn crocus have medicinal properties, including anti-cancer effects. The
treatment with colchicine was able to slow the growth of and even completely
Aloe vera

Autumn crocus

kill a range of different cancers, in experiments with mice. Colchicine is widely used in plant
breeding for its property as a mitotic toxin. The alkaloid Colchicine was used in the treatment of
gout, a painful disease that is the result of the joints being inflamed.
Asparagus:
Family: Liliaceae
Asparagus contains vitamin D, folic acid, and glutathione, the
antioxidant which do have cancer fighting properties. It is used
in many traditional medicines and promotes our body resistance
to fight variety of stresses. Asparagamine A,
a polycyclic alkaloid was isolated from the dried roots
7
and
subsequently synthesized to allow for the construction of
analogs
8
.
Asparagus officinalis: Leung and Foster, reported that this possess cancer preventing property.
It also has a role in controlling urinary tract infections.
Asparagus racemosus: Two new steroidal saponins, shatavaroside A and shatavaroside B
together with a known saponin, filiasparoside C, were isolated from the roots of Asparagus
racemosus
9
.

Asparagus is useful in treating tumours, nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tuberculosis,
cough, bronchitis, gleet, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, leprosy, epilepsy, fatigue, hyperacidity, colic
haemorrhoids, hypertension, abortion, cardiac and general debility.
Astragalus gummifera: It inhibits cancer cell growth and used in treating the carcinogenesis.

Asparagus

Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Azadirachta indica (Neem) has been used in buccal
carcinogenesis, skin carcinogenesis, prostate cancer,
mammary carcinogenesis, gastric carcinogenesis, Ehrlich
carcinoma and B16 melanoma. Liminoids regress growth &
spread of various cancers such as cancers of breast, lung,
stomach, prostate and skin. Nimbolide, a natural
triterpenoid, isolated from Azadirachta indica leaves and flowers inhibits growth & spread of
various cancers including colon cancer, malignant lymphoma, malignant melanoma and
leukaemia by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), a process that directs the bodys
immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. Nimbolide also prevents metastasis of cancer.
Ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica inhibits growth& spread of prostate cancer by inducing
apoptosis and its antiandrogenic effect. Seventeen limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids), were
isolated from an EtOH extract of the leaf of neem (Azadirachta indica). Upon evaluation of the
cytotoxic activities of these compounds against leukemia (HL60), lung (A549), stomach
(AZ521), and breast (SK-BR-3) cancer cell lines
10
. Azadirachta indica reduces side effects of
chemotherapy & radiotherapy.
Brucea antidysenterica
Family: Simaroubaceae
Bruceantin was first isolated from Brucea antidysenterica,
a tree used in Ethiopia for the treatment of cancer, and activity
Azadirachta indica
Brucea antidysenterica

was observed against B16 melanoma, colon 38, and L1210 and P388 leukemia in mice.
Bruceantin acts through inhibition of protein synthesis and has undergone clinical trials in man.
No significant therapeutic activity has been noted in these early studies, but research on a whole
range of quassinoids related to bruceantin countries
11
.
Berberis vulgaris
Family: Berberidaceae
Berberis vulgaris root contains berberine, berbamine,
chelidonic acid, citric acid, columbamine, hydrastine,
isotetrandrine, jacaranone, magnoflorine, oxycanthine and
palmatine. Berberine (an isoquinoline alkaloid), possesses
anticancer, immunoenhancing, antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties. Berberine arrests cancer cell cycle in
G1-phase and induces apoptosis. Berberine possesses strong
anticancer activity against prostate cancer, liver cancer and leukaemia. Berberis vulgaris root
bark contains three phenolic compounds, tyramine, cannabisin-G and lyoniresinol. Cannabisin-G
and lyoniresinol exhibit strong antioxidant activity. Cannabisin-G protects against breast cancer.
Berberis vulgaris also inhibits growth of stomach and oral cavity cancers. Both berberine
chloride and barberry ethanolic extract showed to have inhibitory effect on the growth of breast,
liver and colon cancer cell lines (MCF7, HepG2 and CACO-2, respectively) at different
incubation times starting from 24 hrs up to 72 hrs and the inhibitory effect increased with time in
a dose dependant manner
12
.

Berberis vulgaris

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascan periwinkle)
The most successful of higher plant materials used in
cancer chemotherapy are the alkaloids of Catharanthus roseus.
A number of bisindole alkaloids showing antileukaemic
activity have subsequently been isolated and two of these,
vincaleukoblastine (vinblastine) and leurocristine (vincristine),
are now extracted commercially from Catharanthus roseus and used, either alone, or in
combination with other forms of therapy for cancer treatment. Vinblastine is mainly useful in
the treatment of Hodgkins disease, a cancer affecting the lymph glands, spleen and liver.
Vincristine is clinically more important than vinblastine and especially used in the treatment
of childhood leukaemia. Vinflunine is also a new synthetic vinca alkaloid, which has been
approved in Europe for the treatment of second-line transitional cell carcinoma of the
urothelium is being developed for other malignancies. Vinca alkaloids are the second-most-
used class of cancer drugs and will stay among the original cancer therapies
13
.
Camptotheca
Family: Cornaceae
The bark and stems of C.acuminata contain
the alkaloid camptothecin. Several chemical derivatives of
camptothecin are under investigation for or used as drugs for
cancer treatment, including irinotecan, topotecan, rubitecan
14
.
Camptothecin (CPT) is a monoterpene indole alkaloid and was
first isolated in 1966 by Wall and coworkers. CPT is known for
its remarkable anti-cancer activity, which results from its ability to inhibit the eukaryotic DNA
Catharanthus roseus
Camptotheca

topoisomerase 1. It also inhibits retroviruses such as HIV. CPT-11 is a compound administered
in patients with brain tumors through the drug Irinotecan. It contains antineoplastic, used to
prevent the mutation of cells into cancerous cells with the possibility of preventing or reducing
the disease into one that is benign. Some common side effects of this compound include
diarrhoea, alopecia or hair loss, vomiting, weakness, and lowering of white and red blood cells.
The natural 10-hydroxycamptothecin is more active than camptothecin and is used in China
against cancers of the neck and head. Synthetic analogues 9-aminocamptothecin and particularly
topotecan and irinotecan showed good responses in a number of cancers, topotecan and
irinotecan are now available for the treatment of ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer
respectively.
Curcuma longa
Family: Zingiberaceae
The active compound curcumin is believed to have a wide
range of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant,
antitumour, antibacterial and antiviral activities
15
. In Chinese
medicine, it is used for the treatment of various infections and as an
antiseptic
16
. Curcumin (Di-feruloyl-methane) and curcuminoids
isolated from Curcuma longa suppress cancer at every step, i.e.
initiation, growth and metastasis. Curcumin arrests the cancer cells proliferation in G2/S phase
and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death). It inhibits angiogenesis, a crucial step in the
growth and metastasis of cancer.
Curcumin and Genistein (isolated from Glycine max) act synergistically to inhibit
growth & spread of oestrogen-positive breast cancer. Curcumin works even in multidrug-
Curcuma longa

resistant breast cancers. Curcumin inhibits growth & spread of various cancers including that
of breast, lung, oesophagus, liver, colon, prostate, head & neck and skin. Curcumin is
particularly effective in radiotherapy resistant prostate cancer. Curcumin is effective even in
advanced stages of cancer. Curcumin also protects from stomach cancer and colon cancer.
Curcuma longa also possesses antimutagenic, antioxidant, immunostimulant, anti-
inflammatory, hepatoprotective and radioprotective properties.
Crocus sativus
Family: Iridaceae
Saffron contains vitamin-B2 along with a yellow flavonoid
called crocin, a bitter glycoside called picrocrocin, and the volatile,
aromatic substance safranal
17
. Traditional therapeutical uses include:
treatment of cough, flatulence, stomach disorders, insomnia, colds,
fever, and heart problems. In China, saffron is used to treat
depression, fear and pain. It helps in increasing white blood cell
count and disinfects secretions, including mucus, sweat and
urination. It also increases appetite, clears the lungs, and helps heal the skin and mucous
membranes.
Recently a review has been published by Gutheil et al. entitled: "Crocetin: an agent derived
from saffron for prevention and therapy for cancer." The authors claim that crocetin, an
important carotenoid constituent of saffron, has shown significant potential as an antitumor agent
in animal models and cell culture systems. Crocetin affects the growth of cancer cells by
Crocus sativus

inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, enhancing anti-oxidative system, inducing apoptosis and
hindering growth factor signaling pathways
18
.
Camellia sinensis
Family: Theaceae
The main ingredients of green tea include polyphenolic
compounds such as epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG),
epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), all of
which are responsible for the anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic
activities of green tea. Polyphenols in green tea were shown to be
powerful antioxidants with anti-carcinogenic properties. Many invitro and invivo studies
demonstrated that polyphenols from green tea were anticarcinogenic by inducing apoptosis and
inhibiting cell growth, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and urokinase (an enzyme crucial for
cancer growth). It is used to prevent prostate, colon and gastric cancers. It is also used to prevent
skin cancer or damage from ultraviolet radiation. It seems to reduce the risk of some cancers by
preventing blood vessel growth in tumors. A meta analysis published in 2014 suggested that
green tea could reduce the risk of developing mouth cancers. Another meta analysis has
suggested that green tea consumption could reduce the risk of lung cancer. One study has shown
a protective effect of green tea on bladder cancer development. The risk of developing cancer of
the food pipe also seems to be reduced in women who drink green tea
19
.
Daphne mezereum (Mezereon)Family: Thymelaeceae
An alcohol-water extract of Daphne mezereum L., a plant is widely
used in folk medicine for treating cancers
20
. Mazereon, despite its toxic
Camellia sinensis
Daphne mezereum

properties, has also been used in many countries for the treatment of cancer. Tiglianes,
Daphnanes and Ingenanes are the three related groups of diterpenoid compounds found in
Thymelaeaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Biologically, they produce intense inflammation on
application to the skin and have both tumour promoting and anti-tumour activity. The active
antitumour constituent of this plant has been identified as a diterpene derivative mezerein which
is structurally very similar to the toxic principle daphnetoxin.
Glycine max
Family: Fabaceae
Isoflavones (such as genistein & daidzein) and saponins
isolated from Glycine max inhibit growth & spread of various
cancers such as cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, ovary, lung,
stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, prostate,
testis, oral cavity, larynx, and thyroid. Glycine max is also effective
in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, skin cancer, malignant lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma,
neuroblastoma, malignant brain tumours and leukaemia. Isoflavones & saponins isolated from
Glycine max possess wide ranging anticancer properties such as inhibition of cancer cell
proliferation, promotion of cell differentiation and induction of apoptosis. Genistein works by
blocking angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessel), acting as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (the
mechanism of action of many new cancer drugs) and inducing apoptosis.
Genistein is an excellent intracellular antioxidant. Genistein also blocks the supply of
oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells, thus killing them by starving. Genistein and quercetin have
synergistic anticancer effect against ovarian carcinoma. Saponins isolated from Glycine max
Glycine max

decrease invasiveness of the glioblastoma cells. Anthocyanins isolated from Glycine max induce
apoptosis in leukaemic cells. Soy isoflavones are dietary components for which an association
has been demonstrated with reduced risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in Asian populations. Cell-
based studies show that soy isoflavones regulate genes that control cell cycle and apoptosis
21
.
Glycine max protects against many cancers including that of the colon, lung and ovary.
Kaempferia rotunda
Family: Zingiberaceae
The dried powder of Kaempferia rotunda rhizomes is famous
for prevention and used as a traditional medicine for cancer
diseases. The tubers of Indian crocus are widely used as a local
application for tumours, swellings and wounds. The tubers have
antitumour, antiinflammatory, sialagogue, emetic activity. It also improves complexion and cures
burning sensation. The flower contains the toxin benzyl benzoate used to make ointments to treat
scabies. The antioxidant property was assessed by lipid peroxidation markers such as
malonaldehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyl-2-nonenal (4-HNE)
22
.
Momordica charantia (Bitter melon)
Family: Cucurbitaceae
It has antimicrobial, antiviral (anti HIV), antitumour and
antimutagenic effects. Bitter melon extract (BME) is used as a
dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer. Bitter melon
extract treatment of breast cancer cells resulted in significant
decrease in cell proliferation induced apoptotic cell death.
Apoptosis of breast cancer cells was accompanied by increased poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase
Kaempferia rotunda
Momordica charantia

cleavage and caspase activation. Bitter melon extract treatment of breast cancer cells inhibited
survivin and claspin expression. Bitter melon extract modulates signal transduction pathways for
inhibition of breast cancer cell growth
23
.
Oryza sativa
Family: Poaceae
According to Hartwell (1967-1971), the seeds are used in
folk medicine for breast cancers, stomach indurations, other
tumours and warts. Rice is the folk remedy for abdominal
ailments, beriberi, bowels, burns, diarrhoea, dysentery,
dyspepsia, epistaxis, fever, filariasis, flux, stomach ailments and
swellings. According to Duke and Ayensu, the dried flowers are used as cosmetic and dentrifice,
awns are used for jaundice in China. The consumption of red strain of unpolished Thai rice may
exert potentially beneficial effects on colorectal cancer through decrease in the level of oxidative
stress
24
.

Ocimum sanctum
Family: Lamiaceae
Ocimum sanctum contains eugenol, eugenol derivatives,
linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid and flavonoids such as orientin,
vicenin, cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, isothymusin, isothymonin &
apigenein. Eugenol, orientin and vicenin inhibits growth &
spread of various cancers such as breast cancer, liver cancer
and sarcomas particularly fibrosarcoma by blocking supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cancer
Oryza sativa
Ocimum sanctum

cells and killing them by starving. Ursolic acid isolated from Ocimum sanctum has
immunoenhancing and tissue-protective properties. Polysaccharides isolated from Ocimum
sanctum have antioxidant and radioprotective properties. Ocimum sanctum protects against
various cancers particularly the breast cancer and reduces side effects of chemotherapy &
radiotherapy
25
.

Podophyllum peltatum (May-apple)
The active principles of podophyllum are contained in the
resin podophyllin or podophyllum resin. Podophyllum resin
and podophyllotoxin has cytotoxic action and is used as a
paint in the treatment of soft venereal and other warts.
Etoposide is a lignan derivative obtained semi-synthetically
from podophyllotoxin and is used in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer and testicular cancer
as well as lymphomas and leukaemias. The related thenylidene derivative teniposide has similar
anticancer properties and has value in paediatric neuroblastoma, lymphocytic leukaemia and
brain tumours in children. The plant has been used especially in the treatment of ovarian
cancer
26
.
Podophyllum hexandrum
Indian podophyllum contains more resin than the
American drug and the percentage of podophyllotoxin in
the resin is much higher. Indian podophyllum is used in the
Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum hexandrum

semi-synthesis of etoposide. Podophyllotoxin has cytotoxic action and is used as a paint in
the treatment of soft venereal and other warts. Etoposide is a lignan derivative obtained semi-
synthetically from podophyllotoxin and is used in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer and
testicular cancer as well as lymphomas and leukaemias. Podophyllum hexandrum also
possesses potent radioprotective and haemopoietic properties
27
.
Panax ginseng
Family: Araliaceae
Panax ginseng is used to treat breast cancer and prevent
ovarian cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer and skin cancer
28
.
Panaxadiol ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rg3, Rh2) and
Panaxatriols ginsenosides (Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, Rhi) have both
preventive and therapeutic role in cancer treatment.
Ginsenosides possess strong anticancer activity against lung cancer and also prevent lung
metastasis by blocking angiogenesis. Compound K (a metabolite of ginsenosides) inhibits
growth & spread of chemo-resistant lung cancer. Other uses include treatment of anaemia,
diabetes, inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), fever, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) and asthma.
Solanum dulcamara (woody night shade)
Family: Solanaceae
From the time of Galen (about AD 180), the juice expressed
from Solanum dulcamara ha been used to treat cancers, tumours
and warts and references to its use have appeared in the literature
of many countries. The active tumour-inhibitory principle has
Panax ginseng
Solanum dulcamara

been identified as the steroidal alkaloid glycoside -solamarine. Solanine and solasodine
extracted from Solanum dulcamara showed antidermatophytic activity against Chrysosporium
indicum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. simil. and thus may cure ringworm
29
.

Taxus brevifolia (Pacific Yew)
Family: Taxaceae
It contains the substance taxol in its shoot and bark. Taxol
has shown exciting potential as an anticancer drug, particularly
in the treatment of ovarian cancer
30
. It may also have potential
value against other cancers. Taxotere (docetaxel) is a side-chain
analogue of taxol, which has also been produced by semi-
synthesis from 10-deacetylbaccatin III. It has improved water
solubility and is used in the treatment of breast cancers.
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)
Family: Lamiaceae
For over 2500 years, since the days of Hippocrates, chaste
tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used for gynecological
conditions. Recently, a Vitex agnus-castus fruits (VACF) extract
has been shown to exhibit antitumor activities in different human
cancer cell lines. The scientists explored the antiproliferative
effects of the fruit extract with a particular focus on apoptosis-
inducing and potential cytotoxic effects. It was concluded that the
cytotoxic activity of Vitex extract may be attributed to the effect on cell growth, that cell death
occurs through apoptosis, and that this apoptotic cell death may be attributed to increased
Taxus brevifolia
Vitex agnus-castus

intracellular oxidation by Vitex extract treatment. It is also used in supplements for male
bodybuilders as a secondary component because of its effects on testosterone levels
31
.
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Family: Santalaceae
Lectins (such as viscumin), polypeptides (viscotoxins) and
phenolic compounds (such as digallic acid) isolated from Viscum
album inhibit growth & spread of various cancers including that
of the breast, cervix, ovary, lung, stomach, colon, rectum, kidney,
urinary bladder, testis, malignant melanoma, sarcomas,
fibrosarcoma, malignant ascites, lung metastasis and leukaemia
by inducing apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis activity. The plant has also been used to treat
arthritis, rheumatism, chilblains, leg ulcers and varicose veins, epilepsy and other convulsive
nervous disorders. Cazacu et al. reported anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo
32
. Lectins
isolated from Viscum album possess both anticancer and immunostimulating activities.
Viscumin, responsible for most of the biological activities of Viscum album, works by bringing
together immune system effector cells and cancer cells. Lectin-II induces apoptosis in cancer
cells via activation of caspase cascades.
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha)
Family: Solanaceae
Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor,
antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and
rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert a positive influence
on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.
Viscum album
Withania somnifera

Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, hypertension, nervine and
skin diseases. This drug prevents bony degenerative changes in arthritic conditions
33
. Withaferin
A, the active component of Withania, shows the anticancer activity. Withaferin A is effective in
both androgen-responsive and androgen-refractory prostate cancers. Ashwagandhanolide, a new
dimeric withanolide, isolated from Withania somnifera, inhibits growth & spread in cancers of
breast, stomach, colon, lung and central nervous system.
Some of The Medicinal Plants Having Anticancer Activity
34

Name Of The Plant Family Parts Used
Acorus calamus Araceae Rhizome
Allium cepa Liliaceae Bulb
Aloe barbadensis Liliaceae Leaf juice
Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae Root
Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Bark
Butea monosperma Fabaceae Bark
Bauhinia variegate Caesalpinaceae Root
Cassia senna Caesalpinaceae Leaves
Citrus medica Rutaceae Root
Cissus quadrangularis Vitaceae Whole plant
Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae Rhizome
Catharanthus roseus Apocynaceae Whole plant
Daucus carota Apiaceae Root
Embelia ribes Myrsinaceae Fruit
Flacourtia jangomos Flacourtiaceae Bark/Leaf
Jatropha curcas Euphorbiaceae Leaves, seeds, oils

Kaempferia rotunda Zingiberaceae Tubers
Mimosa pudica Mimosaceae Whole plant
Nicotiana tabacum Solanaceae Leaves
Tylopora indica Asclepiadaceae Root, Leaf
Vernonia cinerea Asteraceae Whole plant
Vitex trifolia Verbanaceae Leaf
Xanthium strumarium Compositae Root
Conclusion:
Herbal medicines are playing a vital role in the treatment of various chronic
diseases when compared to modern synthetic drugs. They are very safe because of its minimal
side effects. However, the blind dependence on synthetics is over and people are returning to the
naturals with hope of safety and security. Natural products discovered from medicinal plants
have played an important role in the treatment of cancer. So, the scientific study on derivation of
drugs through bioprospecting and systematic conservation of the concerned medicinal plants are
thus of great importance.
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