This document discusses how various phytochemicals found in plants have demonstrated anticancer properties and may be useful in cancer treatment and prevention. It outlines several specific compounds - including apigenin from parsley, curcumin from turmeric, crocetin from saffron, cyanidins from grapes, EGCG from green tea, genistein from soybeans, gingerol from ginger, and lycopene from tomatoes - and their observed effects such as inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibiting growth signaling pathways, and suppressing tumor formation. While natural treatments are promising, the document notes further evaluation is still needed regarding their potency, safety, and effectiveness.

1. Plants That Treat And Prevent Cancer Growth
Role of Phytochemicals in Treating Cancer
As you may know, cancer remains to be a global burden. It is one of the leading causes of
death around the world. The introduction of drug-based therapies has significantly improved the
situation of cancer patients. Undeniably, modern treatment options have played a crucial role in
intensifying cancer care. However, advanced-stage cancers still remain untreated. As a result, a
continued search for chemoprevention and treatment is clearly essential to manage the
increasing incidence of cancer across the globe.
Traditionally, natural plants have been used for the treatment and prevention of different
diseases for years. Similarly, many plants have been tested and evaluated. With respect to
cancer patients, some phytochemicals (compounds produced by plants) have demonstrated
positive results.
Apigenin from Parsley
Plants like parsley, chamomile, and celery produce a flavone namely Apigenin that shows
cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines of the breast. Such activity is surprisingly
comparable to that of doxorubicin injection. This compound is also known to induce apoptosis
(programmed cell death) in cancer cells of the human colon. Plus, it has been demonstrated to
be responsible for preventing certain stages of carcinogenesis (creation of cancer cells).

2. Curcumin from Turmeric
Curcumin or diferuloylmethane is an organic compound. It is a component of Indian spice,
turmeric. Majorly, its anticancer effects have been studied and evaluated for breast cancer, lung
metastases, brain tumor, and colon cancer. With no cytotoxic effect, curcumin induces
apoptosis in cancer cells. This compound is also known to inhibit cancer cell growth by
suppressing gene expression of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). Moreover, curcumin
suppresses the activation of certain kinases (enzymes) that are needed by cancer cells to grow.
Crocetin from Saffron
The flower of Saffron crocus gives a spice called Saffron wherein crocetin is a compound that is
responsible for its color. Did you know, Saffron is listed as a possible ingredient for an
anticancer drug against primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)? However, its exact
mechanism of action is still not determined. Mainly, Crocetin inhibits the nucleic acid synthesis
and affects the growth of cancer cells in humans. This compound also interferes with the growth
factor signaling pathways and induces programmed cell death.
Cyanidins from Grapes
Cyanidin is an organic compound that is extracted from red berries like grapes, cranberry,
raspberry, blackberry, and red cabbage. It possesses radical-scavenging and antioxidant effects
that may help reduce cancer risk in most individuals. This compound inhibits cell proliferation
(rapid multiplication) and blocks the action of certain kinases. Showing significant growth
inhibition, Cyanidin causes apoptosis.
Epigallocatechin Gallate from Green Tea
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is one of the compounds present in green tea. Research
studies have shown its significance in treating patients suffering from cancer of the brain, cervix,
prostate, and bladder. Increasing evidences demonstrate that EGCG is effective in binding and
inhibiting the proteins that are involved in the life cycle of cancer cells. More specifically, this
compound works to inhibit the growth process in cancer cells of the human colon.
Genistein from Soybean
Genistein originates from multiple plants including fava beans, soybeans, kudzu, Flemingia
vestita, and lupine. It has been known to block the formation of new blood vessels. Plus, this
compound has also been thought to work by blocking uncontrolled cancer cell growth in
humans. Significantly, Genistein has shown positive results in treating blood cancers like
leukemia, thanks to its kinase-inhibiting properties.
Gingerol from Gingers
Gingerol has been studied for certain anticancer properties in cancer of the colon, ovary, breast,
and pancreas. It is the active component of ginger. This compound is known to show anti-
inflammation and antioxidant properties also. It has significantly been researched for inducing
apoptosis in leukemia cells. Gingerol was found exerting anti-invasive activity on human
hepatocarcinoma cells.

3. Lycopene from Tomato
Lycopene is a pigment from tomatoes, watermelons, red carrots, and red papayas. This
phytochemical is bright red in color. In a couple of studies, this compound has demonstrated
chemopreventive effects. Moreover, Lycopene has shown significant inhibition of human cancer
cell proliferation. It has also been responsible for inhibiting the activity of endometrial, prostate,
colon, and breast cancer cells. This makes it clear that Lycopene somehow works by
suppressing the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Natural dietary phytochemicals have been widely researched for use in cancer prevention and
treatment. Multiple studies have shown promising results. Further, their thorough evaluation is
necessary with respect to potency, pharmacodynamic responses, pharmacokinetic
performances, toxicities, metabolisms, interactions, and stability.
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