Adv Pharm Bull. 2014 Oct; 4(Suppl 1): 421–427.
Published online 2014 Aug 25. doi: 10.5681/apb.2014.062
PMCID: PMC4213780
Abstract
Cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Nowadays,
cancer is considered as a human tragedy and one of the most prevalent
diseases in the wide, and its mortality resulting from cancer is being
increased. It seems necessary to identify new strategies to prevent and
treat such a deadly disease. Control survival and death of cancerous
cell are important strategies in the management and therapy of cancer.
Anticancer agents should kill the cancerous cell with the minimal side
effect on normal cells that is possible through the induction of
apoptosis. Apoptosis is known as programmed cell death in both normal
and damaged tissues. This process includes some morphologically changes
in cells such as rapid condensation and budding of the cell, formation
of membrane-enclosed apoptotic bodies with well-preserved organelles.
Induction of apoptosis is one of the most important markers of cytotoxic
antitumor agents. Some natural compounds including plants induce
apoptotic pathways that are blocked in cancer cells through various
mechanisms in cancer cells. Multiple surveys reported that people with
cancer commonly use herbs or herbal products. Vinca Alkaloids, Texans,
podo phyllotoxin, Camptothecins have been clinically used as Plant
derived anticancer agents. The present review summarizes the literature
published so far regarding herbal medicine used as inducers of apoptosis
in cancer.
Keywords: Cancer, Apoptosis, Herbal medicine, Safety, Herb–drug interactions, Anti-cancer compound
