Phytochemical Analysis and Characterization of Cancer-Cure Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This comprehensive review focuses on the current understanding of phytochemical analysis and characterization of medicinal plants recognized for their potential in cancer therapy, particularly emphasising the underlying chemistry. The abstract summarizes the significance of these plants as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds, highlighting their traditional use and the growing scientific interest in their anticancer properties. The review systematically explores the various chemical classes of phytochemicals implicated in cancer cure, including but not limited to alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and sulfur-containing compounds. It delves into the sophisticated analytical techniques employed for their isolation, identification, and quantification, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and hyphenated techniques. Special attention is given to how these analytical methods enable the precise characterization of the chemical structures of novel anticancer agents. Furthermore, the abstract touches upon the mechanisms of action of these plant-derived compounds at a molecular level, elucidating their interactions with biological targets relevant to cancer development and progression, such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and modulation of signaling pathways. The review also addresses challenges in phytochemical research, including standardization, bioavailability, and potential for drug development. Ultimately, this review underscores the critical role of chemical analysis and characterization in bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology, paving the way for discovering and developing effective, plant-derived anticancer therapeutics.