Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Clinical Advances, and Future Perspectives

Authors

https://doi.org/10.48313/bic.v3i1.57

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies with improved selectivity and reduced toxicity. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, encompassing secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and organosulfur compounds, have emerged as a rich and sustainable source of novel anticancer agents. Clinically established drugs, including paclitaxel, vinca alkaloids, and camptothecin derivatives, exemplify the successful translation of phytochemicals into frontline oncology therapies, primarily through mechanisms involving microtubule disruption, topoisomerase inhibition, apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis suppression, and modulation of key signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and p53). This review comprehensively examines the major classes of plant-derived bioactive compounds with documented anticancer potential, highlights notable examples (paclitaxel, vincristine, curcumin, resveratrol, EGCG, and others), and synthesizes preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical evidence supporting their efficacy, often in combination regimens or as chemosensitizers. Despite promising multi-target actions and favorable selectivity profiles, significant challenges persist, including poor bioavailability, pharmacokinetic variability, dose-limiting toxicities, Multidrug Resistance (MDR), standardization issues, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these limitations through advanced formulation technologies (e.g., nano-delivery systems), metabolic engineering, semi-synthetic optimization, and interdisciplinary approaches holds substantial promise for enhancing translational success. As global cancer incidence continues to rise, plant-derived phytochemicals offer a bridge between traditional ethnopharmacology and modern precision oncology, potentially delivering more effective, accessible, and sustainable anticancer therapies in the future.

Keywords:

Phytochemicals, Anticancer agents, Secondary metabolites, Apoptosis, Bioavailability, Precision Oncology

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Published

2026-03-02

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Biocompounds

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Edalatpanah, S. A. (2026). Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Clinical Advances, and Future Perspectives. Biocompounds, 3(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.48313/bic.v3i1.57