Natural Phenolics: A Source Of Anticancer Agents

Cancer is a worldwide scourge, which affects people of all ages, and is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. It is one of the main leading causes of death especially in developing countries. Mankind has been trying hard to find better and cheaper treatments with fewer side effects to reduce the incidence of the disease and its consequent mortality. Natural phenolics play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Phenolics from medicinal plants are responsible for their chemopreventive properties and also contribute to their activity as apoptosis inducers. For many years, phenolic compounds have been intensely studied, in vitro and in vivo, for their antitumor effects. In recent years, the use of these compounds has increased considerably. In this regard, this article provides an overview of some natural phenolic compounds with approved anticancer activities.