Medicinal Plants for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Since the beginning of human civilization plants have been used as a source of medicine. The ancient medicinal text widely described about herbal remedies to heal the sick of society. Plant materials were the crucial part of indigenous health care system specially in developing regions of the world and their use in remedies has two to three times higher than conventional drugs. Many popular drugs were discovered from plant source. Indian has a rich knowledge of herbal medication. Recently, plant based complementary and alternative medicine has received significant importance, and basic research studies focusing of therapeutic value on plants have been increased. A number of medicinal plants have been reported with anticancer activity, and several plant based formulations have been used for cancer treatment around the globe. Moreover, trend to take herbal medicines have been increasing among cancer patients to improve their health and decrease the side effects of anti-cancer treatment.