ABSTRACT
Cancer is a general term applied to series of malignant diseases that may affect different parts of body. From the earliest times, herbs have been prized for their pain-relieving and healing abilities and today we still rely largely on the curative properties of plants. Phytoconstituents derived from the herbs Vinca rosea, Annona muricata, Gingko biloba, Aloe vera, Camellia sinensis, Zingiber officinale etc. have been used in various formulations to enhance activity of immune cells of the body that promotes production of cytokines including interleukin, interferon, tumor necrosis factor and colony stimulating factor.
Research interest has focused on various herbs that possess immune-stimulating properties as a useful feature in helping diminish the risk of cancer. In different herbs, a wide-range of phytochemicals, have been identified such as the flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, polyphenolics, sulfides, saponins, carotenoids, curcumins, plant sterols and phthalides. Several of these phytochemicals either inhibit nitrosation or the formation of DNA, stimulate the activity of protective enzymes such as the phase II enzyme, glutathione transferase. Many of plants contain potent antioxidant compounds that provide significant protection against cancer. These compounds may defend LDL cholesterol from oxidation, inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, prevent lipid peroxidation, or have antitumor activity.
