TR VDCX Anticancer Agents: A Review of Relevant Information on Important Herbal Drugs

Cancer is a class of conditions in which a group of cells display the traits of unbridled growth, irruption and occasionally me- testacies. These three nasty parcels of cancer separate them from benign excrescences, which are tone- limited, do n't foray or metastasize. utmost cancers form a excrescence but some, like leukemia, do n't. Cancer may affect people at all periods, indeed fetuses, but threat for the more common kinds tends to increase with age. Cancer causes about 13 of all deaths. The uses of shops as drug are as old as mortal civilization. About 60 of the anticancer medicines are deduced from factory sources, e.g., Taxol from Taxus brevifolia, camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata etc. It's noted that the operation of cancer is still lagging before and there's an critical need to search new medicines for the forestallment and treatment of cancer. In this environment, the shops still hold the stopgap for the operation of cancer

How Cancer Develops 

Carcinogenesis or oncogenesis is the process by which normal cells transfigure into cancerous, or nasty, cells. Development of cancer is a complex process that, despite decades of exploration, we still do not fully understand. One of the most common explanations is that no single event directly leads to cancer being. According to multiple sources, a series of processes beget normal cells to change into nasty cells. Most healthy cells follow an internal timepiece, what's generally appertained to as the cell cycle, meaning they go through stages in life.  

The pathophysiology of cancer involves several stages. The first stage is inauguration,  where a mutation occurs in a cell's DNA, leading to the activation of oncogenes( genes that promote cell growth) or the inactivation of excrescence suppressor genes( genes that inhibit cell growth). The alternate stage is creation, where the shifted cells are stimulated to divide and grow fleetly, forming a small cluster of abnormal cells. The third stage is progression, where the abnormal cells continue to divide and grow, forming a excrescence that can foray girding apkins and spread to other corridor of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. 

1. Symptoms Of Cancer 

• Change in bowel or bladder habits.  
• A sore that does not heal  
• Unusual bleeding or discharge  
• Major headache  
• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing  
• Unexplained weight loss  
• Very heavy night sweats or fever  

2. Types Of Cancer 

• Carcinoma 
• Sarcoma 
• Melanoma 
• Lymphoma 
• Leukemia 

2.1 Carcinoma 

Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer, counting for 80 to 90 of all cancer judgments . Melanoma forms in epithelial towel which is towel that lines your organs, internal galleries in your body and your skin. Melanoma appears as excrescences that may form on your skin or in your lungs, guts, prostate, colon, feathers, pancreas, etc. 

2.2 Sarcoma 

A sarcoma is a rare type of nasty( cancerous) excrescence that develops in bone and connective towel, similar as fat, muscle, blood vessels, jitters and the towel that surrounds bones and joints. Symptoms depend on the excrescence’s size and position. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted remedy and immunotherapy. 

2.3 Melanoma 

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that make the color that gives skin its color. The color is called melanin. Melanoma generally starts on skin that is frequently exposed to the sun. This involves the skin on the arms, back, face and legs. Melanoma also can form in the eyes. Infrequently, it can be inside the body, similar as in the nose or throat.

2.4 Lymphoma 

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's germ- fighting and disease-fighting immune system. Lymphoma begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes.  They are found throughout the body. Most lymph nodes are in the abdomen, groin, pelvis, chest, underarms and neck. 

2.5 Leukemia 

Leukemia starts when the DNA of a single cell in your bone marrow changes (mutates) and can’t develop and function normally. Leukemia cells often behave like abnormal white blood cells. Treatments for leukemia depend on the type of leukemia you have, your age and overall health, and if the leukemia has spread to other organs or tissues. 

3. Treatment 

1) Non-Pharmacological 

Non-pharmacological management of cancer can include a variety of interventions to hell with physical, psychological, and social symptoms: 

1. Physical symptoms: Resting, sleeping, drinking liquids, oral care, exercise, massage, heat or ice packs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 
2. Psychological symptoms: Support, resting, exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback, distraction training, relaxation training  
3. Social symptoms: Pomades for skin and nail changes, berets, scarves, and wigs for alopecia  

2) Pharmacological 

Pharmacological treatment for cancer involves the use of medications to kill cancer cells, slow treatments for cancer: 

2.1 Chemotherapy 

• Alkylating agents: Damage DNA to prevent cancer cell growth (e.g., cyclophosphamide). 
• Antimetabolites: Interfere with cancer cell metabolism (e.g., 5-fluorouracil). 
• Antitumor antibiotics: Bind to DNA and interfere with cancer cell growth (e.g., doxorubicin). 
• Topoisomerase inhibitors: Block enzymes that help cancer cells divide (e.g., etoposide). 
• Mitotic inhibitors: Block cell division (e.g., paclitaxel). 

2.2 Targeted Therapies 

• Monoclonal antibodies: Bind to specific proteins on cancer cells (e.g., rituximab). 
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Block enzymes that help cancer cells grow (e.g., imatinib). 
• Angiogenesis inhibitors: Block the growth of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells (e.g., bevacizumab). 

2.3 Hormonal Therapies 

• Estrogen receptor antagonists: Block estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells (e.g., tamoxifen). 
• Aromatase inhibitors: Block the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women (e.g., anastrozole). 
• Androgen deprivation therapy: Reduces testosterone levels to slow prostate cancer growth (e.g., leuprolide). 

2.4 Immunotherapies 

• Checkpoint inhibitors: Release the brakes on the immune system to attack cancer cells (e.g., pembrolizumab). 
• Cancer vaccines: Stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells (e.g., sipuleucel-T). 
• Adoptive T-cell therapy: Uses a patient's own immune cells to attack cancer cells.  

3. Anit Cancer  

• Glucocorticods: Prednisolone  
• Estrogens: Fosfestrol, ethinylestradiol  
• Selective estrogen receptor modulators: Tamoxifen  
• Selective estrogen receptor down-regulators: Fulvestrant  
• Aromatase inhibitors: Letrozole, Anastrozole  
• Antiandrogen: Flutamide  
• 5-a reductase inhibitor: Finasteride  
• GnRH analogues: Nafarelin, Triotorelin  
• Progestins: Hydroxyprogesterone acetate  

4. Herbal Drugs Used to Treat Cancer 

1. Astragalus 

Biological Source- Chemical Constituents- 

• Saponins: Astragalosides I-VII, astramembrannin I-III 
• Flavonoids: Kaempferol, quercetin, isorhapontigenin 
• Polysaccharides: Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) 
• Amino acids: Asparagine, glutamine, arginine  5. Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium 

Family- 

• Fabaceae (Leguminosae), a family of flowering plants commonly known as legumes. Dose-  
• Traditional Chinese Medicine: 10-30 grams of dried root per day 
• Dietary Supplement: 400-800 mg of standardized extract per day 
• Clinical Trials: 2-4 grams of dried root per day 

Biological Source-  

Betula utilis D. Don, also known as Himalayan Birch, is a deciduous tree native to the Himalayas. 

Chemical Constituents-  

1. Triterpenoids: Betulinic acid, betulin, lupeol  
2. Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin  
3. Phenolic acids: Salicylic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid  
4. Volatile oils: Betulenol, betulol  

Family-  

Betulaceae, a family of deciduous trees and shrubs commonly known as birches. 

Dose-  

• Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine: 1-2 grams of dried bark per day 
• Dietary Supplement: 400-800 mg of standardized extract per day 3. Clinical Trials: 2-4 grams of dried bark per day 

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3. Ginger 

Biological Source- 

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia.

Chemical Constituents-  

• Volatile oils: Gingerol, shogaol, zingiberene 
• Phenolic compounds: Gingerone, paradol, gingerenone A 
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, isorhapontigenin 
• Saponins: Zingiber saponins 

Family-  

Zingiberaceae, a family of flowering plants commonly known as the ginger family. 

Dose- 

• Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine: 250-500 mg of dried root per day 
• Dietary Supplement: 250-1000 mg of standardized extract per day 
• Clinical Trials: 500-2000 mg of dried root per day 

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4. Turmeric 

Biological Source-  

Curcuma longa L., a perennial plant native to India and Southeast Asia. 

Chemical Constituents-  

• Curcuminoids: Curcumin, dimethoxy curcumin, bisdemethoxy curcumin  
• Volatile oils: Turmerone, atlantone, zingiberene  
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, isorhapontigenin  
• Polysaccharides: Curculigoside, curcumanol  

Family-  

Zingiberaceae, a family of flowering plants commonly known as the ginger family. 

Dose-  

• Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine: 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder per day 
• Dietary Supplement: 500-2000 mg of curcuminoids per day 3. Clinical Trials: 1-4 grams of curcuminoids per day 

Biological Source- 

Essiac Tea is a blend of four herbs: 

• Burdock root (Arctium lappa) 
• Sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella) 
• Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) 
• Indian rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum) 

Chemical Constituents- 

• Burdock root: Inulin, lignans, flavonoids 
• Sheep's sorrel: Anthraquinones, flavonoids, vitamins A and C 
• Slippery elm bark: Mucilages, flavonoids, phenolic acids 
• Indian rhubarb root: Anthraquinones, flavonoids, stilbenes 

Family- 

• Burdock root: Asteraceae 
• Sheep's sorrel: Polygonaceae 
• Slippery elm bark: Ulmaceae 
• Indian rhubarb root: Polygonaceae 

Dose- 

• Traditional dose: 1-2 cups of tea per day 
• Recommended dose: 1 cup of tea (2-4 grams of dried herbs) 2-3 times a day 

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6. Burdock Root 

Biological Source- 

Arctium lappa L., a biennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Chemical Constituents-  

• Inulin: A polysaccharide that acts as a prebiotic 
• Lignans: Arctigenin, arctiin, and matairesinol 
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhapontigenin 
• Volatile oils: Sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids 
• Minerals: Potassium, calcium, and iron 

Family- 

Asteraceae (Compositae), a family of flowering plants commonly known as the daisy family. 

Dose- 

• Traditional dose: 1-2 grams of dried root per day 
• Recommended dose: 500-1000 mg of standardized extract per day 
• Clinical trials: 1-3 grams of dried root per day 

Biological Source- 

Hypericum perforatum L., a perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Chemical Constituents-  

• Hypericin: A naphthodianthrone derivative 
• Hyperforin: A phloroglucinol derivative 
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhapontigenin 
• Volatile oils: Sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids 

Family- 

Hypericaceae, a family of flowering plants commonly known as the St. John's Wort family. 

Dose- 

1. Traditional dose: 300-1000 mg of dried herb per day 
2. Recommended dose: 300-900 mg of standardized extract per day 
3. Clinical trials: 500-1800 mg of standardized extract per day 

Biological Source-  

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, a deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent. 

Chemical Constituents- 

• Azadirachtin: A tetranortriterpenoid insecticide 
• Nimbin: A triterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties 
• Nimbidin: A triterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties 4. Quercetin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties 

Family-  

Meliaceae, a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mahogany family. 

Dose- 

• Traditional dose: 1-2 grams of dried leaf or bark per day 
• Recommended dose: 500-1000 mg of standardized extract per day 
• Clinical trials: 1-2 grams of dried leaf or bark per day 

Biological Source- 

Betula alba L., a deciduous tree native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Chemical Constituents-  

• Betulin: A triterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties 
• Betulinic acid: A triterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties 
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhapontigenin 
• Volatile oils: Sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids 

Family-  

Betulaceae, a family of deciduous trees and shrubs commonly known as the birch family. 

Dose- 

• Traditional dose: 1-2 grams of dried bark per day 
• Recommended dose: 500-1000 mg of standardized extract per day 
• Clinical trials: 1-2 grams of dried bark per day 

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1. Mangifera Indica 

Biological Source-  

Mangifera indica L., a deciduous tree native to South Asia. 

• Chemical Constituents- 
• Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E 
• Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, and iron 
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhapontigenin 
• Phenolic acids: Gallic acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid 
• Terpenoids: Lupeol, mangiferin, and mangostin 

Family-  

Anacardiaceae, a family of flowering plants commonly known as the cashew family. 

Dose- 

• Traditional dose: 1-2 grams of dried fruit per day 
• Recommended dose: 500-1000 mg of standardized extract per day 
• Clinical trials: 1-2 grams of dried fruit per day