Exploring the Nigerian Medicinal Plants with Anticancer Activities: A Pharmacological Review

Cancer has become one of the most dangerous diseases and is the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause of death in developing countries. Many indigenous plants are used in herbal medicine to cure various diseases and heal injuries. The use of medicinal plants has become essential due to the presence of several bioactive substances and their availability. Most chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment are molecules identified and isolated from plants or their synthetic derivatives. Anticancer agents from plants currently in clinical use are categorized into four main classes of compounds including; epipodophylltoxins, taxanes camptothecins, and vinca alkaloids. This paper discussed the factors responsible for, different forms of cancer, as well as organs or parts it affect. The paper also explored some Nigerian medicinal plants with anticancer agents. Seventeen medicinal plants were mentioned and confirmed to possess bioactive constituents responsible for cancer therapy