Herbal medicine Shows a wide range of powerful anti-cancer effects, such as boosting response, overcoming multidrug resistance, regulating autophagy and ferroptosis, and delivering anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic benefits.
This review systematically explores recent advances (primarily documented 2019 – 2026) in research on key anti-cancer compounds derived from herbal medicine such as:
Apigenin, Artemisinin, Berberine, Curcumin, Emodin, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Ginsenosides, Icariin, Resveratrol, Silibinin, Triptolide, Ursolic acid (UA).
Download all 12 here (.pdf)
Abstract: These studies were sourced from scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials. The review focuses on the significant role that these natural products play in modern oncology, exploring their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and the challenges and prospects of integrating them into conventional cancer therapies.
Furthermore, it highlights cutting-edge approaches in cancer research, such as the utilization of gut microbiota, omics technologies, synthetic derivatives, and advanced drug delivery systems (DDS). This review underscores the potential of these natural products to advance the development of novel anti-cancer treatments and support contemporary medicine.
Recent multi-omics studies show that these compounds can reshape transcriptional and metabolic networks, expanding their therapeutic potential. Many natural products work in synergy with first-line chemotherapies or targeted treatments, boosting effectiveness and minimizing side effects. Innovative nano-formulations and antibody–drug conjugates have also greatly improved their bioavailability, making them strong contenders for future translational research.
Cancer remains a global crisis.
With over 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths around the world. It is caused by internal factors such as genetics, endocrine, and immunity, as well as external factors like chemicals, physics, unhealthy lifestyles, and aging-related factors.
Herbal medicine takes a well-rounded approach to cancer treatment, focusing on both slowing tumor growth and boosting overall health. This can involve strengthening the immune system, easing side effects from treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, and supporting the patient’s well-being in a holistic way.
This review provides an overview of the 12 most frequently studied natural anti-cancer products, including terpenoids [Artemisinin, Ginsenosides, Triptolide, and Ursolic acid (UA)], flavonoids cancer properties, including tumor immunity enhancement, reversal of multidrug resistance, regulation of autophagy and ferroptosis, and antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects, both in vitro and in vivo.
The Natural Product Synergy Matrix
This table summarizes how these 11 compounds work together, specifically targeting certain cancer pathways.