185
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_8
A. Augustine (*)
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Kannur University,
Thalassery Campus, Kannur 670661, Kerala, India
e-mail: anuaugus@rediffmail.com
G.S. Pillai
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences,
Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, India
8
Cancer Combating Biomolecules
From Plants
Anu Augustine and Geetha S. Pillai
Abstract
Nature has been a source of medicinal products for many years, with many useful drugs developed from plant sources. Plant-based systems continue to play an
essential role in healthcare, and their use by different cultures has been extensively documented. Several secondary metabolites from plant sources have
proved to be an excellent reservoir of new medical compounds. Many anti- cancer
agents have been isolated from various plant sources. Attempts to explore new
anti-cancer and other medical compounds from natural sources are progressing
in various laboratories. This chapter outlines the process of carcinogenesis
potential anti-cancer agents, ayurvedic concept of carcinogenesis, the ‘thridoshas’, the correction methods, databases of naturally occurring anti-cancer
agents, chemotherapeutic and chemoprotective activities of the compounds and
their molecular targets. Curcuminoids, boswellic acid, polyphenols like catechin,
procyanidins, camptothecin, cannabinoids, resveratrol, diallyl disulphide, combrestatin, ashwagandha, tanshinones, polygala, and ayurvedic formulations are
among the ones discussed.
Keywords
Carcinogenesis • Ayurveda • Plant-based anti-cancer compounds
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_8
A. Augustine (*)
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Kannur University,
Thalassery Campus, Kannur 670661, Kerala, India
e-mail: anuaugus@rediffmail.com
G.S. Pillai
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences,
Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, India
8
Cancer Combating Biomolecules
From Plants
Anu Augustine and Geetha S. Pillai
Abstract
Nature has been a source of medicinal products for many years, with many useful drugs developed from plant sources. Plant-based systems continue to play an
essential role in healthcare, and their use by different cultures has been extensively documented. Several secondary metabolites from plant sources have
proved to be an excellent reservoir of new medical compounds. Many anti- cancer
agents have been isolated from various plant sources. Attempts to explore new
anti-cancer and other medical compounds from natural sources are progressing
in various laboratories. This chapter outlines the process of carcinogenesis
potential anti-cancer agents, ayurvedic concept of carcinogenesis, the ‘thridoshas’, the correction methods, databases of naturally occurring anti-cancer
agents, chemotherapeutic and chemoprotective activities of the compounds and
their molecular targets. Curcuminoids, boswellic acid, polyphenols like catechin,
procyanidins, camptothecin, cannabinoids, resveratrol, diallyl disulphide, combrestatin, ashwagandha, tanshinones, polygala, and ayurvedic formulations are
among the ones discussed.
Keywords
Carcinogenesis • Ayurveda • Plant-based anti-cancer compounds