A comprehensive review on natural sources against cancer

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A comprehensive review on natural sources against cancer”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Cancer:
Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells that can invade and destroy healthy tissues in the body. It originates from various carcinogenic agents and involves a multistage process of initiation, promotion, and progression. The article discusses how medicinal plants can play a role in cancer prevention and treatment.

2) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses a range of practices and substances aimed at diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The article emphasizes the role of herbal medicine as a component of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), showcasing the therapeutic potential of various medicinal plants in treating cancer and other diseases.

3) Activity:
In the context of this article, 'activity' refers to the pharmacological actions of compounds derived from medicinal plants, such as anti-cancer effects. Each listed plant showcases specific activities that contribute to their effectiveness in combating diseases like cancer through various biological mechanisms.

4) Drug:
Drugs are substances used for medical purposes to prevent, alleviate, or cure diseases. The article highlights how many anti-cancer drugs are derived from medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of natural drugs and their potential as alternatives to synthetic medications in treating cancer.

5) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of how drugs and medicinal substances interact with biological systems. The article reviews the pharmacological activities of various medicinal plants, shedding light on their potential as anti-cancer agents and their roles in modern herbal drug development.

6) Substance:
In this review, 'substance' refers to the chemical compounds derived from plants that exhibit therapeutic effects. The article discusses various plant substances that demonstrate anti-cancer potential, highlighting the importance of identifying and utilizing these natural substances in medical treatments.

7) Disease:
Disease encompasses any condition that negatively impacts the normal functioning of the body. The article focuses on cancer as a major disease and outlines how natural sources, particularly plants, can aid in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer.

8) Viru (Vīṟu):
Although 'viru' appears to be a typographical error in this context, it may refer to 'virus.' The review touches upon the significance of biological agents, including viruses that can cause cancer, highlighting the multifaceted nature of cancer etiology.

9) Family:
In botanical terms, 'family' refers to a group of related plant species with common characteristics. The article categorizes various medicinal plants by family, emphasizing their shared pharmacological activities, which aids researchers in understanding the potential of these plant families in developing cancer treatments.

10) Diet:
The article discusses how many medicinal plants are consumed daily as part of the human diet. Diet plays a significant role in health; certain phytochemicals in dietary plants can contribute to cancer prevention and overall well-being by enhancing immune responses and offering anti-oxidant benefits.

11) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of the effects of substances on living organisms and their environments. The article highlights the need for understanding toxic effects versus therapeutic effects of medicinal plants, particularly their utility in treating diseases like cancer without the associated toxicity of synthetic drugs.

12) Zoology:
Zoology, the study of animal biology, is relevant in the context of toxicology and pharmacological research. The authors are affiliated with the Department of Zoology, indicating an interdisciplinary approach that combines animal studies with the investigation of medicinal plants for cancer treatment.

13) India:
India is highlighted as the geographical context of this study. It is known for its rich diversity of medicinal plants and traditional herbal practices, making it a significant area for exploring natural remedies for cancer and other diseases.

14) Table:
The article features tables summarizing important medicinal plants, their families, parts used, and their pharmacological activities. This structured format facilitates analysis and comparison, making it easier for researchers to identify potential candidates for further study in cancer treatment.

15) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed refers to the process of normal cells changing into cancerous cells as a result of genetic mutations. The article explains how understanding this transformation is critical for developing effective anti-cancer therapies using natural substances from medicinal plants.

16) Mutation:
Mutation signifies the change or alteration in the DNA sequence of cells that can lead to cancer. The article describes how carcinogens instigate mutations, which is a critical aspect of the cancer development process. Medicinal plants may help prevent these mutations through various mechanisms.

17) Repair:
Repair refers to the cellular processes that fix DNA damage. The article discusses how anti-carcinogenic agents from medicinal plants can facilitate DNA repair mechanisms, potentially preventing the progression of mutations into cancerous transformations.

18) Kumar (Kumār):
Kumar, as mentioned in the author list, likely refers to S. Jithender Kumar Naik, who contributed to the study. His involvement signifies collaboration in the research, utilizing expertise in toxicology and plant-derived substances for addressing cancer.

19) Ulcer:
Ulcers are sores that can develop in various organs and are mentioned due to the medicinal properties of plants that also aid in their treatment. Some plants listed have been used in folk medicine for treating gastric ulcers, illustrating the multi-faceted uses of these natural substances.

20) Study (Studying):
The study refers to the research conducted to analyze the anti-cancer properties of medicinal plants. It emphasizes the importance of exploring natural sources and compiling evidence for the pharmacological benefits of these plants in the context of cancer prevention and treatment.

21) Zingiber officinale:
Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is highlighted for its anti-cancer properties. The review notes its bioactive compounds that inhibit tumor promotion, showcasing its relevance in dietary practices and traditional medicine for cancer treatment.

22) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or neem, is addressed for its medicinal properties, including its role in cancer prevention. The review discusses its phytochemical constituents, reinforcing its significance in traditional health systems and its application in modern therapies.

23) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, is acknowledged for its potent anti-cancer effects. Its various active compounds contribute to reducing tumor growth and demonstrate its relevance as a natural remedy in cancer treatment regimens.

24) Mangifera indica:
Mangifera indica, known as mango, is referenced for its potential health benefits, including anti-cancer activities. The article underscores the significance of this fruit in both traditional and modern medicinal practices, emphasizing its rich source of phytochemicals.

25) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is recognized for its primary active component, curcumin, which possesses anti-cancer properties. The review emphasizes its use in traditional medicine and its role as a powerful antioxidant to combat cancer progression.

26) Oroxylum indicum:
Oroxylum indicum is a plant noted for containing bioactive compounds effective against cancer cell proliferation. The review highlights its therapeutic applications and enhances understanding of traditional uses in treating various ailments, including cancer.

27) Vitis vinifera:
Vitis vinifera, or grapevines, are recognized for their bioactive compounds like resveratrol, which inhibit tumor promotion. The significance of this plant underscores the ongoing exploration of its therapeutic use in cancer prevention in both traditional and clinical settings.

28) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the naturally occurring chemical compounds in plants that have beneficial health effects. The review emphasizes the importance of these compounds extracted from medicinal plants in providing anti-cancer activities, enhancing the pursuit of natural remedies.

29) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response that can lead to various diseases, including cancer. The article discusses how certain medicinal plants may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that could be instrumental in reducing cancer risk and improving overall health.

30) Observation:
Observation refers to the systematic examination of data and findings related to medicinal plants. The article compiles various studies and pharmacological activities of plants, which can be beneficial for researchers in their investigations into natural anti-cancer agents.

31) Surrounding:
Surrounding implies the environmental and biological context where cells exist. The article discusses how external factors, such as carcinogens in the environment, affect normal cells and lead to cancer, highlighting the relevance of natural treatments to mitigate these effects.

32) Discussion:
Discussion in this context encompasses the examination and interpretation of research findings regarding medicinal plants' anti-cancer effects. It provides a platform for analyzing various studies and drawing insights into potential applications in cancer treatment.

33) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the systematic and evidence-based approach to exploring medicinal plants. The article relies on scientific studies to support claims regarding the efficacy of various plants in cancer treatment, demonstrating the need for rigorous research in natural product pharmacology.

34) Pesticide:
Pesticides are chemicals that may contribute to cancer risk upon human exposure. The article discusses environmental pollutants as potential carcinogens and emphasizes the role of natural substances from medicinal plants in mitigating these harmful effects on health.

35) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects that substances can have on living organisms. The article highlights the need for exploring natural remedies that provide therapeutic benefits, specifically focusing on minimizing toxicity compared to synthetic drugs in cancer treatment.

36) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. In the context of this article, some medicinal plants mentioned also serve as treatments for epilepsy, showcasing their multiple therapeutic uses and reinforcing the importance of natural sources in holistic health treatments.

37) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has historically led to social stigma. The article mentions certain medicinal plants that are traditionally utilized for treating leprosy, emphasizing their significance in folk medicine and their ongoing relevance in contemporary herbal therapies.

38) Species:
Species refers to groups of plants or organisms that share common characteristics. The article discusses numerous species of medicinal plants with anti-cancer potential, highlighting their diversity and importance in pharmacological research for developing effective treatments.

39) Vamshi (Vaṃśī):
Vamshi, likely referring to one of the authors, implicates collaboration in the study. The involvement of various researchers illustrates the collective effort in documenting the pharmacological activities of medicinal plants relevant to cancer therapy.

40) Animal:
Animal refers to living organisms in the kingdom Animalia. In the context of this article, animal studies are significant for understanding the effects of phytochemicals from medicinal plants on biological processes related to cancer, illustrating the interconnectedness of biology and medicine.

41) Field:
Field denotes the area of study or research. The article discusses the burgeoning field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in relation to cancer treatment, emphasizing the exploration of natural medicinal plants as critical areas for research and clinical application.

42) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom signaling infection or disease. The article recognizes medicinal plants traditionally used to treat fever, linking their immune-boosting properties to cancer prevention and highlighting the holistic approach taken in many natural medicine practices.

43) Death:
Death, as a result of cancer, represents the ultimate consequence of untreated or aggressive disease. The article underscores the importance of finding effective natural remedies from plants to combat cancer, aiming to improve prognosis and quality of life for patients.

44) Viti (Vīti, Viṭi, Vīṭi, Vīṭī):
The term 'Viti' appears to be incorrectly referenced but could refer to 'Vitis,' indicating grape. The connection lies in the emphasis on certain plants like grapevine that possess anti-cancer properties, necessitating accurate nomenclature in scientific discourse.

45) Beta (Bēṭa, Beṭa):
Beta refers to a characterizing compound such as in 'Beta vulgaris' (beet). The article lists various plant species and their components with anti-cancer effects, underscoring the importance of exploring beta and other compounds in medicinal research.

46) Moth:
Moth typically represents an insect but might refer to 'moth cancer.' The review discusses plants with medicinal applications in treating conditions associated with pest destruction, linking pest management and cancer attributes in phytochemical applications.

47) Food:
Food represents the sustenance consumed by organisms, often containing medicinal plants. The article discusses how everyday diets can incorporate anti-cancer medicinal plants, illustrating their role in preventive health through nutrition and phytochemical intake.

48) Life:
Life embodies the biological existence of organisms. The article focuses on enhancing life quality by addressing cancer through natural remedies and emphasizes the connection between healthy lifestyles and the consumption of plant-based products in disease prevention.

49) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain is a distressing feeling often encountered in various health conditions, including cancer. The article discusses how some medicinal plants provide analgesic properties, thus contributing to the management of pain, improving overall patient comfort during treatment.