A REVIEW ON: ANTICANCER PLANTS

Cancer is major health problem in both developed and developing countries. Cancer after cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death. Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in our bodies that can lead to death. Because of high death rate associated with cancer and because of serious side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, many cancer patients seek alternative complementary methods of treatment. Medicinal herbs play an important role in primary health care system among rural population since synthetic anti-cancer remedies are beyond the reach of common man because of the cost factor. The herbal medicines have a vital role in the prevention and treatment of cancer which execute their therapeutic effect by inhibiting cancer activating enzymes and hormones, stimulating DNA repair mechanism, promoting production of protective enzymes inducing anti-oxidant action and enhancing immunity