Exploring the Phytochemicals and Anti-Cancer Potential of the Members of Fabaceae Family: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cancer is the second-ranked disease and a cause of death for millions of people around the world despite many kinds of available treatments. Phytochemicals are considered a vital source of cancer-inhibiting drugs and utilize specific mechanisms including carcinogen inactivation, the induction of cell cycle arrest, anti-oxidant stress, apoptosis, and regulation of the immune system. Family Fabaceae is the second most diverse family in the plant kingdom, and species of the family are widely distributed across the world. The species of the Fabaceae family are rich in phytochemicals (flavonoids, lectins, saponins, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids), which exhibit a variety of health benefits, especially anti-cancer properties; therefore, exploration of the phytochemicals present in various members of this family is crucial. These phytochemicals of the Fabaceae family have not been explored in a better way yet; therefore, this review is an effort to summarize all the possible information related to the phytochemical status of the Fabaceae family and their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, various research gaps have been identified with directions for future research.

Phenolic Compounds from New Natural Sources—Plant Genotype and Ontogenetic Variation

“…Polyphenols, as natural antioxidants, inhibit the oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, thus preventing the initiation of oxidative chain reactions. These compounds can significantly reduce the risk and incidence of cancer by scavenging unstable molecules that could initiate carcinogenicity [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ]. In vitro plant cell cultures could serve as a good source of PCs with different cytotoxic activity towards normal and cancer cells [ 51 ].…”

Phytochemical, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activities of leaf methanolic extract of Lai (Durio kutejensis), the endemic plant of Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…Meanwhile, the ability of flavonoids to reduce free radicals depends on the free OH group, especially the 3-OH group. Previous studies reported that phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory (Brezani et al 2018), anticarcinogenic (Usman et al 2022), and anti-atherogenic activities (Othman et al 2020). Kumar and Pandey (2013) revealed that flavonoid compounds have antiinflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-coronary heart disease, and hepatoprotective activities.…”

Anti-Cancer Role of Cassia alata Leaf Extract in a Rat Model of Lung Cancer

“…The Fabaceae family is the second most widespread family in the plant kingdom, with species found worldwide. The Fabaceae family contains a high concentration of phytochemicals (flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, alkaloids, lectins, and carotenoids) which have a variety of health benefits, notably anti-cancer activities [13]. Fabaceae as Fava beans restrictions for people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are historically known to provoke severe acute hemolytic anemia in individuals with G6PD deficiency [14].…”