Roles of Medicinal Plants and Constituents in Gynecological Cancer Therapy: Current Literature and Future Directions

Abstract

: Gynecologic cancers, including cervical, primary peritoneal, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers and gestational trophoblastic disease, are characterized by abnormal cell proliferation in female reproductive cells. Due to the variable pathology of these cancers and the lack of appropriate screening tests in developing countries, cancer diagnosis can be reported in advanced stages in most women and this situation adversely affects prognosis and clinical outcomes of illness. For this reason, many researchers in the field of gynecological oncology have carried out many studies. The treatment of various gynecological problems, which cause physical, biological and psychosocial conditions such as fear, shame, blame and anger, has been important throughout the history. Treatment with herbs has become popular nowadays due to the serious side effects of the synthetic drugs used in treatment and the medical and economical problems caused by them. Many scientists have identified various active drug substances through in vivo and in vitro biological activity studies on medicinal plants from the past to the present. While the intrinsic complexity of natural productbased drug discoveries requires highly integrated interdisciplinary approaches, scientific and technological advances and research trends clearly show that natural products will be among the most important new drug sources in the future. In this review, an overview of the studies conducted for the discovery of multitargeted drug molecules in the rational treatment of gynecological cancers is presented.

Zimbro (Juniperus communis L.) as a Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds and Biomedical Activities: A Review on Recent Trends

“…Advances in clinical research and quality control have shown a greater value of herbal medicine in the treatment and overcoming of many diseases. Recent works report promising potential regarding the use of plants in the treatment and/or prevention of several hard-to-cure diseases, such as atherosclerosis [ 5 , 6 ], cancer [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 7 , 8 ], cardiovascular diseases [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], diabetes [ 8 , 13 , 14 ], and neurological disorders [ 4 , 15 , 16 ], among others.…”

Black Elder and Its Constituents: Molecular Mechanisms of Action Associated with Female Reproduction

“…Subfertility affects many more people [3][4][5]. Moreover, gynecological cancers are the key cause of mortality in women [6]. Biotechnology in animal production (from artificial insemination to generation of transgenic organisms) is focused on reproductive processes; therefore, its development requires a search for new regulators and medicines affecting these processes [7].…”

“…Oxidative stress can be prevented by antioxidants [4]. The most natural, accessible and inexpensive sources of antioxidants, which can affect reproductive processes and prevent numerous reproductive disorders, are plants [6,8]. Additionally, because of implications on health, there is a growing interest in the use of plant-based antioxidants in the food industry.…”

Herbal Ingredients in the Prevention of Breast Cancer: Comprehensive Review of Potential Molecular Targets and Role of Natural Products

“…Tissue homeostasis is regulated by the normal functioning of cell division and death. The upregulation in these physiological mechanisms leads to cancer formation [4,5]. Various intrinsic and extrinsic elements might prompt breast cancer and exacerbate the condition [6].…”