the multifactorial anticancer effects of medicinal plants: mechanisms, applications, and future directions in contemporary cancer therapy

Phytochemicals from medicinal plants exhibit potent anti-cancer activities through multiple molecular mechanisms. this review synthesizes recent (2018-2025) evidence on seven herbal plants (curcuma longa, camellia sinensis, taxus spp., catharanthus roseus, allium sativum, berberis spp., and artemisia annua), focusing on their bioactive compounds, anti-cancer pathways (apoptosis, autophagy, anti-angiogenesis, emt inhibition, immune modulation), pharmacokinetics challenges, and synergistic interactions with conventional therapy. specifically, curcuma longa (turmeric) and camellia sinensis (green tea) are emphasized for their bioactive compounds, curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (egcg), respectively, which exhibit significant anti-cancer effects through apoptosis induction, anti-inflammatory actions, and inhibition of tumor progression. despite challenges such as poor solubility and low bioavailability, advancements in nanoparticle delivery systems and combination therapies demonstrate the translational potential of these plant-derived compounds in both human and veterinary oncology. this synthesis highlights the multifaceted therapeutic roles of these natural products and their ability to enhance the efficacy of conventional treatments, thereby supporting their integration into comprehensive cancer care strategies.