Plant-derived glycosides in cancer treatment: diverse strategies for tumor suppression

Plant-derived glycosides have emerged as promising candidates for cancer therapy due to their diverse biological activities. These compounds exert their anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, suppression of metastasis, and immune modulation. Cardiac glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, and saponins are among the key types of glycosides showing potential in preclinical studies. By selectively targeting cancer cells, these glycosides demonstrate the ability to induce programmed cell death and interfere with cancer progression without harming normal cells. In addition, their role in inhibiting blood vessel formation and reducing cancer cell spread positions them as valuable components of future cancer treatment strategies. Preclinical evidence, supported by emerging clinical data, underscores the potential of plant-derived glycosides as novel agents in oncology, either as standalone treatments or in combination with conventional therapies. Ongoing research will determine their full therapeutic potential in cancer management.