Study Of Anticancer Efficacy of Indigenous Indian Medicinal Plants Against Breast Cancer For Affordable Drug Development

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and transformation of normal cells into abnormal cells due to loss of regulatory mechanisms that causes cells evade normal growth and death processes. Cancer cells can invade surrounding tissues. Globally, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and is one of the most significant causes of death. The second most common cause of mortality in women is malignancy and its metastatic state. According to recent global reports, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, resulting in approximately 685,000 deaths. Current projections indicate a 38% increase in incidence and a 68% rise in mortality by 2050. The World Health Organization's (WHO) GBCI aims to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually, potentially saving 2.5 million lives between 2020 and 2040. This initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management. 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), a well-established polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is commonly used to induce breast cancer in experimental rat models. Currently used chemotherapeutic agents like paclitaxel and tamoxifen are the most commonly used drugs against cancer. These chemotherapeutic agents are costly and have very intense side effects along with their limitations. The quest for safer and more affordable alternatives has sparked renewed interest in ancient Indian medicinal plants, as documented in traditional texts like Vedas and Ayurveda under the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). These plant-based therapies possess bioactive compounds with known anticancer potential. This study focuses on evaluating the anticancer efficacy of selected ancient Indian medicinal plant extracts against breast cancer, particularly in the context of 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma models. Our preliminary findings indicate that certain medicinal plant extracts exhibit promising anticancer activity with fewer side effects, highlighting their potential as cost-effective, natural alternatives to conventional treatments. Further molecular characterization and clinical studies are required to validate these findings and facilitate the development of affordable, plant-based anticancer drugs.