Alternative Medicine in Treatment of Oral Cancer: Insights and Advances

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) continues to pose a major clinical challenge, with limited treatment options that are often associated with significant toxicity and poor long-term outcomes. While conventional therapies remain the cornerstone of care, increasing attention is being given to alternative medicines for their potential role in targeted, integrative cancer therapy. This review explores the emerging evidence surrounding 21 alternative medications that exhibit anti-cancer properties against OSCC, focusing on their mechanisms of action, current research status, and future clinical applicability. A non-systematic review of English-language literature was conducted using MeSH terms related to oral cancer and alternative medicine. Studies were selected based on relevance to pharmacological action, therapeutic targets, and translational potential. Agents such as curcumin, celastrol, saffron, and quercetin demonstrate multi-targeted effects, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of tumor proliferation, modulation of inflammatory and immune pathways, and epigenetic regulation. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, most studies remain in early experimental phases. Bioavailability challenges and lack of standardized formulations present significant barriers to clinical integration. Notably, the absence of traditional medicine practitioners in current research limits practical implementation. Alternative medicines hold substantial promise as adjuncts in oral cancer therapy. Their full potential will only be realized through rigorous clinical research, improved delivery systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This review highlights the need to reimagine cancer care by integrating alternative medicine into modern oncology.