A Comprehensive Review of Commonly Available Anticancer Plants

This comprehensive study explores the anticancer potential of Datura (Datura stramonium), Vinca (Vinca rosea), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), three prominent plants known for their traditional medicinal uses. Datura, often employed for its analgesic and antispasmodic properties, contains alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, which have shown cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Vinca, particularly its alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, has long been utilized in chemotherapy regimens due to its ability to inhibit microtubule formation, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. Ashwagandha, a well-known adaptogen, exhibits anticancer activity through its bioactive compounds, such as withaferin A, which promotes apoptosis, inhibits angiogenesis, and suppresses metastasis in various cancer models. The study synthesizes recent findings from in vitro and in vivo studies to assess the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of these plants, focusing on their potential synergistic interactions, efficacy, and safety profiles. By evaluating their pharmacological properties, this study aims to provide insight into the therapeutic viability of these natural products in cancer treatment.