Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology of Anticancer Plants

Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology have provided a foundational framework for drug discovery emphasizing the therapeutic potential of natural compounds extracted from plants. Indigenous phytotherapy has long been utilized to treat various diseases and associated symptoms through active phytocompounds from ethnomedical plants. As cancer is currently one of the most pressing global health issues, medicinal ethnobotany offers an invaluable source of plant-based anti-cancer research for drug discovery. This chapter encompasses the historical and cultural significance of traditional plants in cancer treatment, highlighting traditional practices from diverse cultures, including Egyptian, Indian, African, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here, key anti-cancer plant species such as Nigella sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Panax ginseng, Zingiber officinale, and Curcuma longa are discussed, that are widely recognized in existing or putative ethnopharmacological studies for their medicinal properties in addressing cancer. Extensive research identified promising bioactive compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, anticancer, and immune-boosting properties. Although ethnopharmacology and modern medicine have successfully collaborated, potential challenges persist, including the need for standardized research protocols, as well as the conservation of indigenous knowledge and plant diversity. Further research should focus on optimizing the therapeutic effects and dosages of indigenous plants and preserving traditional bio-cultural heritage. Collaborative efforts among medical scientists, traditional healers, and policymakers are crucial for advancing plant-based cancer treatments.