Recent advancements in natural compounds for cancer therapy and prevention

Even after a century of substantial advancements in oncology medicines, cancer still ranks as one of the top causes of death worldwide. As a result, there is an ongoing and pressing need for the development of new cancer drugs. Natural compounds and their semi-synthetic derivatives continue to show promise as potential therapeutic leads, due to their high chemical diversity, biochemical specificity, significant molecular activities, and pharmacological properties. They serve as excellent starting points for the discovery of new drugs, inspiring new breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, and medicine. In recent years, scientists have made significant advancements in the development of naturally occurring or partly synthesized analogues with improved bioactivity, simpler synthetic targets and reduced toxicity. This review aims to summarize the importance and biological actions of natural compounds identified form plants and their role in prevention of cancer treatment.