Natural Small Molecules and Their Anticancer Effects

Cancer is a complex disease caused by several genetic abnormalities and as well as environmental factors. It comprises nearly a hundred types, posing a significant threat to global public health. Worldwide, cancer is the second leading cause of death. In 2020, there were 10 million cancer-related deaths and 19.3 million new cases of cancer worldwide. Despite recent improvements in medical science, there are still problems and obstacles with cancer therapies. Patients’ quality of life is negatively impacted by chemotherapy-induced side effects and the development of resistance in many cancer cells against anticancer medications. Medicinal plants include components that have anticancer properties, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic chemicals. To stop tumor growth, these bioactive substances alter factors that promote proliferation and apoptosis. Novel anticancer medicines have been developed using botanical derivatives as main molecules. Currently, scientists are investigating natural products alone or in conjunction with conventional cancer therapy to avoid medicine resistance, improve quality of life, cure, and prevent cancer. About 90% of pharmaceutical medications are made up of small molecules. Due to their properties and the benefit of rapidly diffusing into cells to reach the target, natural small molecule compounds typically those with a molecular weight (less than 1000 Da) have garnered a lot of interest in drug development. Natural small molecules that block specific proteins in cancer cells can be employed as anticancer medicines in innovative cancer therapies. Thus, the focus of this chapter is on naturally occurring small molecules and their potential to combat cancer.