Affiliation:
1. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research,Department of Natural Products,Ahmedabad,India,
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease, ranking among the top causes of mortality
worldwide. There are numerous therapies available however, they are showing limited
success in a complete cure. The advanced treatment regime includes immunotherapy
that improves the body's natural defences. The approved immunotherapies are
imiquimod (Zyclara®
), lenalidomide (Revlimid®
) pomalidomide (Pomalyst®
), and
thalidomide (Thalomid®
). However, these therapies have severe side effects like
nausea, high blood pressure, blood clot, severe allergies, etc. Hence, natural products
with immunomodulatory properties are being widely used as adjuvant therapy in cancer
treatment. Plant secondary metabolites, such as curcumin, resveratrol, zerumbone,
quercetin, genistein and betulinic acid, which are used as a member of the cancer
medications and possess immunomodulatory potential, have been described in this
chapter. We have discussed the mode of action, in vitro, in vivo, formulation studies
and plant source of these natural immunomodulators. This chapter also discusses the
current state of these pure compounds in context to their development as anticancer
treatments in the future. <br>
Publisher
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS