THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO CANCER BY VEGETABLES WITH ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of human deaths in the world. However, the potential treatment of cancer is still under investigation. In fact, the plants may occupy a good place in the treatment of cancer with no ill effect. The medicinal plants and their products, particularly vegetables have antioxidant activity leading to anticancer effect. Thus, more than 80% people in developing countries depend on traditional medicine or plants for their primary health needs. Plants used as vegetables prevent human from several diseases, including cancer. Many doctors recommend that people wish to reduce the risk of cancer must eat several portions of vegetables every day. The vegetables contain many phytochemicals having antioxidant activity. The antioxidants protect the cells from damage caused by ‘free oxygen radicals’. The main phytochemicals which show antioxidant activity are vitamins, carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, enzymes and minerals. Hence, the present article gives a better therapeutic approach to cancer by the maximum use of antioxidant vegetables against different cancers.