Phytochemicals in Gynecological Cancer Prevention

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 26;22(3):1219. doi: 10.3390/ijms22031219.

Abstract

Gynecological cancer confers an enormous burden among women worldwide. Accumulating evidence points to the role of phytochemicals in preventing cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Experimental studies emphasize the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of plant-derived substances by inhibiting the early stages of carcinogenesis or improving the efficacy of traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, a number of epidemiological studies have investigated associations between a plant-based diet and cancer risk. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge on the phytochemicals with proven antitumor activity, emphasizing their effectiveness and mechanism of action in gynecological cancer.

Keywords: anticancer; gynecological cancers; phytochemicals.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemoprevention* / methods
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Phytochemicals / chemistry
  • Phytochemicals / classification
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology*
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Polyphenols / chemistry
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology
  • Polyphenols / therapeutic use
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / pharmacology
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Terpenes / chemistry
  • Terpenes / pharmacology
  • Terpenes / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Phytochemicals
  • Polyphenols
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Terpenes