Cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, however, the incidence rates are on the rise. Classical treatment modalities for cancer include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, these are associated with detrimental side effects such as nausea and emesis. Therefore, researchers currently vest interest in complementary and alternative medicines for cancer treatment and prevention. Plants such as Syzygium sp. are a common basis of complementary medicines due to its abundance of bioactive phytochemicals. Numerous natural compounds derived from Syzygium sp., such as phenolics, oleanolic acids, and betulinic acids, and dimethyl cardamonins, were reported to have anticancer effects. Many possess the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the vast potential Syzygium sp. harbours as a source of anticancer natural compounds due to its abundance, easy acceptability, affordability and safety for regular consumption.
Keywords: Anticancer; Bioactive compound; Syzygium species.