Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Alphonseasclerocarpa Thaw. (Annonaceae family): Potential for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive compounds found in plants that greatly influence its flavour and colour. These biologically active substances are known for their potential health advantages in the prevention of numerous diseases, including cancer. They are categorised into five primary groups: phenolics, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, nitrogen-containing compounds, and alkaloids. The genus Alphonseasclerocarpa Thwaites (Annonaceae) includes species distributed widely in the tropical areas. Whole plant of A. sclerocarpa is traditionally believed for its eminent therapeutic benefits. Despite its medicinal properties the plant seems to be less explored and hence this research aims at exploring the Pharmacognostical parameters for standardization. The aim of this review article is to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of A. sclerocarpa dietary phytochemicals, including carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and stilbenes (secondary metabolites), in the treatment and prevention of cancer, using data from clinical trials and epidemiological research. Most available clinical trials were unable to replicate the significant benefits of increased consumption of phytochemicals and elevated serum levels of these compounds, despite most epidemiological studies reporting a link between increased exposure and a lower cancer risk across most cancer types. Many these trials were terminated early for lack of data or safety concerns. Even with phytochemicals' potent anticancer effects and numerous epidemiological studies demonstrating their effectiveness, human studies and clinical trials are still desperately needed, with extra consideration applied to safety precautions. An overview of the epidemiological and clinical data pertaining to phytochemicals plants exhibit a potent anticancer activity for the development of drug discovery techniques.