Phytochemical Horizons in Anticancer Drug Discovery: From Lead Molecules to Clinical Prospects

In the present day, there is a great concern about the second deadliest disease, cancer. An enormous number of mortalities rate is increasing every year because of cancer despite a few inter-cessions accessible. Advancements in potency with fewer side effects make anticancer treatment a promising area of drug development. Phytochemicals can be potent in this manner. These bioactive natural products are unique and target malignant cells differentially, with little alteration in normal cells. Phytochemicals exhibit pleiotropic activity and, more specifically, are among the most promis-ing candidates for advanced cancer therapy. This chapter summarises the various lead anticancer phytochemicals and the complex drug development processes associated with natural products. We discuss the specific challenges encountered during the discovery and development of anti-malignant phytochemicals, as well as the current clinical landscape. By examining successful transitions of dif-ferent phytochemicals from lead molecules to clinical candidates, this review highlights the scope and potential of plant-derived compounds in revolutionising the treatment of cancer. This review highlights the scope and potential of plant-derived compounds to revolutionise cancer treatment.