Cancer is a major cause of death and the number of new cases as well as the number of individuals living with cancer is expanding continuously. Nature continues to be the most prolific source of biologically active and diverse chemotypes. Although relatively few of the actual isolated compounds advance to become clinically effective drugs in their own right, these unique molecules often serve as models for the preparation of analogues using chemical methodology such as total or combinatorial synthesis, or manipulation of biosynthetic pathways. Plant derived compounds have played an important role in the development of several clinically useful anticancer agents. These include vinca alkaloids, lignans, terpenoids, quinines and phytochemicals such as flavones, flavonoids, flavonol. Various compounds, isolated from different plant sources, are divided into different types for the development of new drug compounds having activity against different types of cancer. Herein, we reviewed some plant derived active compounds having activity against cancerous cells, which are presently being used or would be used in future for the development of effective drug against different types of cancer, without adverse effects.
