Role of Botanicals in the Prevention of Cancer

Many cultures have traditions that encompass the use of herbs, spices, and other plants for medicinal purposes. From the ancient past to the present medicinal knowledge has been passed down to new generations in the form of shamans, medicine men, healers, and the like. In the past decade there has been a surge of scientific interest in complementary and alternative medicine, much of which has its origins in traditional medicine. It has been recognized for some time that dietary patterns and content affect cancer risk. Epidemiological studies have strongly suggested that the fruit and vegetable content of the diet associates with reduced risk for colon, lung, prostate, and other cancers. Many different types of cellular mechanisms have been postulated by which compounds in botanicals can prevent cancer. Mechanisms particular to the prevention of colon cancer will be addressed in this review.