Unmasking the potential role of plant-based medicine “Plumbagin” in oral cancer—A Novel Paradigm

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a deadly disease affecting 185 countries with about 10 million deaths worldwide. Barring high cost, modern cancer treatment and allopathic medicines are double-edged sword due to the side effects which is a major concern to worry; therefore, the time has come to look for plant-based herbal treatment like Plumbagin. Objectives: To enlighten the role of Plumbagin in cancer treatment, to highlight the much-needed plant extract Plumbagin for oral cancer treatment, and to encourage the further research on medicinal plants that result in the discovery of potent anticancer agent. Methodology: Literature search was accomplished using Google-scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, and Scopus databases. Data were collected by electronic and manual search. The articles were scrutinized carefully and those which were not relevant to our search were omitted. The data were compiled depicting the role of Plumbagin in different types of cancer and cancer cell lines in general and oral cancer in particular. Results: In vitro and in vivo studies of Plumbagin have shown anti-oncogenic properties in almost all types of cancer of the body. But only a few in vitro studies and in vivo studies have been conducted to prove its anticancer potential in oral cancer. Conclusion: Plant-based medicines are being increasingly recognized as useful complementary treatments for cancer as they are most suited, safe, cost-effective, and easily biodegradable with no significant side-effects. Plumbagin is one such phytocompound that has immense anti-oncogenic medicinal and therapeutic properties. There is an urgent need to do more studies on this novel drug for oral cancer. Additionally, clinical studies are also required for the evolution of Plumbagin as anticancer drug for oral cancer.