Targeting Redox Homeostasis of Tumor Cells by Therapeutic Compounds in Cancer: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Cancer is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The role of oxidative stress in tumor progression and metastasis has been under focus since the last two decades, suggesting the importance of redox balance upon which cancer cells thrive to promote oncogenic phenotype. Therefore, it is highly warranted to develop therapies that can disrupt the fine-tuned intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance of tumor cells. Even though classical chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and many FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs modulate ROS levels, the associated side effects make it worthwhile to explore alternative options. Various compounds of natural origin have high efficacy and minimum side effects and pose a low risk of recurrence. This chapter has been compiled to give a thorough account of medicinal plants of Indian origin that have been implicated in ROS modulation and their potential applications in clinical settings. � Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.