Chapter 7: Potential of Biobased Technologies in Nutraceuticals for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer Check Access

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although advances have taken place, mainly in relation to diagnosis, care, and preventive tools, the number of cases has been increasing. Plants are important sources of secondary metabolites, such as antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compounds. Several studies have revealed that bioactive compounds from plants have proven to have potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, being considered a rich source of natural compounds with anti-cancer properties. Bioactive compounds from plants can interact with all biological systems currently identified as responsible for tumor development. Furthermore, these compounds can act by inducing cell death through the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, which in turn regulate the metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the main classes of bioactive compounds, the beneficial effect of these compounds in primary cancer prevention, and their potential mechanisms of action.