Vol. 9, Issue 8 (2020)

Author(s):
Rani Sebastian, Dr. B Jaykar and Dr. V Gomathi

Abstract:
Cancer is a general term used for a large group of diseases, whose causes, characteristics and occurrence can vary greatly. Treatment of cancer is almost successful with chemotherapeutic agents but different treatment modalities have severe side effects. Plants possess many phytochemicals and these phytochemicals have a significant role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The family Fabaceae includes a number of important agriculture and food plants. Traditionally the herbs of Fabaceae family have been used in the treatment of a number of diseases. Various phytochemicals present in Fabaceae family includes isoflavones, lectins, saponins and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals act as antioxidants and can be used in the treatment and prevention of various oxidative stress diseases like cancer and cardiovascular problems. This review emphasizes on various plants present in Fabaceae family and their anticancer potential.