Therapeutic Anticancer Drugs: Plant-Derived Sources and Applications explores the important role of plants in the discovery and development of anticancer medicines. It highlights how natural compounds obtained from medicinal plants have contributed to modern cancer therapy and continue to provide promising candidates for new treatments.

This book presents a broad overview of plant-derived anticancer compounds, including their chemical characteristics, biological activities, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential. Particular attention is given to bioactive substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, and other phytochemicals that can interfere with cancer development and progression. These compounds may act through different mechanisms, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis, and modulation of signaling pathways involved in tumor growth.

An important strength of the book is its connection between traditional medicinal knowledge and modern pharmaceutical research. It demonstrates how plants used historically for medicinal purposes can serve as sources for scientifically validated therapeutic agents. The book also discusses the challenges associated with developing plant-derived drugs, such as toxicity, bioavailability, standardization, drug interactions, and the need for clinical evaluation. This book illustrates the potential of plant-derived substances to complement existing therapies and contribute to future innovations in cancer treatment.
It is suitable for students, researchers, pharmacists, pharmacologists, and healthcare professionals interested in learning more about natural products and cancer pharmacotherapy. It emphasizes the continuing importance of plant biodiversity in drug discovery and shows how advances in biotechnology, pharmacology, and molecular research can help transform natural compounds into effective anticancer treatments.

Key Features

• Comprehensively explores the botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects of plants with anticancer potential.
• Examines the complete pathway from identification of bioactive compounds and preclinical research to clinical trials, drug formulation, and regulatory approval.
• Evidence-based discussion of mechanisms of action, clinically relevant plant-derived drugs, therapeutic applications, safety, toxicity, and herb–drug interactions.
• Highlights emerging approaches including biotechnology, genetic engineering, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and biodiversity conservation.

These features position the book as a multidisciplinary scientific resource for students, researchers, pharmacists, physicians, and professionals interested in medicinal plants and modern cancer therapy.

Ioana Stanciu working at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry has a 23 years experience in teaching and conducting research on the study of polymers used as additives for lubricating oils, the rheological behavior of vegetable oils and mineral oils added to polymers. Ioana Stanciu is the author of 116 books in fields such as rheology, chemistry, physics, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, structure, medicine, theology translated into German, Spanish, French, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, 19 chapters and has the recognition of publishing 221 works in the field of physical chemistry. Ioana Stanciu is the editor of several international magazines. He has presented over 29 national research papers of which 5 research papers at international conferences. He has earned over 506 diplomas awarded nationally and internationally. Ioana Stanciu is a member of the Romanian Society of Rheology, International Academy of Science and Engineering for Development (China), Word Academy of Sciences (Italy), World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (USA), International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development (India), The Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and editor-in-chief of the European Journal of Rheology from July 2023.

Dr. Ioana Stanciu obtained her PhD degree in Chemistry in 2008 for the study of mineral oil polymer additives. Since 2005 has participated in numerous national and international conferences, has papers publishing in journals national and international for study multi-grade oils, canola oils and sunflower oil.