Cancer versus Nutraceuticals : Theory, Practices and Future Challenges

Chemoprevention is the use of tiny molecules that include nutritional substances or herbal products to avoid cancers. They are different from chemotherapeutics, where synthetic chemicals are used to eliminate or improve cancer progression. Numerous clinical trials have established the efficiency of using raloxifene and tamoxifen (both are oestrogen receptor antagonists), and fenretinide, an artificial retinoid that aids in the defence against mammary cancer. Nutraceuticals, which are generally photochemicals obtained from nutritional or medicinal plants sources like garlic, cauliflower, soya bean, ginger, honey and tea may have chemopreventive properties, which have already been reported through numerous research studies. The genesis of a tumour is a frequently deliberate progression, and the threat of developing cancer increases with age. Changing a diet that includes the intake of useful photochemicals could manipulate the balance and accessibility of dietary chemopreventive agents. This imposes further consideration as to how photochemicals could potentially maintain healthy cells. Providentially, there is an excess of plant-based photochemicals even though a small number of them are well characterised for their use in cancer chemoprevention. Several original approaches to cancer prevention are being studied, some of which are showing a considerable guarantee of saving lives in a cost-effective manner. This reference book consists of eight chapters with different approaches and aspects to cancer prevention. This could be a book of choice for students enrolled in undergraduate & postgraduate medicine, allied health science students as well as for students with futures within Indias healthcare system.