Phytotherapy as an adjuvant in the treatment and prevention of oral cancer

Abstract

Over time, plant extracts have been used to treat various diseases. Natural products have played an important role in anticancer therapy. Oral cancer is becoming more prevalent in elderly patients. Oral mucositis and xerostomia, induced by cancer therapy, are some of the most distressing morbidities after radio-chemotherapy. Phytochemicals present in fruits, vegetables and grains have a protective effect against the development of cancers. The protective role of phytochemicals may be associated with their antioxidant activity. Herbal remedies are often used alongside conventional treatments to care for cancer patients, with increasing interest in the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Cancer chemoprevention focuses on identifying agents that specifically influence the early stages of cell transformation.