Anticancer properties of polyphenolic compounds in two plants, Ruellia simplex C. Wright and Oenothera speciosa Nutt

Abstract

Plant polyphenols have attracted increasing attention due to their strong antioxidant properties and their obvious effects in the prevention of various diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cancer. Polyphenols have many anticancer properties, including inhibitory effects on proliferation. Cancer cells show tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, and induction of apoptosis. In addition, they can modulate the immune system response and protect normal cells from free radical damage. Naturally, phenolics range in structure from a very simple phenolic molecule to a complex polymer. This article aims to investigate the phenolic compounds found in plants, especially two plants, Ruellia (simplex C. Wright) and evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa Nutt), and their role in cancer prevention. In the last few years, identifying and developing of phenolic compounds or extracts from various plants has become a significant area of research related to health and medicine.