Landmark analysis identifies 12 natural compounds with broad anti-cancer activity, consistently targeting core pathways such as cell death, immune evasion, metabolic dysfunction, and metastasis.
To build this analysis, they examined results from over 1,100 studies since 2019: in vitro experiments (cancer cell lines), in vivo tumor models (mouse xenografts, orthotopic tumors, chemically induced cancers, zebrafish models), ex vivo mechanistic assays, and modern omics platforms.
THE 12 NATURAL ANTI-CANCER COMPOUNDS
1. Apigenin (Chamomile)
2. Artemisinin (Sweet Wormwood)
3. Berberine (Coptis / Goldenseal)
4. Curcumin (Turmeric)
5. Emodin (Rhubarb Root / Japanese Knotweed)
6. EGCG (Green Tea)
7. Ginsenosides (Ginseng)
8. Icariin / Icaritin (Horny Goat Weed)
9. Resveratrol (Grapes / Berries)
10. Silibinin (Milk Thistle)
11. Triptolide (Thunder God Vine)
12. Ursolic Acid (Apples / Basil / Rosemary)
Although the review does not provide detailed clinical trial outcomes, it assembles one of the most comprehensive collections of preclinical evidence ever compiled on how natural compounds act on cancer.
Study after study—across cell lines, xenografts, and diverse tumor models—shows these molecules striking the same core pathways that drive tumor progression, resistance, and immune escape.
Multiple early-stage and mid-stage clinical trials are already underway for some of these compounds.
With cancer rates rising worldwide, these well-tolerated, multi-pathway natural compounds should be advanced into rigorous clinical testing to fully determine their therapeutic potential in human disease.
