Anticancerous Properties of Flowers

Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel and effective anticancer therapies. Natural products, including edible and medicinal flowers, have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in combating various diseases, including cancer. Flowers not only elevate culinary attractiveness with their unique scents and wonderful flavours but also serve as reservoirs of health-promoting phytochemicals such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and phenolics. These bioactive compounds exhibit modulatory effects on oxidative stress pathways, apoptotic processes, and inflammatory mediators, contributing to their anticancer properties. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of flower-derived extracts in cytotoxicity, inhibiting tumour growth, and enhancing overall cellular health. The inclusion of these substances in functional foods and nutraceuticals fulfils the rising demand for safe, sustainable, as well as natural medicinal agents. Despite their promise, challenges such as variability in phytochemical composition, the presence of anti-nutritional factors, and toxicity issues underscore the necessity for additional toxicological studies and in vivo research to ensure safety and efficacy. Therefore, the chapter aims to provide an overview about the therapeutic potential of flowers in paving the way for the development of natural, economical, and effective anticancer drugs while enhancing overall human health and well-being.