Natural Immunomodulators in Cancer Therapy

Cancer is a complex disease, ranking among the top causes of mortality worldwide. There are numerous therapies available however, they are showing limited success in a complete cure. The advanced treatment regime includes immunotherapy that improves the body's natural defences. The approved immunotherapies are imiquimod (Zyclara®), lenalidomide (Revlimid®) pomalidomide (Pomalyst®), and thalidomide (Thalomid®). However, these therapies have severe side effects like nausea, high blood pressure, blood clot, severe allergies, etc. Hence, natural products with immunomodulatory properties are being widely used as adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. Plant secondary metabolites, such as curcumin, resveratrol, zerumbone, quercetin, genistein and betulinic acid, which are used as a member of the cancer medications and possess immunomodulatory potential, have been described in this chapter. We have discussed the mode of action, in vitro, in vivo, formulation studies and plant source of these natural immunomodulators. This chapter also discusses the current state of these pure compounds in context to their development as anticancer treatments in the future.