Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants as Therapeutic Agents in Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide, with androgen deprivation therapy eventually failing due to castration resistance. Phytocompounds offer promising chemopreventive and therapeutic options through multi-targeted mechanisms and favorable safety profiles. This review examines key anti-prostate cancer plant-derived compounds, including those extracted from Tamarix articulata,Castanea sativa, Paris forrestii,Crateva adansonii, Biarum bovei, Curcuma Longa, Ipomoea batatas, Moringa oleifera,  Dracocephalum palmatum, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Euodia ruticarpa, and Erythrina excelsa. These agents inhibit androgen receptor signaling, downregulate prostate-specific antigen expression, induce apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB pathway suppression, trigger cell cycle arrest, inhibit metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition reversal and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition, and sensitize cells to enzalutamide/docetaxel. Studies demonstrate that these phytocompounds delay prostate-specific antigen progression and improve quality of life. Enhanced bioavailability via nanoparticle delivery further strengthens translational potential. Phytocompounds represent valuable adjuvant strategies for both hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer management.