Natural sources of antineoplastic

Natural sources of antineoplastic compounds refer to substances derived from plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms that possess properties capable of inhibiting or preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells. These compounds are often found in natural products known for their bioactive properties, such as certain herbs, vegetables, fruits, marine organisms, and traditional medicinal plants. Examples include paclitaxel derived from the Pacific yew tree, which interferes with cancer cell division, and vinblastine from the Madagascar periwinkle plant, which disrupts microtubule formation in cancer cells. Natural sources of antineoplastics can also include marine organisms like sea sponges and coral reefs, which produce compounds like cytarabine, used in leukemia treatment.