A short review on anticancer investigations of Strychnos nux-vomica

Herbs used in traditional medicine have provided a nidus for the discovery of various new molecules having therapeutic viability. With the advent of various diseases, the science has also armed itself to combat the everevolving family of diseases with the help of these new molecules. Cancer is one such area which has limited scope for management through conventional therapy. Recent research advances in herbal medicine have opened new horizons in the medicinal chemistry sector. Nux-vomica, a medicinal plant, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Recently, this plant has been extensively researched on for its anti-cancer potential. By the virtue of the alkaloids, viz., strychnine and brucine in nux-vomica, it has shown promising results as an anticancer agent. The present review paper will comprehend such research including their possible mechanism of action.