Healing with Herbs: Clinical Implications of Botanicals in Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Saranya Ramsridhar; Chandini Rajkumar; Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan; Arul Prakash Francis; Khadijah Mohideen; Murali Balasubramaniam; Ilanchezhian Jothi Prakaash

Healing with Herbs: Clinical Implications of Botanicals in Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Articles

Abstract

Pharmacognosy Research,2026,18,1,1-13.

DOI:10.5530/pres.20260047

Published:November 2025

Type:Review Article

Authors:

Author(s) affiliations:

Saranya Ramsridhar^1,2,*, Chandini Rajkumar², Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan¹, Arul Prakash Francis¹, Khadijah Mohideen³, Murali Balasubramaniam², Ilanchezhian Jothi Prakaash⁴

¹Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

²Department of Oral Pathology, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

³Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Najran University, Najran, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA.

⁴Department of Orthodontics, Madha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

Abstract:

Background: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) poses a significant global health burden, with conventional treatments often limited by severe side effects and suboptimal efficacy. Botanical drugs have emerged as promising complementary therapies due to their multitargeted mechanisms, low systemic toxicity, and ability to enhance treatment outcomes. This review explores their anticancer potential, mechanisms, and therapeutic applications in OSCC. Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, and clinical relevance of botanical drugs in OSCC treatment and prevention, including their role in managing Oral Mucositis (OM). Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Eligible studies included in vitro experiments on OSCC cell lines, animal models, and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT’s) evaluating botanical drugs for OSCC treatment or chemo-radiotherapy-induced OM, while studies on non-standardized medicinal plant extracts were excluded. The ROBINS-I tool evaluated the risk of bias. Results: Nine studies met inclusion criteria, covering botanical agents such as genistein, curcumin, resveratrol, and Antitumor B (ATB). These compounds exhibited anticancer effects through apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, anti-inflammatory properties, and oxidative stress modulation. APG-157 and nanomicelle curcumin capsules effectively alleviated OM, improving patient quality of life. Challenges included low bioavailability and lack of standardization. Risk of bias was low in four studies and moderate in four. Conclusion: Botanical drugs demonstrate strong potential for OSCC treatment, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer benefits with low systemic toxicity. They may serve as standalone or adjunct therapies, enhancing conventional treatments. However, further large-scale clinical trials and improved formulations are essential for clinical integration.