The Effect of Plant-derived Compounds in Targeting Cancer Stem Cells

Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation ability. Furthermore, CSCs are resistant to chemoradiotherapy due to their high level of detoxifying enzymes, strong DNA repair abilities, and high drug efflux capacity. Objective Therefore, CSCs are supposed to account for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. Methods In this regard, the development of CSC targeting therapies and discoveries of drugs that can target and eradicate the CSCs has been recognized as a promising approach to improve cancer survival rate or even to cure patients with cancers.  The content of this article is a review of 100 articles published in prestigious international journals. Search in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were conducted using keyword combinations of “cancer stem cell,” “phytochemical,” “cancer therapy,” “chemotherapy,” and “radiotherapy.” This review aims to provide an overview of CSCs properties, their molecular mechanisms, and related signaling pathways involved in their chemoradiotherapy resistance. Also, we are going to discuss some important phytochemicals and their mechanism for targeting CSCs.  Findings According to many research studies, using plant-derived compounds in the treatment of cancer can have synergistic effects on chemo-medications.  Conclusion Plant-derived compounds have fewer side effects and can reduce the relapse rate of cancers by targeting cancer stem cells.