Role of terpenoids as anticancer compounds: An insight into prevention and treatment

The human population is affected by the wide range of malignant cancers. Several cancer treatment options, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and others, are available or within our reach. However, the excessive toxic effects that assimilate the negative impact on patients and thus impede progress in cancer treatment have yet to be identified. Recent efforts in the research and development of anticancer drugs derived from natural products have led to the identification of numerous heterocyclic terpenes that inhibit cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and other mechanisms. The anticancer activity of the terpenoids is quite promising, and it could lead to more opportunities for cancer therapy. The current chapter provides an overview of recent developments in the field of heterocyclic terpenes and their analogues as anticancer compounds. As a result, this provides an overview of the progress made in developing terpenes and analogues as potential anticancer agents, including their synthetic modification, SAR, and action mechanisms. The current studies are hoped to help researchers in increasing their chances of gaining breakthrough insights in the field that can be used in cancer therapeutic practise.