Nutrition and cancer: the herbal revolution

There is growing evidence that compounds of plant origin have the ability t o prevent cancer. Populations with greater reliance on fruits and vegetable s in the diet experience a reduced risk for the major cancers. Research has focused on specific micronutrients and nonnutrient compounds that may have health benefits, The term phytochemical means any compound of plant origin . This review focuses on the cancer-preventive aspects of phytochemicals an d their mechanisms of action. The term phytomedicine applies to the health- maintaining aspects of these compounds and their implications for raising t he standard of public health.