Summary
This narrative review synthesises peer-reviewed literature (2020–2025) on solvent-based extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants with reported anticancer properties. Soxhlet and maceration methods emerged as most commonly applied, with extraction strategy and solvent polarity identified as primary drivers of phytochemical profile composition and downstream cytotoxic potency. The authors conclude that whilst solvent-based approaches remain widely utilised, standardisation and hybrid extraction systems are needed to improve reproducibility and translational potential.
Regional applicability
The review is global in scope and does not report original experimental data specific to any geography. Applicability to United Kingdom practice would depend on availability of the source medicinal plants and regulatory frameworks governing herbal medicine development; the findings on extraction chemistry and in vitro anticancer mechanisms are broadly transferable but require context-specific validation and safety assessment before clinical application.
Key measures
Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values; phytochemical classes (phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids); extraction methods (Soxhlet, maceration, percolation, decoction, infusion, hydro-distillation); solvent polarity; anticancer mechanisms
Outcomes reported
The review evaluated solvent-based extraction techniques for recovering bioactive compounds from medicinal plants with anticancer properties, synthesising evidence on extraction methods, phytochemical profiles, and reported cytotoxic potency across multiple cancer models. IC50 values ranged from 0.12 to 30,000 µg/mL, with anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, and reactive oxygen species-mediated cytotoxicity.
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