**1. Introduction**

Plants have been used for the treatment of diseases for centuries ago. Ancient manuscripts of different civilizations show evidence of using herbs as medicine. Now, this system is used in Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha medicines also. According to WHO, 21,000 plant species have the potential to use as medicinal plants [1]. The plant is used as a whole or parts as medicine. The plant contains various chemicals called phytochemicals or phytonutrients, which are primary metabolites or secondary metabolites. These metabolites protect the plants from the attack of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These chemicals are rich in fruits, vegetables, grains,

and other plants. The intake of these plants decreases the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. These chemicals may act as antioxidants or nutrient protectors [2].

Cancer, the abnormal growth of cells that can invade the nearby cells and even spread to other organs called metastasis, which can occur in any part of the body results due to various causes and factor is one of the most dreadful conditions in the world. Common cancer reported are breast, lung, colon, rectum, etc. Among those mentioned types high-mortality rate reported was because of lung cancer. The number of people affected is male [3]. The common treatment methods are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. These treatments are quite expensive and also possess many side effects. These side effects can be reduced by using plant or plant-based drugs. Scientists prove that several plants and their components have the potential to fight against cancer and mechanism of action include cessation of the cell cycle, regulation of the transcription process, induction of autophagy, downregulation of proteins in biochemical pathways, and rupturing of the membrane. Also, it was reported that some chemicals are effective against more than one type of cancer [4].

There are different classes of phytochemicals derived anticancer drugs available on market. The drugs were used as tinctures, tea, powders, decoctions, etc. *In vitro* studies also prove that many plants in different parts of the world possess anticancer properties. Studies should be continued about the *in vivo* experimentation and clinical trials to integrate traditional medicine into modern treatment for the patients.

One among the family which possesses anticancer properties is the Solanaceae family. It is an angiosperm with 102 genera and more than 3000–4000 species of plants. Glycoalkaloids from Solanum species, such as solanine, solasonine, and solanidine, isolated from *Withania somnifera* L. have an anticancer property by arresting the cell cycle. David O Nwke et al. reviewed that Physapubescin B, a withanolide remoted from *Physalis pubescens* L. is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Extracts from *Datura metel* L. also show cell arrest in various studies [5]. The detailed evaluation of the mode of action of these chemicals in the Solanaceae members against cancer growth and multiplication opens a pathway for the future treatment of cancer.
