Apoptotic activities of Mediterranean plants

Abstract

Medicinal plants from the Mediterranean region show great potential in the improvement of health and in the prevention of disease. Epidemiological studies indicate that some of these plants reduce the incidence of inflammatory diseases and cancer by inducing programmed cell death, thus arresting proliferation. These medicinal properties are related to the presence of compounds such as phenolics with antioxidant properties or nonphenolic compounds, including essential oils, terpenoids, or saponins. Our aim is to review role of different medicinal plants and phytochemicals in apoptosis and disease prevention and the mechanism of action implicated in these beneficial effects.