Botanical medicines may prevent or hamper colon carcinogenesis through a variety of mechanisms, such as induction of apoptosis or cell cycle regulation. As evidenced by primary and secondary prevention studies using aspirin, inflammation and COX-2 expression are important drivers of colon carcinogenesis, promoting both the initiation and progression of colon cancer. Some botanical medicines may exert a protective effect by quelling such inflammation. This article reviews pertinent clinical or preclinical evidence for the preventive effects of garlic, curcumin, berberine, Boswellia, ginseng, ginger, resveratrol, and rosmarinic acid, in reference to colorectal cancer. While the data for medicinal plants and their constituents remain largely preclinical, there are several areas of interest that warrant additional study.
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