ABSTRACT
Plant-derived phytomedicals are being gradually considered as beneficial complementary treatments for various diseases such as cancer. Substances obtained from plants which are ranged in a diverse group of compounds can be found in fruits, vegetables, spices, as well as medicinal plants naturally. The species Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae), which is originally distributed in Asia and Europe, is broadly cultivated worldwide. Anvirzel, which is an obtained extract from Nerium oleander has so far been undergoing for clinical trials to test whether there are treating properties over some, disorders specially cancer. N. oleander includes some important cardiac glycosides with therapeutical potentials. It has also become important for anticancer activity due to one of its cardio-tonic constituents, namely oleandrin which was found to be an active stimulator of heart function with diuretic effect. Oleandrin also possesses anti-inflammatory, tumor cell growth-inhibitory effects as well. The target of this chapter was to discuss the current state of knowledge concerning the different therapeutical aspects of few extracts of N. Oleander. Apart from this, further information was added regarding to the useful effects of oleandrin upon some special cancers in the present chapter.
