ABSTRACT

Tumor tissue has some small subpopulation of cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These populations are capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and have the unique property to evade radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This subpopulation of cells is the major cause of resistance to current cancer treatments. It is also reported that CSCs are associated with relapse in cancer patients. Compared to the differentiated tumor cells, CSCs have some important distinguishing feature that confers chemoresistance in these cells. Different proteins such as Bcl2, CXCR4, carbonic anhydrase 2, MTH1, CHK1, and VEGFR2 have been reported to be involved in cancer cell stemness. Nowadays, natural products are popular remedies against various diseases including cancer. These products have been reported for their low/nontoxicity and cost-effectiveness. In the present chapter, we have discussed the phytochemistry, natural, synthetic pathways and pharmacological activities of terpenoids with special references to cancer 394cell stemness and anti-cancer property. Furthermore, we also performed in silico studies to identify potent terpenoids active against a protein involved in cancer cell stemness.