Apoptosis, the cell's natural mechanism for programmed cell death, is a promising target for anticancer therapy. Both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis involve caspases, which cleave proteins to initiate cell death. In cancer, the apoptotic pathway is often inhibited through various mechanisms, leading to intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy. Plant-derived compounds, such as curcumin, have shown promise in activating the apoptotic pathway and are non-toxic to healthy cells, making them potential new treatments. Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has been found to inhibit BCL-2 proteins, increase BAX and BAK expression, and promote apoptosis. Other plant-derived compounds, like graviola, black cohosh, and quercetin, also exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis. These compounds offer a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which often have high toxicity and resistance. Targeting the apoptotic pathway provides a universal approach to cancer therapy, as it is not specific to the type of cancer.Apoptosis, the cell's natural mechanism for programmed cell death, is a promising target for anticancer therapy. Both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis involve caspases, which cleave proteins to initiate cell death. In cancer, the apoptotic pathway is often inhibited through various mechanisms, leading to intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy. Plant-derived compounds, such as curcumin, have shown promise in activating the apoptotic pathway and are non-toxic to healthy cells, making them potential new treatments. Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has been found to inhibit BCL-2 proteins, increase BAX and BAK expression, and promote apoptosis. Other plant-derived compounds, like graviola, black cohosh, and quercetin, also exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis. These compounds offer a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which often have high toxicity and resistance. Targeting the apoptotic pathway provides a universal approach to cancer therapy, as it is not specific to the type of cancer.