This review examines the central role of natural products, particularly medicinal plants, in cancer treatment. These plants contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, which exhibit various anticancer properties. The mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, modulating signaling pathways, and improving the tumor microenvironment. Herbal anti-cancer drugs offer therapeutic advantages, such as selective toxicity against cancer cells and reduced side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. Recent studies and clinical trials highlight the benefits of herbal medicines in alleviating side effects, improving tolerance to chemotherapy, and demonstrating synergistic effects with conventional treatments. Examples include the herbal medicine SH003 and Fucoidan, which have shown potential in treating solid cancers and providing anti-inflammatory benefits, respectively. The current research landscape is extensive, with numerous studies investigating the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of herbal anticancer agents in various cancers. However, challenges remain, including the need for further research into their mechanisms of action, standardization of herbal extracts, and overcoming regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, the promising anticancer effects and therapeutic benefits of natural products warrant further investigation and development. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to advance herbal cancer therapy and integrate these agents into mainstream cancer treatment.This review examines the central role of natural products, particularly medicinal plants, in cancer treatment. These plants contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, which exhibit various anticancer properties. The mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, modulating signaling pathways, and improving the tumor microenvironment. Herbal anti-cancer drugs offer therapeutic advantages, such as selective toxicity against cancer cells and reduced side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. Recent studies and clinical trials highlight the benefits of herbal medicines in alleviating side effects, improving tolerance to chemotherapy, and demonstrating synergistic effects with conventional treatments. Examples include the herbal medicine SH003 and Fucoidan, which have shown potential in treating solid cancers and providing anti-inflammatory benefits, respectively. The current research landscape is extensive, with numerous studies investigating the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of herbal anticancer agents in various cancers. However, challenges remain, including the need for further research into their mechanisms of action, standardization of herbal extracts, and overcoming regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, the promising anticancer effects and therapeutic benefits of natural products warrant further investigation and development. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to advance herbal cancer therapy and integrate these agents into mainstream cancer treatment.