Toxic Phytochemicals and Their Potential Risks for Human Cancer

Abstract

Consuming plants for their presumed health benefits has occurred since early civilizations. Phytochemicals are found in various plants that are frequently included in the human diet and are generally thought to be safe for consumption because they are produced naturally. However, this is not always the case and in fact many natural compounds found in several commonly consumed plants are potential carcinogens or tumor promoters and should be avoided. Cancer Prev Res; 8(1); 1–8. ©2014 AACR.