Epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a target for botanicals in cancer metastasis

Abstract Background The plant kingdom represents an unlimited source of phytotherapeutics with promising perspectives in the field of anticancer drug discovery. Purpose In this view, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a novel and major target in anticancer therapy. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide an updated overview on the bioactive phytochemicals with anti-EMT activity. Conclusion Among the plant products reviewed, phenylpropanoids were the most investigated at preclinical phase, thus exhibiting a promising potential as anticancer drugs, though an evidence-based clinical efficacy is still lacking.