Phytochemicals, naturally occurring compounds found in plants, have garnered significant attention for their potential in preventing and managing various diseases, including lung cancer. Among the diverse classes of phytochemicals, polyphenols stand out due to their antioxidant and prooxidant properties. These compounds, such as the phenolic component piperine from Piper nigrum and Piper longum, have demonstrated cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on lung cancer cells. Common sources of phytochemicals include fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, which have traditionally been used for their medicinal properties. Phytochemicals exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and cell-cycle inhibition actions. For instance, antioxidants like catechin, cyanidin-3 glucoside, and kaempferol help scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby preventing oxidative damage that can lead to cancer. Anti-inflammatory phytochemicals such as resveratrol and curcumin modulate inflammatory pathways, while compounds like quercetin and genistein induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Clinical trials have begun to explore the efficacy of these compounds in enhancing the response to conventional cancer treatments, reducing side effects, and overcoming therapeutic resistance. Despite their promising potential, challenges such as bioavailability, metabolism, and safety must be addressed to fully integrate phytochemicals into clinical practice. Advances in nanotechnology and formulation improvements offer potential solutions to these challenges, paving the way for safer and more effective cancer therapies.

KEYWORDS: Phytochemicals, Lung Cancer, Polyphenols, Antioxidants, Anti-inflammatory, Apoptosis, Clinical Trials, Bioavailability, Nanotechnology, Cancer Therapy.