Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the number of deaths is continuously rising. Tumor cells have lost their normal regulation of proliferation and cell death. Carcinogenesis is a series of events resulting in excessive cell division and tumor formation. The tumor affects the surrounding tissues and may spread to other parts of the body through the blood circulation. Natural drugs have been used in traditional systems of different cultures for centuries. In several parts of the world, consumption of plants due to their health benefits has been part of tradition folk medicine. Plant-derived compounds can be characterized as potential sources for antioxidants, antibiotics and anticancer agents. Substances that exhibit antitumor properties belong to various chemical groups and can be obtained through extraction from the plant or with biotechnological tools to produce plant-derived compounds.