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Volume 16, Issue 2 (8-2026)
cmja 2026, 16(2): 0-0 |
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Hosseini-Koupaei M, Mohamadi Farsani م ف, SattariJahani N, Abbasi S. A Review of Herbal Medicine-Based Strategies for Breast Cancer Treatment. cmja 2026; 16 (2)
URL: http://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-1091-en.html
URL: http://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-1091-en.html
Mansoore Hosseini-Koupaei1 
, محمدی فارسانی Mohamadi Farsani *2 , Negar SattariJahani3 , Shabnam Abbasi4
, محمدی فارسانی Mohamadi Farsani *2 , Negar SattariJahani3 , Shabnam Abbasi4
1- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naghshejahan Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Naghshejahan Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran ,f.mohamadi@naghshejahan.ac.ir
3- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Naghshejahan Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran
4- Department of Biology Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Naghshejahan Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran ,
3- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Naghshejahan Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran
4- Department of Biology Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (29 Views)
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and complex malignancies among women worldwide. Its molecular heterogeneity and multiple genetic mutations influence a wide range of biological pathways. Although conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are effective, they are often associated with significant adverse effects. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward medicinal plants and plant‑derived bioactive compounds as part of complementary and alternative medicine for breast cancer management.
Methods: This study was conducted as a comprehensive literature review. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2002 and 2026. The search used keywords such as “breast cancer,” “medicinal plants,” “herbal medicine,” and “secondary metabolites.” After removing duplicate and irrelevant studies and evaluating journal credibility, a total of 66 relevant articles were selected for detailed analysis.
Results: The findings indicate that various plant‑derived bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and phytoestrogens, exhibit significant anticancer activities. These compounds act through multiple mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis, cell‑cycle arrest, immune modulation, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of cancer‑related signaling pathways. Several medicinal plants, including Ganoderma lucidum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Urtica dioica, and Salvia officinalis, have demonstrated antiproliferative and antitumor effects in experimental studies. Furthermore, combining herbal therapies with conventional chemotherapy may enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing drug‑related side effects.
Methods: This study was conducted as a comprehensive literature review. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2002 and 2026. The search used keywords such as “breast cancer,” “medicinal plants,” “herbal medicine,” and “secondary metabolites.” After removing duplicate and irrelevant studies and evaluating journal credibility, a total of 66 relevant articles were selected for detailed analysis.
Results: The findings indicate that various plant‑derived bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and phytoestrogens, exhibit significant anticancer activities. These compounds act through multiple mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis, cell‑cycle arrest, immune modulation, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of cancer‑related signaling pathways. Several medicinal plants, including Ganoderma lucidum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Urtica dioica, and Salvia officinalis, have demonstrated antiproliferative and antitumor effects in experimental studies. Furthermore, combining herbal therapies with conventional chemotherapy may enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing drug‑related side effects.
Keywords: Breast cancer, medicinal plants, secondary metabolites, complementary and alternative medicine, phytotherapy.
Type of Study: Review Paper |
Subject:
Medicinal Plants
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