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Volume 16, Issue 2 (8-2026)
cmja 2026, 16(2): 130-143 |
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Hosseini-Koupaei M, Mohamadi Farsani F, SattariJahani N, Abbasi S. A Review of Herbal Medicine-Based Strategies for Breast Cancer Treatment. cmja 2026; 16 (2) :130-143
URL: http://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-1091-en.html
URL: http://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-1091-en.html
1- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naghshejahan Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Biology, 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, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Biology, 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, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (416 Views)
Introduction: Breast cancer remains a primary cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Despite the efficacy of conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, these treatments are limited by drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and reduced patient quality of life. The present study systematically reviews the therapeutic and preventive potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive metabolites in breast cancer treatment.
Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted by searching databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Sixty-seven high-quality studies were selected to analyze the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and translational potential of various plant-derived compounds, categorized into therapeutic, chemo-preventive, and chemotherapy-enhancing agents.
Results: The findings demonstrate that plant-derived metabolites, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, effectively disrupt microtubule dynamics and induce apoptosis. Compounds such as curcumin, artemisinin, and plumbagin further exhibit anti-tumorigenic properties by modulating signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, phytoestrogens and various plant extracts show promise in reducing cancer risk and mitigating treatment-related side effects. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology, such as lipid-based carriers, have significantly addressed the challenge of low bioavailability, particularly enhancing the potency of bioactive compounds in aggressive subtypes (e.g., Triple-Negative Breast Cancer).
Conclusion: Medicinal plants represent a promising complementary strategy for breast cancer treatment. However, since most current evidence is preclinical, future research must prioritize well-designed clinical trials, standardized dosage protocols, and comprehensive toxicity evaluations. The integration of phytotherapy with nanomedicine and bioinformatics is essential for developing safer, more targeted, and effective plant-based anticancer therapeutics for clinical integration.
Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted by searching databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Sixty-seven high-quality studies were selected to analyze the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and translational potential of various plant-derived compounds, categorized into therapeutic, chemo-preventive, and chemotherapy-enhancing agents.
Results: The findings demonstrate that plant-derived metabolites, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, effectively disrupt microtubule dynamics and induce apoptosis. Compounds such as curcumin, artemisinin, and plumbagin further exhibit anti-tumorigenic properties by modulating signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, phytoestrogens and various plant extracts show promise in reducing cancer risk and mitigating treatment-related side effects. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology, such as lipid-based carriers, have significantly addressed the challenge of low bioavailability, particularly enhancing the potency of bioactive compounds in aggressive subtypes (e.g., Triple-Negative Breast Cancer).
Conclusion: Medicinal plants represent a promising complementary strategy for breast cancer treatment. However, since most current evidence is preclinical, future research must prioritize well-designed clinical trials, standardized dosage protocols, and comprehensive toxicity evaluations. The integration of phytotherapy with nanomedicine and bioinformatics is essential for developing safer, more targeted, and effective plant-based anticancer therapeutics for clinical integration.
Keywords: Breast cancer, medicinal plants, secondary metabolites, complementary and alternative medicine, phytotherapy.
Type of Study: Review Paper |
Subject:
Medicinal Plants
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