Mustafa Orhan TUNÇEL
Anatolian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - 2025;4(3):210-227
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent type of cancer among women, posing a significant public health challenge due to its increasing incidence and considerable burden on healthcare systems. Although conventional therapies continue to be effective, the emergence of drug resistance, coupled with undesirable side effects and reduced patient quality of life, has prompted greater interest in complementary and alternative treatment modalities. In this context, phytotherapy has gained considerable scientific attention as a promising area of research. This review comprehensively evaluates the therapeutic potential and biochemical mechanisms of selected medicinal plants against breast cancer based on current literature. A total of 18 phytotherapeutic plants known to target breast cancer-associated cellular signaling pathways were identified and analyzed. The active constituents, mechanisms of apoptotic and antiproliferative effects, potential interactions with chemotherapeutic agents, and molecular targets were systematically reviewed. The selected plants primarily modulate key pathways, including NF-kappaB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, JNK, and caspase pathways, thereby suppressing tumor growth, inhibiting metastasis, and enhancing chemotherapeutic efficacy. Several of these plants also demonstrate efficacy in overcoming multidrug resistance. Phytotherapeutic agents are increasingly recognized not only for their complementary roles but also for their potential as standalone therapeutic options in breast cancer management. However, further rigorous experimental and clinical studies are essential to translate these promising findings into practical clinical applications.
