Emerging role of Saikosaponin A in tumor therapy and tumor microenvironment immunomodulation

Saikosaponin A(SSA), a type of saponin compound, is extracted from Bupleurum and is the main active component of this plant. Recent studies have shown that SSA plays important roles in tumor therapy and tumor microenvironment (TME) immunomodulation. Although many new experimental studies on SSA in tumor treatment and immune regulation have been reported, the reviews about its role in tumor treatment and TME are relatively limited. Therefore, this review elaborates the anti-tumor effects of SSA in tumors and their potential mechanisms, including anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis and ferroptosis, inhibition of metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, inhibition of glycolysis and drug resistance, etc. Moreover, this review reveals the roles of SSA in the TME, points out its regulation on tumor immune cells and cytokines, and clarifies the advantages, limitations and challenges of SSA in tumor treatment. In conclusion, this review summarizes the roles of SSA in tumor treatment and TME regulation, and analyzes the application prospects and challenges of SSA in cancer therapy, which will provide new directions and theoretical basis for clinical cancer treatment.