Immunomodulatory Effects of Natural Products in Breast Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Translation

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of death from cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is substantial risk breast cancer as compared to other subtype cancer. Researchers are looking for the more productive drugs which can be used in prevention and treatment of breast cancer, because chemotherapeutic agents are highly toxic, resistance and have more side effects. To overcome these concerns, medicinal plants could be the best alternative to treat breast cancer cells as compared to chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, nanoparticulate drug delivery systems enhance drug delivery, drug circulation time in blood, controlled drug release and reduction in the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. In this review, medicinal plant derived drugs used in breast cancer with its name, source, mechanism of action, activity, efficiency, immune modulatory effects; in-vitro and in-vivo studies were discussed. Future aspects of natural products are the new era in breast cancer treatment and play cardinal role in patient survival rates. Major Findings: Plant-derived compounds (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, genistein, quercetin, EGCG) exhibit anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic effects. These natural compounds following the pathways such as, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin, leading to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reduced angiogenesis, and inhibition of metastasis. Nanoparticulate drug delivery increases their efficacy, and their combination with conventional therapies improves treatment outcomes and reduces resistance.