PLANT-DERIVED PHYTOCONSTITUENTS WITH ANTI-BREAST CANCER POTENTIAL: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS, EVALUATION, AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

This study reviews medicinal plants and their phytochemicals that show potential against breast cancer. Relevant research published up to August 2025 was collected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The selected studies reported anticancer activity, mechanisms, or IC50 values of plant-derived compounds in vitro and in vivo. These compounds were grouped as terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, organosulfur compounds, and other bioactive molecules. Polyphenols (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol), terpenoids (e.g., withaferin A), and ginsenosides showed strong effects with low micromolar IC50 values, while alkaloids, such as vinblastine and vincristine demonstrated very high (nanomolar) potency. Some compounds, such as S-allyl cysteine and berberine, were less effective. Flavonoids, including epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin, showed notable anticancer activity. The main mechanisms involved are antioxidant action, immune modulation, hormone regulation, inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis, and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Overall, plant-based phytoconstituents show promising potential for breast cancer treatment and prevention, but issues, such as limited clinical evidence, poor bioavailability, and lack of standardization remain challenges. Advances in personalized medicine, synergistic therapies, standardized formulations, and nanotechnology may enhance their clinical use in the future.