• Investigation of herbal compounds in the prevention of breast cancer
  • Zahra Almasvandi,1,* Rozhina Soleimany,2 Marzieh naseri,3 Zahra khazaei,4 Zahra Fekri,5 Khadijeh Momeni,6
    1. Bachelor student of nursing, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
    2. Bachelor student of nursing , Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
    3. Bachelor student of nursing , Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
    4. Bachelor student of nursing , Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
    5. master student of Audiology, Shahid beheshi of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
    6. Department of Operating Room, School of Allied Medical Sciences Bushehr University of Medical Sciences,Bushehr, Iran


  • Introduction: Breast cancer is the main cause of death in women and the second most common type of cancer. The adverse effects of common treatment strategies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy increase the challenges in treating these patients. In addition, multidrug resistance (MDR) is an additional obstacle to current conventional treatment strategies. The purpose of this study is to investigate herbal compounds in the prevention of breast cancer.
  • Methods: In this systematic review, we extracted the required articles using keywords and also citing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ProQuest. The statistical population of this study is all articles published until 2022. We checked the quality of the data and then reviewed 17 articles.
  • Results: Zhu-xiang is a herbal concoction mainly used to treat breast cancer, and a herbal formula was used in its production. However, its effectiveness in medical treatments has not been proven. Also, some of its components induce apoptosis when used alone or in combination with other plant components. Use of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) is a risk factor for breast cancer. As a result, an increasing number of women are using herbal remedies (HEP) to manage their menopausal symptoms. Many HEPs are offered for this purpose, including phytoestrogens (flavonoids, stilbenes) and other polyphenolic substances mixed with more unknown medicinal agents from plant species [Actaea racemose. Promotes hormone-independent antioxidant activities and apoptosis. Resveratrol was revealed to prevent tumor initiation, promotion and also to prevent cancer. Ocimum sp is a traditionally used medicinal plant that has antioxidant, anticancer, radioprotective and free radical properties. So far, no detailed studies have been reported on its effects on human cancers. Triterpenoids are metabolites of isopentenyl pyrophosphate oligomers and have been reported as the largest group of phytochemicals. It is estimated that there are more than 20,000 triterpenoids in nature. They are mainly found in various plants. An increasing number of triterpenoids have been reported to exhibit cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells without showing any toxicity in normal cells. Herbs and spices can provide an alternative solution for breast cancer treatment with bioactive components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenylpropanoids and terpenes that can inhibit biological processes related to the growth of breast cancer cells. Spices such as ginger (ginger), Crocus sativus (saffron), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), Elettaria cardamom (cardamom), Piper nigrum (black pepper), black seed (black cumin), Allium cepa (onion), Mentha (leaves), and others In traditional Ayurvedic treatments, they are used to prevent/inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
  • Conclusion: Nature provides sufficient and appropriate resources for effective cancer treatment. Using the herbs and treatment options discussed above, we can ensure a safe, cost-effective and complete treatment for cancer without the significant physical side effects that appear with other treatment options for cancer treatment. Reducing physical side effects can significantly reduce psychological and emotional side effects such as anxiety, fear, depression, etc. The proposed treatment options are very useful for newborns and elderly cancer patients. The various natural cancer treatments mentioned above suggest changes in lifestyle and eating habits so that the symptoms of cancer can be detected at the earliest opportunity and its progression can be prevented.
  • Keywords: Breast Neoplasms, Plants, Medicinal