Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
Published on: June 18, 2015
Natural Compounds A Weapon to Ameliorate Breast Cancer Cells: A Review
Ruchi Singh Thakur1, Bharti Ahirwar
1Institute of Pharmaceutical sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, (C.G.), India.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the heterogeneous disease and leading cause of death in women, worldwide. It is generally caused by the perturbation of various signaling pathways responsible for cell apoptosis. Due to genetic variability, different signaling pathways are disrupted in different breast cancer patients; so, to overcome this multifaceted condition, the personalized treatment is preferred. Since, various potential targets exist in breast cancer cells; it raised the need of new prospective of lead compounds. A large number of evidences show that, due to the presence of various secondary metabolites in plants, natural compounds are frequently examined for search of new bioactive molecules. This review includes the pathological aspects of breast cancer and the effect of natural compounds on breast cancer cells along with their possible mechanism of action. (Databases searched were PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar).
Insights
Natural compounds offer promising therapeutic leads for breast cancer treatment by targeting disrupted cell apoptosis pathways. This review explores plant-derived compounds for personalized breast cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is a major global health concern for women, characterized by cellular signaling pathway disruptions.
- Genetic variability necessitates personalized treatment approaches for breast cancer.
- Identifying novel therapeutic targets and lead compounds is crucial for effective breast cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological aspects of breast cancer.
- To examine the effects of natural compounds on breast cancer cells.
- To elucidate the potential mechanisms of action for these natural compounds.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- Analysis of studies on breast cancer pathology and signaling pathways.
- Review of research on plant-derived secondary metabolites and their bioactivity against cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds, rich in secondary metabolites, show significant potential as bioactive molecules against breast cancer.
- Evidence suggests plant-derived compounds can modulate key signaling pathways involved in breast cancer cell apoptosis.
- Various natural compounds exhibit cytotoxic effects on different breast cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds represent a promising avenue for developing novel breast cancer therapies.
- Targeting specific signaling pathways with plant-derived molecules may facilitate personalized treatment strategies.
- Further research into the mechanisms of action of natural compounds is warranted for drug development.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Treatment Resistant Cancers

