Advances in the anti-tumor mechanisms of saikosaponin D

Saikosaponin D, a saponin compound, is extracted from Bupleurum and is a principal active component of the plant. It boasts a variety of pharmacologic effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, metabolic, and anti-tumor properties, drawing significant attention in anti-tumor research in recent years. Research indicates that saikosaponin D inhibits the proliferation of numerous tumor cells, curbing the progression of cancers such as liver, pancreatic, lung, glioma, ovarian, thyroid, stomach, and breast cancer. Its anti-tumor mechanisms largely involve inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, promoting tumor cell apoptosis, thwarting tumor-cell invasion, and modulating tumor cell autophagy. Moreover, saikosaponin D enhances the sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs and augments body immunity. Given its multi-faceted anti-tumor roles, saikosaponin D offers promising potential in anti-tumor therapy. This paper reviews recent studies on its anti-tumor effects, aiming to furnish new theoretical insights for clinical cancer treatments.