Unraveling the role of withanolides as key modulators in breast cancer mitigation

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Huma Hameed1, Maham Afzal2, Mahtab Ahmad Khan2

  • 1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. huma.hameed@ucp.edu.pk.

Molecular Biology Reports
|March 21, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Withanolides, compounds from Withania somnifera, show potential in breast cancer treatment by inducing apoptosis. This review explores their molecular mechanisms and therapeutic promise for breast cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products

Background:

  • Breast cancer (BC) is a major global health concern with complex therapeutic challenges.
  • BC progression involves genetic mutations, receptor overexpression, and dysregulated cell cycle pathways.
  • Withania somnifera yields withanolides, bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the therapeutic potential of withanolides for breast cancer treatment.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of withanolides.
  • To discuss the comparative efficacy and future research directions for withanolide-based therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on withanolides and breast cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms, including apoptotic pathways.
  • Comparative assessment of withanolides against existing breast cancer therapies.

Main Results:

  • Withanolides exhibit distinct pro-apoptotic effects on breast cancer cells.
  • They modulate key pathways involved in cancer cell survival, growth, and migration.
  • Evidence suggests withanolides can interfere with angiogenesis and cell cycle progression.

Conclusions:

  • Withanolides represent a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer intervention.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate their mechanisms and clinical applications.
  • Withanolides offer a potential complementary or alternative approach in breast cancer treatment.
Keywords:
AshwagandhaBreast cancerNaturalTargetedTherapyWithaferin AWithanolide

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