Exploring the antineoplastic potential of α-mangostin in breast cancer

Among women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite improvements in early detection and diagnosis, some risk factors have been on the rise, including the decline in birth rate, the use of oral contraceptives, and the escalation in alcohol consumption and obesity. Thus, there is an imperative urgent need to expand accessible prevention and treatment options for breast cancer. Regarding these tumors, several natural compounds have shown efficacy in slowing or preventing their progression, offering a promising therapeutic alternative. Among these, α-mangostin, a xanthone derived from mangosteen, has demonstrated promising antitumor effects against different malignancies, particularly breast cancer. The mechanisms involved in α-mangostin´s therapeutic effects include downregulation of oncogenic ion channels, modulation of cell cycle progression, suppression of oncogene expression, and interference with steroid and growth factor receptors signaling. This review thoroughly explores these mechanisms, as well as updates information on α-mangostin chemical structure and its potential as a coadjuvant to conventional breast cancer therapies. Furthermore, we provide scientifically supported insights for the development of clinically applicable α-mangostin-based treatments, highlighting the robust body of evidence supporting its cancer-fighting properties, despite the absence of clinical studies to date.