Icariin as a therapeutic agent in breast cancer: modulating apoptosis and suppressing proliferation

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Oncology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of global cancer mortality, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
• Icariin, a natural compound from Epimedium species, demonstrates multi-targeted anticancer properties.
• Existing research highlights icariin's modulation of key oncogenic pathways and anti-metastatic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review preclinical evidence on icariin's pharmacological effects in breast cancer.
• To explore advances in nanoformulation for improved icariin bioavailability.
• To identify knowledge gaps and guide future research for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies on icariin in breast cancer models.
• Analysis of icariin's molecular mechanisms, including pathway modulation (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB/SIRT6, AMPK/mTOR).
• Evaluation of icariin's effects on proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, and immunomodulation.

Main Results:

• Icariin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and regulates autophagy.
• Icariin demonstrates anti-metastatic potential by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase activity.
• Icariin exhibits immunomodulatory effects that may enhance antitumor immunity.

Conclusions:

• Icariin is a promising multi-targeted agent for breast cancer therapy.
• Advances in nanoformulations are essential to enhance icariin's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.
• Further research integrating mechanistic insights, formulation science, and clinical trials is needed to optimize icariin's use in oncology.