Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration
11:13

Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration

Published on: June 9, 2023

Polyphenol‑based interventions in breast cancer: Signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms and translational

Jingjing Zeng1, Jinyan Hu2, Zhiyuan Ma2

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China.

Oncology Reports
|August 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Plant-derived polyphenols show promise in combating breast cancer (BC) by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and optimal use in BC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Breast cancer (BC) presents diverse molecular subtypes, posing challenges like therapeutic resistance and recurrence despite treatment advances.
  • Plant-derived polyphenols are increasingly recognized for their potential anti-cancer properties.
  • The interplay between polyphenols, the gut microbiome, and BC progression is a significant area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted biological mechanisms by which plant-derived polyphenols influence breast cancer (BC) progression.
  • To explore the role of the gut microbiome in mediating polyphenol effects on BC.
  • To discuss the potential of polyphenols as adjuvant therapies and the need for clinical validation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on polyphenol effects in breast cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways targeted by polyphenols, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, p53, NF-κB, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK.
  • Examination of the polyphenol-gut microbiome axis and its influence on BC.

Main Results:

  • Polyphenols demonstrate inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis.
  • These compounds promote apoptosis, autophagy, cell-cycle arrest, and tumor-suppressive responses.
  • Polyphenols interact with the gut microbiome, affecting metabolism, estrogen homeostasis, immune regulation, and bioavailability, influencing the polyphenol-gut microbiome-BC axis.

Conclusions:

  • Plant-derived polyphenols exhibit significant potential in modulating multiple biological mechanisms relevant to breast cancer (BC) progression.
  • The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the efficacy of polyphenol-based interventions for BC.
  • While promising, current evidence is largely preclinical, necessitating well-designed clinical trials to establish optimal formulations, doses, and therapeutic relevance for BC management.
Keywords:
adjuvant therapybreast cancerdrug deliverygut microbiomepolyphenolssignaling pathways

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
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...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...