Prevention of Early Onset of Breast Cancer With Ashwagandha

Prevention of breast cancer is feasible because many risk factors for this malignancy are known (e.g., family history, reproductive factors, etc.). Medicinal plants and/or their bioactive phytochemicals are attractive for the prevention of early onset of breast cancer due to their generally favorable safety profile. Root extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine practiced in India for thousands of years. Preclinical research has established that withaferin A (WA) is primarily responsible for the anticancer effect of Ashwagandha. At cellular level, WA treatment inhibits the growth of human breast cancer cells by causing G₂/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction and suppressing the self-renewal of breast cancer stem-like cells. On the other hand, normal mammary epithelial cells are resistant to apoptosis induction by WA, which is a desirable characteristic of cancer preventive interventions. More importantly, WA administration prevents luminal type, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-driven, and basal-like breast cancer development in rodents without causing any side effects. This review article not only succinctly summarizes preclinical evidence for anticancer effects of WA but also conceptualizes on high-risk women and men who may benefit from Ashwagandha intervention for prevention of early onset of breast cancer or prevention of bone metastasis of breast cancer.