Role, mechanisms and effects of Radix Bupleuri in anti‑breast cancer (Review)

Abstract

The prevalence of breast cancer among women has led to a growing need for innovative anti-breast cancer medications and an in-depth investigation into their molecular mechanisms of action, both of which are essential tactics in clinical intervention. In the clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Radix Bupleuri and its active components have shown promise as potential anti-breast cancer agents due to their ability to target multiple pathways, exhibit synergistic effects and reduce toxicity. These compounds are considered to enhance the prognosis of patients with cancer, prolong survival and combat chemotherapy resistance. The present review aimed to delve into the anti-breast cancer properties of Radix Bupleuri and its active ingredients, highlighting their mechanisms, such as inhibition of cell proliferation, promotion of apoptosis, metastasis prevention, microenvironment improvement and synergy with certain chemotherapeutic agents. These findings may provide a scientific rationale for combining Radix Bupleuri and its active components with traditional chemotherapy agents for the management of breast cancer.

Keywords: Radix Bupleuri; breast cancer; flavonoids; polysaccharides; saikosaponins.

Figure 1.

Active chemical constituents of Radix Bupleuri.

Figure 2.

Relevant signaling pathways of the Radix Bupleuri active ingredients in anti-breast cancer. SSA-D, saikosaponin A-D; STAT1/3/4, signal transducers and activators of transcription 1/3/4; p-STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3; VASP, vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; NQO1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1; PGC-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α; ROS, reactive oxygen species; c-myc, myelocytomatosis oncogene; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin; p70S6K, 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase; SDF-1, stromal cell-derived factor; CXCR4, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; Akt, protein kinase B; p38 MAPK, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.