Natural products and their combinatory effects in breast cancer treatment

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the major causes of mortality for women across the globe. As treatment options for breast cancer, hormonal therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have long been used. Despite advances in cancer treatment, care, and management, there is still an ample space for cancer therapeutic research. The biggest downside to synthetic medicines and cytotoxic drugs is that they are non-selective and, thus, produce various adverse effects as well as multidrug resistance. However, the application of alternative treatments, such as the use of natural products, is becoming beneficial for treating breast cancer. Naturally occurring substances can combat breast cancer aggression, limit the growth of cancer-associated cells, and regulate pathways linked to cancer. This review discusses the potential of natural products and their combinatory effects in breast cancer treatment, along with their mechanisms of action.