Botanical Remedies for the Management of Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Clinical Evidence Available

Abstract

Breast cancer is a primary reason for mortality in females, necessitating the creation of innovative and efficient anticancer substances. Recently, about 80% of females identified with breast cancer have turned to specific alternative or supplementary therapies as a viable option for treating their cancer. Botanical extracts have demonstrated potential as anticancer agents with reduced toxicity, excellent safety, and fewer recurring resistance instances than hormonal-targeting anticancer substances. Natural substances commonly act as chemotherapeutic enhancers, antimetastasis, and relieving the toxic and adverse effects caused by anticancer agents. Besides, numerous botanicals enhanced the living standard of individuals with breast cancer. This research focused on clinical experiments and metaanalyses pertaining to the utilization of herbs in the management of breast cancer. This review summarized the majority of the documented clinical investigations concerning the application of ten herbs in the area of breast cancer, including black cohosh, ginseng, ashwagandha, garlic, turmeric, green tea, black seed, flaxseed, guarana, and peppermint. After examining the available research, it seems that the most established medicinal applications of herbal medicine in breast cancer patients involve easing the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, mitigating the hot flashes caused by hormonal therapy, reducing skin inflammation caused by radiotherapy, alleviating gastrointestinal disorders, and treating mucositis.