Experimental Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Vaccinium Berries in Breast Cancer—A Review

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the largest contributor to cancer deaths in women worldwide. Various parts of plants, including fruits, are known for their therapeutic properties and are used in traditional medicine. Fruit species exhibit anticancer activities due to the presence of bioactive natural compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids. The Vaccinium spp. are fleshy berry-like drupes and are rich in bioactive compounds, with flavonols, flavanols, chalcones, and phenolic acids as the major groups of compounds. While there is clear evidence linking Vaccinium berries with a decreased risk of BC both in in vivo and in vitro experiments, the exact mechanisms involved in the protective effects of Vaccinium spp. rich extracts on BC cells are not fully understood. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanisms of action involved in the therapeutic potential of Vaccinium berries against BC in experimental models.

A Review with a Focus on Vaccinium-Berries-Derived Bioactive Compounds for the Treatment of Reproductive Cancers

“…A recent review of experimental studies has demonstrated that Vaccinium bioactives, including ACNs, PACs, gallic acid, and hippuric acid, have therapeutic potential in breast cancer treatment. These bioactives exert antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, and autophagic activities against breast cancer cells through inhibition and/or activation of molecular genes as potential mechanisms for these effects [32]. Despite a few preclinical studies showing results of cranberry PACs in PCa and OC treatment [33], to date, no review has provided a comprehensive understanding of the role of Vaccinium bioactives in RC treatment.…”