Unveiling the pharmacological potential of plant triterpenoids in breast cancer management: an updated review

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. Recent research has provided increasing support for the significance of phytochemicals, both dietary and non-dietary, particularly triterpenoids, in the mitigation and management of breast cancer. Recent studies showed that triterpenoids are promising agents in the treatment and inhibition of breast cancer achieved through the implementation of several molecular modes of action on breast cancer cells. This review discusses recent innovations in plant triterpenoids and their underlying mechanisms of action in combating breast cancer within the timeframe spanning from 2017 to 2023. The present work is an overview of different plant triterpenoids with significant inhibition on proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis, or metastasis in various breast cancer cells. The anticancer impact of triterpenoids may be attributed to their antiproliferative activity interfering with angiogenesis and differentiation, regulation of apoptosis, DNA polymerase inhibition, change in signal transductions, and impeding metastasis. The present review focuses on several targets, mechanisms, and pathways associated with pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are responsible for their anticancer effects. We could conclude that natural triterpenoids are considered promising agents to conquer breast cancer. Graphical Abstract

Fatty Acid Synthase as Interacting Anticancer Target of the Terpenoid Myrianthic Acid Disclosed by MS-Based Proteomics Approaches

“…In particular, triterpenic acids featuring lupane, oleanane, and ursane structural cores, such as betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids, respectively, demonstrate noteworthy anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Recent studies have shown that triterpenoids hold promise as agents for treating and inhibiting breast cancer through various molecular mechanisms, including their ability to inhibit angiogenesis and differentiation, regulate apoptosis, inhibit DNA polymerase, alter signal transduction, and hamper metastasis [ 6 , 7 ].…”