Cancer Management and Research (Feb 2020)
Anti-Tumor Activities of Bioactive Phytochemicals in Sophora flavescens for Breast Cancer
Abstract
Xianjiao Cao, 1 Qingqing He 2 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, Shandong 250031, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qingqing HeDepartment of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, No. 25 Shifan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250031, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 13789828035Fax +86 531666673Email [email protected]: Patients with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors are frequent users of botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals. In China, active ingredients in Sophora flavescens like matrine (MT), oxymatrine (OMT), other Sophora flavescens alkaloids and Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) are extensively used for multiple malignant tumors. In vivo and in vitro studies have confirmed that these activities or injection have significant effects on relieving symptoms, alleviating side effects after chemotherapy and improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients, where there is evidence for efficacy. A large number of experimental studies have also revealed that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells according to different mechanisms. This provides promising valuable supportive therapies for prevention, treatment and postoperative recovery of breast cancer. Rigorous clinical research and experimental studies reflect integrative care as it is used in hospital is needed to responsibly move this field forward. This review summarizes an up to date knowledge of the available bioactive phytochemicals, their discovery, current clinical and experimental status.Keywords: breast cancer, Sophora flavescens, CKI, matrine, oxymatrine