Redox Mechanisms Underlying the Cytostatic Effects of Boric Acid on Cancer Cells—An Issue Still Open

Abstract

Boric acid (BA) is the dominant form of boron in plasma, playing a role in different physiological mechanisms such as cell replication. Toxic effects have been reported, both for high doses of boron and its deficiency. Contrasting results were, however, reported about the cytotoxicity of pharmacological BA concentrations on cancer cells. The aim of this review is to briefly summarize the main findings in the field ranging from the proposed mechanisms of BA uptake and actions to its effects on cancer cells.

Keywords

• boric acid
• boron
• cancer
• apoptosis
• ferroptosis