The Impact of Polyphenolic in The Management of Breast Cancer: Mechanistic Aspects and Recent Patents

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in women (2.1 million) and stands as the fifth leading cause of death. Several treatment strategies are available such as surgical resection, radiation, hormonal therapy, and conventional chemotherapy that are associated with severe adverse effects on the patients. This review aims to summarize the different studies (in vitro, in vivo, and new patents) concerning the therapeutic potential of plant polyphenolics in the management of breast cancer published in the period from January 2016 to January 2021. Moreover, this review will focus on the underlying mechanism of action and molecular characteristics of these compounds. The data of this review were collected from different scientific databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholarship, sci-finder, and Egyptian Knowledge bank (EKB). During the last period (2016-2021), the in vitro studies investigated about 52 natural compounds of polyphenolic nature with promising anti-breast cancer, while fourteen compounds were reported via in vivo studies. Besides, there were about fifteen compounds registered as patent drugs. Different mechanisms of action and molecular targets were reported to provide a great clarified base and precise reflection for the anticancer properties of these compounds against breast cancer. Polyphenolics represent a plentiful sources of anticancer lead compounds that stand against the progression of breast cancer invasion and metastasis.