Natural supplements in breast cancer therapy: translational evidence, clinical safety, and emerging challenges

Abstract

The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer are increasing, although improvements in traditional treatments, and it remains the most frequent cancer among women globally. The increasing demand for natural supplements and other forms of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) shows that people are becoming increasingly intrigued by more comprehensive methods of health care that aim to improve people's well-being as well as their ability to recover from illness. The objective of this review article is to focus on the clinical safety features supported by data and the translational utility of the natural supplements such as vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals against breast cancer. Anticancer activity by antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, apoptotic inductors, and hormonal modulators characterize the behaviour of such natural compounds as curcumin, withaferin A, luteolin, quercetin, and resveratrol. Preclinical and early-phase clinical studies suggest that certain natural supplements may modulate therapeutic response and influence treatment-related toxicity; however, robust clinical evidence remains limited, and definitive conclusions regarding efficacy require further well-designed randomized trials Indeed, the lack of bioavailability, standardization, and the risk of herb-drug interaction prevent these agents from becoming the prevailing therapy option. However, several well-functioning strategies that promote the development of nanotechnology-based formulations and corresponding optimal doses appear to be promising. Even though the regular administration of natural supplements can have significant potential within breast cancer management, the process should be consistent with the principles of evidence-based practice. At the same time, there is the need for clinical trials focused on the development of corresponding pharmacovigilance systems and closer interdisciplinary collaboration. Importantly, future studies are expected to make special emphasis on such factors as dosing personalization, standardization parameters, and their integration with precision oncology.