Objective:: Breast cancer, with 2.3 million annual cases, is the most prevalent malignancy in women. It is classified into hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-positive, and triple-negative (TNBC) subtypes, each posing distinct therapeutic challenges due to molecular diversity, drug resistance, and toxicity. This review evaluates the anticancer potential of Ferula-derived compounds (umbelliprenin, auraptene, ferutinin, conferone, farnesiferol C, ferulic acid) in breast cancer management, focusing on their mechanisms, potency, and clinical potential as complementary therapies. Methods:: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) up to March 2025, with terms such as “breast cancer” and “Ferula constituents.” Eligible studies were selected based on titles and abstracts, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms and preclinical outcomes. Results:: Ferula compounds exhibit multifaceted anticancer effects, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, metastasis suppression, and immune modulation. Conferone (IC50: 0.74 μM) and auraptene (IC50: 3.94 μM) demonstrate the highest potency, with conferone excelling in overcoming drug resistance and auraptene showing versatility across subtypes. Ferutinin targets cancer stem cells, while farnesiferol C and umbelliprenin offer moderate efficacy. Ferulic acid (IC50: 378.23 μM) is the least potent. Nanoformulations enhance bioavailability, addressing solubility challenges. Conclusion:: Ferula-derived compounds, particularly conferone and auraptene, show significant promise as complementary breast cancer therapies. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate efficacy, optimize delivery, and integrate these compounds into existing therapeutic frameworks to improve patient outcomes.
Karimzadeh et al. (2026) studied this question.