The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(6):526-535 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14614

Review Article

Anticancer effects of African medicinal plants on breast cancer cell lines: a systematic review

Carolyn W. Muruthi¹ , Japheth W. Rapando² , Emma C. Ajwang³

Carolyn W. Muruthi,Japheth W. Rapando,Emma C. Ajwang

1. Department of Biomedical, Medical College, EA, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
2. Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
3. Department of Biochemistry, Uzima University, Kisumu, Kenya

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 28th October, 2025 / Accepted: 1st January, 2026 / Published : 30th June, 2026

Abstract

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Despite the availability of conventional treatments, breast cancer remains a major global health burden. Breast cancer development is attributed to alterations in molecular signaling pathways that govern cell growth and differentiation. The current therapeutic strategies are often limited by systemic adverse toxicity, drug resistance and high-cost challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, there is a need for discovery and development of effective alternative therapeutic agents for breast cancer. Traditional medicinal continue to serve as valuable reservoirs for anticancer agents. This study systematically evaluated the antiproliferative effects and underlying pathomechanisms of African medicinal plants on breast cancer cell lines. A literature search was conducted in Scopus and PubMed focusing on studies that evaluated the growth inhibition properties of plant extracts in in vitro and in vivo breast cancer models. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria, majorly utilizing the HCC 1395, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Most plant extracts exhibited potent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀>20µg/ml) and selectivity (SI<3), indicating preferential effects against breast cancer cell lines. The involved molecular pathways included activation of pro-apoptotic markers and suppression of anti-apoptotic metastatic markers. Phytocompounds including terpenoids, polyphenols and phytosterol were majorly implicated. The findings validate the therapeutic effects of African medicinal plants. Furthermore, they support further research into plant-breast cancer treatments.

Keywords

Medicinal plants, Breast cancer, Anticancer activity, Cell lines, Phytochemicals, Systematic review

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