The Effects of Naringenin on Some Human Breast Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.Recently, natural remedies such as Naringenin (Nar) - a kind of flavonoids whichcan be found in grapefruits, oranges, and tomatoes - seem to be interesting. Theyplay a useful role in treatment and chemoprevention because of having pleiotropicmolecular mechanisms of action on breast cancer cells.Methods:We performed a PRISMA-directed systematic review to investigatethe effects of Naringenin on some human breast cancer cells (MCF-۷, T۴۷D, andMDA-MB-۲۳۱). Tumor size, apoptosis, estrogenic properties, and cytotoxicitywere assessed as primary outcomes. The systematic search without restriction wasconducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar,and Cochrane Library.Results: Initially, ۶۴۴۵ articles were identified. After screening their titles andabstracts, ۳۲ studies were selected for text appraisal. Finally, ۶ articles which metthe inclusion criteria were evaluated. Based on the evaluation, Nar could inhibitboth cell proliferation and tumor growth at different concentration. Moreover, itcould induce apoptosis.Conclusions: Due to anticancer properties of Nar, some probable mechanismsof these effects are induction of alteration in aromatase and caspase enzymes, andsuppression of oestrogen signal transduction pathways. However, moreinvestigations are necessary in the future to decide whether Nar consumption isrecommendable as part of breast cancer treatment and control. Also, some clinicaltrials should be designed to determine the optimal dose for the therapeutic use.