Phytochemical Constituents and Anticancer Potential of Spatholobus littoralis Hassk. Against Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Despite advances in conventional therapies, treatment resistance and adverse effects continue to limit clinical outcomes, highlighting the need for novel plant-derived therapeutic agents. Spatholobus littoralis Hassk. (Bajakah) has attracted increasing attention because of its diverse phytochemical constituents and potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer potential of Spatholobus littoralis in breast cancer using a narrative review approach. Literature searches were conducted through PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords related to Spatholobus littoralis, breast cancer, anticancer activity, cytotoxicity, phytochemicals, and molecular mechanisms. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. A total of 15 studies were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate that S. littoralis contains bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant, cytotoxic, and potential anticancer activities through the modulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cancer-related signaling pathways. Although current evidence supports its potential as a plant-derived therapeutic candidate for breast cancer, further in vivo studies and clinical investigations are required to confirm its efficacy and safety.
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