Anticancer efficacy and therapeutic potential of astaxanthin in breast cancer

Abstract Natural products, particularly carotenoids, are gaining significant attention for their diverse biological activities, including promising anticancer properties. Astaxanthin, a potent xanthophyll carotenoid, has emerged as a molecule with notable anti-oncogenic potential, attributed to its unique structure and multifaceted biological functions. The potential of astaxanthin as a modulator in breast cancer pathogenesis is highlighted in this review. Breast cancer being a complex disease with multiple subtypes and therapeutic challenges, conventional treatments often are associated with side effects and the development of drug resistance. This review examines astaxanthin as a promising therapeutic agent for breast cancer, leveraging its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, role in inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways, modulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and its anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects, which help prevent tumor growth and spread. The paper consolidates robust preclinical evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrating astaxanthin’s effectiveness across various breast cancer models. It explores the synergistic potential of combining astaxanthin with conventional therapeutic agents and other natural compounds, suggesting new avenues for combination therapies. The safety profile of astaxanthin is also discussed, underscoring its potential as a chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancer management, all while emphasizing the need for further clinical investigation. Its potential to act synergistically with existing treatments and its favorable safety profile make it a compelling candidate for future clinical trials, potentially leading to novel strategies for breast cancer prevention and treatment.