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Review Open Access

Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Yu Wen
    • Yunyan Chen
    • Lei Yang
    • Tingfen Wu
    • Qinghua Peng
    • Huiyan Xie
    • Xuemei Chen
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Traditional Chinese Medicine of Xiamen, Xiamen, Fujian 361009, P.R. China, Xiamen Key Laboratory for Research and Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations, Xiamen, Fujian 361009, P.R. China
    Copyright: © Wen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
  • Article Number: 45
    |
    Published online on: May 6, 2026
       https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2026.2954
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Abstract

The present review examines the intricate relationship between icariin and breast cancer (BC), encompassing foundational theoretical concepts, epidemiological data, diagnostic methodologies, therapeutic approaches, ongoing debates and prospective future developments. The foundational theoretical concepts address the mechanisms through which icariin influences BC pathogenesis, as well as its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and historical context. The epidemiological section analyzes the global incidence and prevalence of BC, alongside its underlying pathophysiology. Diagnostic methodologies are discussed with a focus on imaging technologies, biomarkers, and the innovative role of icariin in advancing diagnostic techniques. Therapeutic approaches investigate icariin's potential as a chemo-preventive agent, its synergistic interactions with conventional therapies and the outcomes of clinical trials. The section on controversies explores discussions surrounding icariin's efficacy, safety and the associated regulatory and ethical considerations. Future directions emphasize emerging trends, the potential for personalized medicine, and future prospects in BC treatment. The present review aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of icariin's role in BC research and therapeutic applications.
View Figures

Figure 1

Chemical structure of icariin.

Figure 2

Icariin suppresses breast cancer
cell-induced osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the
RANKL/TRAF-6/ERK/NF-κB signaling axis. RANKL, receptor activator of
nuclear factor κB ligand; TRAF-6, TNF receptor-associated factor 6;
ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal
kinase; AKT, protein kinase B.

Figure 3

Icariin overcomes tamoxifen resistance
in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by inducing G0/G1 arrest, apoptosis
and autophagic suppression through the modulation of CDK2, Bcl-2,
caspase-3, LC3-II and p62. TAM, tamoxifen; CDK2, cyclin-dependent
kinase 2; LC3-II, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3,
type II; p62, sequestosome-1; PARP, Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase;
ATG5, autophagy-related protein 5.
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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Wen Y, Chen Y, Yang L, Wu T, Peng Q, Xie H and Chen X: Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 25: 45, 2026.
APA
Wen, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, L., Wu, T., Peng, Q., Xie, H., & Chen, X. (2026). Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review). Molecular and Clinical Oncology, 25, 45. https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2026.2954
MLA
Wen, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, L., Wu, T., Peng, Q., Xie, H., Chen, X."Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review)". Molecular and Clinical Oncology 25.1 (2026): 45.
Chicago
Wen, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, L., Wu, T., Peng, Q., Xie, H., Chen, X."Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review)". Molecular and Clinical Oncology 25, no. 1 (2026): 45. https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2026.2954
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Wen Y, Chen Y, Yang L, Wu T, Peng Q, Xie H and Chen X: Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 25: 45, 2026.
APA
Wen, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, L., Wu, T., Peng, Q., Xie, H., & Chen, X. (2026). Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review). Molecular and Clinical Oncology, 25, 45. https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2026.2954
MLA
Wen, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, L., Wu, T., Peng, Q., Xie, H., Chen, X."Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review)". Molecular and Clinical Oncology 25.1 (2026): 45.
Chicago
Wen, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, L., Wu, T., Peng, Q., Xie, H., Chen, X."Icariin: Multi‑target natural products for the multi‑stage prevention and treatment of breast cancer (Review)". Molecular and Clinical Oncology 25, no. 1 (2026): 45. https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2026.2954
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