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. 2015 Dec 17;20(12):22578–22620. doi: 10.3390/molecules201219864

Table 6.

Breast cancer: the pros and cons of polyphenols.

Pros Cons
  • DNA protection by the anti-oxidant activity against carcinogens

  • Decreased glucose uptake in cancer cells

  • Cell cycle arrest, induction of pro-apoptotic and inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins

  • Modulation signaling pathways (reduced expression of plasma membrane receptors overexpressed in cancer, decreased phosphorylation of intracellular proteins) with implications in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis

  • Generation of new classes of aromatase inhibitors based on the structure of polyphenols (flavones, isoflavones)

  • Reduction in breast cancer risk in Chinese, Japanese women; reduction in breast cancer risk associated with high soy intake during adolescence

  • Decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence (after daidzein intake)

  • So far not successful in preventing cancer in clinical trials

  • Reduced bioavailability and stability

  • Typically large concentrations have been used in most in vitro studies which are unlikely to be achieved in vivo

  • The chemopreventive and therapeutic activity of polyphenols as single agents or in combination are studied in ongoing trials without final conclusions

  • Heterogeneity in the applied doses, duration of administration, cells and animal models used in the studies