440
Volume 5, Issue 10: Special Issue
(EJAR)
ISSN: 2181-2020
MPHAPP
THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL
CONFERENCE
“
MODERN PHARMACEUTICS: ACTUAL
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
”
TASHKENT, OCTOBER 17, 2025
in-academy.uz
PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF APIGENIN IN BREAST CANCER THERAPY
Azimova D.F.
Azimova B.J.
Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute, Tashkent city, Republic of Uzbekistan
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17342075
Relevance:
Breast cancer (BC) continues to represent one of the most pressing health
challenges of modern oncology, ranking as the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and
mortality among women globally. According to recent international epidemiological projections, by
the year 2040 the overall incidence of BC is expected to rise by more than 40%, thereby placing an
even greater burden on healthcare systems and highlighting the urgent necessity for novel and more
effective therapeutic strategies. A particularly problematic subtype is triple-negative breast cancer
(TNBC), which accounts for approximately 15% of all diagnosed cases. TNBC is distinguished by
its highly aggressive clinical course, rapid metastatic potential, lack of responsiveness to conventional
hormonal or HER2-targeted therapy, and unfavorable survival outcomes. Although chemotherapy
currently remains the principal therapeutic option for such patients, its widespread use is restricted
by severe drawbacks including systemic toxicity, the emergence of multi-drug resistance, and the
occurrence of debilitating side effects. This situation underscores the need to investigate alternative
therapeutic approaches, particularly those based on natural bioactive compounds characterized by
multitarget activity and relatively low toxicity. Among these agents, the plant-derived flavonoid
apigenin—abundantly found in parsley, chamomile, celery, and other dietary plants—has attracted
substantial scientific interest due to its pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer
properties.
Notably, recent studies have also revealed its ability to modulate microRNA expression and
regulate epigenetic mechanisms that influence tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, making
apigenin a highly promising candidate for innovative strategies in BC therapy, including TNBC
management.
Purpose of the study:
To analyze and summarize current data on the mechanisms of apigenin
action and to evaluate the prospects for its use in breast cancer therapy, including TNBC.
Materials and methods:
An analytical review of publications from 2015–2025 was conducted,
including preclinical (in vitro, in vivo) and experimental studies. The review considered
breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), animal models, as well as novel nanotechnology-
based formulations of apigenin.The methods used in the analyzed studies included MTT assays for
assessing cell viability, flow cytometry for apoptosis and immune cell infiltration,
immunohistochemistry for the expression of proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Ki-67, MMP-2, MMP-9), and
molecular biology techniques for studying gene expression involved in angiogenesis and metastasis.
Results:
Apigenin demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pronounced
antiproliferative effects against BC cell lines. It was established that apigenin induces cell cycle arrest,
activates the caspase cascade, downregulates anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2), and upregulates Bax
expression. Moreover, it inhibits NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, leading to decreased
production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Additional findings highlight its ability to suppress epithelial–mesenchymal transition
(EMT), reduce matrix metalloproteinase activity (MMP-2, MMP-9), and block angiogenesis.
Innovative studies revealed that nanostructured formulations of apigenin increase its bioavailability
441
Volume 5, Issue 10: Special Issue
(EJAR)
ISSN: 2181-2020
MPHAPP
THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL
CONFERENCE
“
MODERN PHARMACEUTICS: ACTUAL
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
”
TASHKENT, OCTOBER 17, 2025
in-academy.uz
and enhance the antitumor immune response, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint
inhibitors (aPD-1).
Conclusions:
Apigenin is a promising candidate for breast cancer therapy, including the triple-
negative subtype. Its use both as monotherapy and in combination regimens may enhance treatment
efficacy and reduce toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy. Further preclinical and clinical
studies are required to confirm its therapeutic potential.
