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Oleandrin, a cardiac glycoside isolated from the leaves of Nerium oleander, has known effects on the heart. Evidence from recent studies have highlighted its potential for anticancer properties. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of oleandrin on cancer cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. We performed a systematic search in six electronic databases up to Jan 2022. We extracted information about the effects of oleandrin on cell proliferation, cell viability, apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest in in vitro studies, and the effects on tumor size and volume in animal experimental models. We have retrieved 775 scientific studies. 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. They investigated the effects of oleandrin on breast, lung, pancreatic, colon, prostate, colorectal, oral, ovarian, glioma, melanoma, glioblastoma, osteosarcoma, and histiocytic lymphoma cancers. Overall, in vitro studies demonstrated that oleandrin was able to inhibit cell proliferation, decrease cell viability, and induce apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest. In addition, oleandrin had an effect on reducing mean tumor size and volume in animal studies. Oleandrin, as a cytotoxic agent, demonstrated antitumor effects in different types of cancers, however important clinical limitations remain a concern. These results encourage future studies to verify the applicability of oleandrin in antineoplastic therapeutic protocols human and veterinary medicine, the investigation of antimetastatic properties, as well as the potential increase in patient survival and the decrease of tumor markers., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Breast cancer is one of the most common neoplasms among women. Anticancer strategies using natural formulations and phytotherapies are promising antitumor treatment alternatives. This review assesses the antitumor effects of curcumin on breast cancer reported in preclinical in vitro and in vivo animal models. We used five databases to search for preclinical studies published up to May 2021. The assessments included the effects of curcumin on the proliferation, viability, and apoptosis of breast cancer cell lineages and on tumor volume. In total, 60 articles met the inclusion criteria. Curcumin administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration inhibited proliferation, decreased viability, and induced apoptosis in human and animal breast cancer cells. Nanoparticle formulations of curcumin administered orally, via implant, and intraperitoneally reduced the tumor volume of human and murine mammary cells in vivo. Moreover, curcumin nanoformulations exert positive effects on tumor growth inhibition in animal models of breast cancer. Further randomized clinical trials are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin formulations for clinical use.