Background: Fatty acid synthase is a multifunctional protein that catalyzes de novo synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. FASN expression is higher in HER2-positive cells, such as SKBR3 and MCF-7/HER2 cells, than in MCF-7 cells, which express lower HER2 levels. Curcumin, a yellow-colored hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the rhizome turmeric, significantly suppressed growth of human breast cancer cells. In this study, we assessed the effect of curcumin on expression and activity of fatty acid synthase in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells.

Background: The poor prognosis of breast cancer is due to its resistance to the conventional treatments. Therefore, researchers are studying about herbs which have anticancer effects. Emodin is a hydroxy-anthraquinone that is found in many medicinal plants and has biological and anticancer effects. According to previous studies, it inhibited the growth of cancer cells by apoptosis.

Background: Tumor angiogenesis is an important procedure for the tumor development as it confirms oxygen and nutrients source to increase cells through the expansion of new blood vessels, potentially causing cancer development and metastasis. Emodin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is an innate anthraquinone derivative found in the roots and rhizomes of several plants. Pharmacological studies have revealed that emodin displays various biological roles, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer action. Studies have confirmed that emodin prevents cell growth in some types of cancer cells. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis is a new strategy for cancer treatment.