ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIPROLIFERATIVE PROPERTIES OF MORINDA CITRIFOLIA AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Abstract

This study reviews the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of Morinda citrifolia (noni) and its applicability against breast cancer, emphasizing the biochemical, phytochemical, and molecular mechanisms involved in oxidative stress modulation and tumor growth inhibition. The objective was to synthesize recent scientific knowledge about the bioactive compounds of Morinda citrifolia, their effects on breast cancer cells, and the therapeutic potential of the plant as an adjuvant in oncology. The methodology consisted of an integrative literature review with searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and SpringerLink, including publications from 2020 to 2025. Results show that Morinda citrifolia contains flavonoids, iridoids, and anthraquinones with high antioxidant capacity, capable of reducing lipid peroxidation, regulating pro-apoptotic gene expression, and inhibiting cell proliferation. The discussion highlights the role of phenolic compounds in free radical neutralization and the blockage of oncogenic pathways, as well as the importance of novel pharmacological approaches based on natural products. It is concluded that integrating phytochemical research, cellular models, and molecular approaches may foster the development of safe and effective complementary therapies for breast cancer treatment.