Phytogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles in breast cancer therapy: an ethnopharmacological perspective on multi-targeted mechanistic pathways and translational constraints

Introduction

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide as of 2026. While conventional interventions face challenges like drug resistance and systemic toxicity, the integration of green nanotechnology with ethnopharmacology offers a biocompatible, sustainable alternative. This review assesses the mechanistic pathways and therapeutic potential of phytogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using bioactive secondary metabolites.