Research Progress on Chinese Herbal Medicine Components Targeting Ferroptosis for Cancer Therapy

Recent studies indicate that ferroptosis shows unique advantages in oncotherapy, particularly in reversing multidrug resistance (MDR). Despite current therapeutic advancements, the treatment of high-incidence malignancies with dismal prognoses continues to face challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, significant side effects, and drug resistance. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has gained increasing attention in anti-tumor therapy. CHM bioactive components are highly effective in inducing tumor cell ferroptosis, inhibiting tumor proliferation and migration, and reversing drug resistance. Additionally, some components can protect normal cells and improve the tumor microenvironment. This review systematically summarizes the regulatory roles of various CHM bioactive components in ferroptosis across common human cancers. We further analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on the modulation of key regulatory targets (e.g., GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2) and critical signaling cascades (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53). Furthermore, the differential effects of bioactive compounds from CHM on common tumors were evaluated, alongside their potential in combination therapy. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the development of novel anticancer drugs targeting ferroptosis regulation and offers new perspectives for the clinical application of CHM in oncology.