Nutraceuticals Known to Promote Hair Growth Do Not Interfere with the Inhibitory Action of Tamoxifen in MCF7, T47D, and BT483 Breast Cancer Cell Lines

The study investigated the effect of various nutraceuticals on the proliferation of MCF7, T-47D, and BT483 breast cancer cell lines in the presence of estrogen and tamoxifen. The nutraceuticals tested included Kelp, Astaxanthin, Saw Palmetto, Tocotrienols, Maca, Horsetail, Resveratrol, Curcumin, and Ashwagandha. The results showed that these nutraceuticals did not interfere with the inhibitory action of tamoxifen on estrogen-stimulated DNA synthesis. Some even further inhibited estrogen when combined with tamoxifen. The study also found that the nutraceuticals induced a shift to higher ERβ expression and a localization of ERs around the nuclear periphery. This suggests that nutraceuticals may offer a protective effect, particularly if they synergize and augment the actions of tamoxifen. Further studies are needed to confirm whether nutraceuticals can shift the ratio towards ERβ in hair follicle cells, which would support their role in promoting hair growth. This data suggests the potential of nutraceuticals as adjuvant therapy for hair loss in breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy.