Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies among women globally, involves multiple mechanisms in its pathogenesis and progression. Clinical treatment continues to face challenges such as recurrence and metastasis. Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma), a traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, is warm in nature, with pungent and bitter flavors, and acts on the liver and spleen meridians. It contains various active components, including volatile oils, curcuminoids, and other compounds, and functions to break blood stasis, promote qi movement, eliminate accumulation, and relieve pain. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Curcumae Rhizoma and its active components exert anti-breast cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, preventing tumor metastasis, suppressing angiogenesis, and regulating autophagy. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Curcumae Rhizoma addresses the pathogenesis of “qi stagnation and blood stasis, toxic accumulation and masses” by strongly activating blood circulation, dispersing stagnation, and resolving masses, thereby alleviating breast masses (including breast cancer) caused by phlegm-stasis binding and qi obstruction. In compound formulations, the efficacy of Curcumae Rhizoma can be enhanced through different herb pairings. For example, when combined with qi-tonifying herbs like Huangqi (Astragali Radix), it reinforces healthy qi to eliminate pathogens and reduces chemotherapy resistance. When paired with blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs such as Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma), it enhances the effect of dispersing masses and combating toxins, reflecting the compatibility strategy of “simultaneously eliminating pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi”. This article reviews the pharmacological mechanisms and research progress of Curcumae Rhizoma and its active components in anti-breast cancer studies in recent years, aiming to provide references for further research and clinical applications in breast cancer treatment.

Curcumae Rhizoma  /  breast cancer  /  volatile oil  /  curcumin  /  promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis