Macrophage polarization by phytotherapy in the tumor microenvironment.

Several signaling pathways were involved in M1 (classic) and M2 (alternative) macrophage polarization. Disruption of M2-related signaling pathways and improvement of M1-related signaling pathways can be identified as one of the cancer therapeutic approaches. Prevention of macrophage differentiation into M2 by different herbal agents with antitumor properties can be considered as a promising therapeutic target for cancer patients. In the present review study, we investigated the effect of herbal compounds on M1 and M2 related signaling pathways to reduce M2 and increase M1 macrophage polarization for the treatment of different types of cancer.