Phytochemicals in Cruciferous Vegetables Suppress Human Prostate Cancer Cells
April 24, 2007 by Gloria Gamat
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, watercress, cabbage and cauliflower are rich sources of chemicals that not only stop the growth of human prostate cancer cells in mice but could also cut off the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors.
Such were the findings of a research team from University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute led by Shivendra Singh, Ph.D, professor of pharmacology and urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Phytochemicals called called isothiocyanates (ITCs), more specifically the phenethyl-ITC (PEITC), has been found to be highly effective in suppressing the growth of human prostate cancer cells at concentrations achievable through dietary intake.
According to Dr. Singh:
“The contribution of diet and nutrition to cancer risk, prevention and treatment has been a major focus of research in recent years because certain nutrients in vegetables and dietary agents appear to protect the body against diseases such as cancer.
From epidemiologic data, we know that increased consumption of vegetables reduces the risk for certain types of cancer, but now we are beginning to understand the mechanisms by which certain vegetables like broccoli may help our bodies fight cancer and other diseases.”
The study’s findings have recently been presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, held April 14-18, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Read the full report.
