Cancer: prevention by plants, the benefits of broccoli
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Philadelphia (1) reveals the impact of broccoli and its anti-cancer properties in the prevention of head and neck cancers.
The results obtained in particular on mice, as well as a group of healthy volunteers, confirm a new approach to cancer prevention, namely the help of plants, more precisely called “ green chemoprevention ”.
Mode of action of a natural molecule called sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is naturally present in broccoli, cabbage and watercress. Many scientists have in the past demonstrated the abilities of this molecule on cancer, including Chinese researchers who have revealed the effects of sulforaphane at high concentrations on environmental carcinogens.
This new study provides further proof of the existence of a natural molecule present in cruciferous vegetables , with the ability to protect the oral mucosa, thus helping to prevent oral cancers.
The researchers administered sulforaphane to mice genetically predisposed to oral cancer over a period of several months. They were able to observe, with this supplementation, a significant reduction in the appearance, as well as in the number of tumours.
The scientists also gave a group of 10 volunteers fruit juice enriched with broccoli extract. This results in no adverse effects, however, the researchers were able to identify changes aimed at protecting the lining of the mouth.
The results obtained on mice and humans are prompting the researchers to carry out a larger clinical trial, this time involving 40 volunteers already receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. Participants will regularly receive capsules containing the sulforaphane molecule from broccoli and scientists will need to monitor the incidence of recurrences.
“Green chemoprevention” or green prevention
This trend consists in the identification of natural compounds, or natural foods, contributing to the prevention of cancers. This field is one of the most studied at present , and many trials are looming in the future, in order to determine the molecules that will soon be used in the treatment of cancers.
“ Green chemoprevention is less expensive, requires less scientific validation than a traditional pharmaceutical product, and can be easily scaled up in developing countries, ” says Dr. Bauman, lead author of the study (1) and associate professor at Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.