April 19, 2004

Polyphenols Fight Growth of Breast Cancer Cells

Numerous experiments have shown that certain polyphenols, mainly flavonoids, can protect against heart disease and have anticancer, antiviral and antiallergic properties.

But researchers from the Universidade do Porto, Portugal found that such phenolic compounds could also fight breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in the European Union. Approximately one woman in 10 in Europe will develop breast cancer at some point in her life, according to the European Parliament's Directorate-General for Research.

They investigated the effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), xanthohumol and resveratrol, substances present in significant concentrations in tea, beer and red wine, respectively, on the growth of a human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. All three polyphenolic compounds tested showed a significant effect, decreasing breast cancer cells’ proliferation, and at concentrations that were not toxic to cells.

Xanthohumol, found in beer, was the most potent polyphenol over breast cancer cell growth: it showed its effect more rapidly and at a lower concentration than the others. EGCG was the least potent on a weight basis, although that may have no therapeutic meaning since it was also the least toxic compound, meaning it can be given in higher doses, said the researchers.

They warned, however, that the study does not call for women to increase alcohol consumption as a means of breast cancer prevention. Numerous studies have found that regular intake of alcohol affects the levels of important female hormones, exposing women's breast cells to higher levels of estrogen when alcohol is consumed. This may in turn trigger the cells to become cancerous.

[Source]
SOURCE: http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news-NG.asp?id=51463