Observations placeholder
Fruit, veg and esophagus cancer
Identifier
005362
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Esophageal cancer (or oesophageal cancer) is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer (approx 90–95% of all esophageal cancer worldwide) and adenocarcinoma (approx. 50–80% of all esophageal cancer in the United States). Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells that are present at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms.
Diallyl disulfide (DADS or 4,5-dithia-1,7-octadiene) is an organosulfur compound derived from garlic and a few other genus Allium plants.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate that is found in some cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables of the family Brassicaceae - Brassicas.
A description of the experience
Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2009 Feb;26(152):156-61. [Natural compounds in chemoprevention of esophageal squamous cell tumors--experimental studies]. [Article in Polish] Szumilo J. Medical University of Lublin, Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Poland. jszumilo@wp.pl
Chemoprevention refers to prevention of tumor formation due to administration of nontoxic synthetic or natural compounds, which can block or weaken the influence of carcinogens on target cells or even reverse previously formed lesions.
In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma--which belongs to the group of the most aggressive tumors of digestive system with poor prognosis--an effective prevention would be strongly expected.
Chemopreventive properties of many complex diets and pure natural compounds were evaluated until now. Most studies were performed on rats exposed to chemical carcinogens, usually N-nitroso-N-methylbenzylamine (NMBA).
The best effects were achieved after administration of diallyl sulfide and phenethyl isothiocyanate.
Lyophilized black raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, as well as products obtained from leaves and buds of tea plant, elagic acid and resveratrol were also very effective. Mechanisms of chemopreventive action were associated with, i.e., activity of enzymes involved in carcinogen metabolic activation (mostly cytochrome P450 isoenzymes), inhibition of DNA adducts formation and modulation of gene expression involved in regulation of proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. However, some agents e.g., perillyl alcohol, could enhance development of proliferative lesions in esophageal epithelium.
PMID: 19388525
The source of the experience
PubMedConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
Symbols
Science Items
ThroatActivities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
CancerSuppressions
BlackberriesBrassicas
Onions and garlic
Raspberries
Strawberries
Tea