Phytoalexins in cancer prevention

Donato F. Romagnolo, Cindy D. Davis, John A. Milner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Plant phytoalexins are a class of low molecular weight compounds that accumulate in response to biotic and abiotic elicitors such as pathogens, wounding, freezing, UV light, and exposure to agricultural chemicals. Phytoalexins have been identified in at least 75 plants including cruciferous vegetables, soybean, garlic, tomato, rice, beans, and potatoes suggesting plants may be a rich source of cancer-fighting compounds. Preclinical evidence suggests these compounds possess anticancer properties including an inhibition of microbial activity, cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, hormonal stimulation, and stimulatory effects on expression of metabolizing enzymes. This review highlights the plausible molecular mechanisms through which phytoalexins regulate biological processes that can impinge cancer development. Targets of phytoalexins include signal transduction pathways, transcription factors, cell cycle checkpoints, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, cell invasion and matrix metalloproteinase, nuclear receptors, and the phase II detoxification pathway. Additional research should address physiological relevant dietary concentrations, combinations of phytoalexins and interactions with other dietary compounds, duration of exposure, and tissue specificity as variables that influence the effectiveness of phytoalexins on normal and cancerous processes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2035-2058
Number of pages24
JournalFrontiers in Bioscience
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2012

Keywords

  • Cancer prevention
  • Cancer process
  • Nutrition
  • Phytoalexins
  • Plants
  • Review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Phytoalexins in cancer prevention'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this