Green Tea Anticancer Mechanism Discovered
An in vitro study finally reveals the mechanism behind the anticancer compounds epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea and procyanidins found in apples.
The research showed these substances target a specific receptor in the mitochondria that is a major mediator of the most important pro-angiogenic growth factor in humans – vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). When overexpressed, VEGF can contribute to increased tumour growth.
Using normal and cancerous oral cancer cells researchers discovered that these compounds caused oxidative damage to cancer cell mitochondria.
Additionally, attack on the cellular antioxidant gene defences of the rest of the cell resulted in complete cell death. Normal cells were unharmed.
This study tested the activity of EGCG and apple procyanidins at dietary levels, further encouraging the regular intake of these valuable nutrients.