Eat apple Beat cancer, An apple a day keeps the doctor away,

.NEW DELHI: The fear surrounding the C-word notwithstanding, most cancers may be prevented. Cancer biologists see a lot of hope in natural compounds that can prevent tumour angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels that lead to spread of cancer).

Most research at Jawaharlal Nehru University Cancer Biology Laboratory is now focussed on finding these compounds. A recent finding that scientists at the lab are excited about is the role of Fisetin, a compound found in strawberries, apples, onions and some vegetables in inhibiting the growth of tumours associated with prostate cancer.

One study suggests the fruit can keep something else at bay. Cornell University food researchers said lab tests show that eating 100 grams of a fresh New York apple can have the antioxidant and anti-cancer effects equal to 1,500 milligrams of Vitamin C.

 Even though a lot of research studies had indicated earlier that Fisetin may have anti-tumor activity, the lab at JNU aimed to prove its efficacy in inhibiting tumor angiogenesis both in-vitro and in-vivo. When administered on mice, the team found Fisetin treatment strongly inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced vascularization of implants. It also inhibited growth and capillary network formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and many angiogenic markers in prostate cancer cells.

"This finding has given us a lot of clues and we are making potent hypothesis that phytochemicals like Fisetin play a major role in preventing tumor angiogenesis," says Rana P Singh, associate professor of cancer biology and lead researcher of the study which was recently published in the journal, Carcinogenesis.

Fisetin is not the only compound that may have a miraculous effect on tumor angiogenesis; Rana's team is also studying the effect of Silibinin, Decursin and Acacetin. Silibinin is found in the extract of Milk Thistle seeds and has proven to inhibit angiogenesis. Decursin found in the roots of Angelica herb has also been studied by the team and found to have a potency to limit tumor growth.

JNU has recently taken up a research project funded by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Acacetin, found in marigold, sun flower and other plants of the same family. Another compound that scientists are excited about is Diallyl Triisulfide which is derived from garlic and other Allium plants.

"Around 5% to 10% of cancers are caused due to genetic factors. Others are due to environmental or lifestyle issues. That is why there is a lot of interest in prevention. After 40 years of research on developing a drug to fight cancer, we have not managed to find that magic bullet that will work. Since the financial burden of cancer is huge, it's best to focus on prevention. Phytochemicals found in our daily diet can have a significant effect on our health," adds Rana.

At the Indo-US bilateral meeting on accelerating botanicals/biologics agent development research for cancer chemoprevention held at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, government health agencies from India and US focused on accelerating development of biologic drugs.