Plant flavonoid blocks cancer signals

A plant flavonoid found in carrots and celery has been found to block the signals of colon cancer cells.

Luteolin is found in fruit and vegetables, including olive oil, peppermint and rosemary, has known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, but little was known about how it works.

New research published by BMC Gastroenterology shows that luteolin blocks the signalling pathways of cancer cells, inhibiting growth.

It was also found to block the production of IGF-II by colon cancer cells, a protein thought to help drive the uncontrolled cell division associated with cancer growth.

"Our study … is a step forward in understanding how this flavonoid works. A fuller understanding of the in vivo results is essential to determine how it might be developed into an effective chemopreventive agent," said study leader Professor Jung Han Yoon Park.

A recent study by the University of Colorado Cancer Center identified a way to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the brain.

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