Peach Compounds Inhibit Breast Cancer Growth

Compounds found in peaches have been shown to inhibit both the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread (metastasize). Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, a food scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and colleagues at both Texas A&M and Washington State University, implanted aggressive breast cancer cells under the skin of mice. After giving the cells a week to establish, the researchers began feeding the mice varying doses of peach polyphenols. Results showed that the mice fed with high-levels of polyphenols had tumors that grew less and without much of the blood vessel formation that helps cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. Furthermore, the tumors of the mice fed high-levels of the polyphenols also had less evidence of enzymes involved in the spread and invasion of cancer. “After determining the dose necessary to see the effects in mice, it was calculated that for humans it would be equivalent to consuming two to three peaches per day," said Dr Cisneros-Zevallos. Study co-author Giuliana Noratto, assistant professor of food science at Washington State University, said that the results emphasize the role of good nutrition in cancer prevention. "Having enough fruits and vegetables that can provide these compounds in our diet, we might have a similar preventive effect," said Noratto. "We are great believers that you can cure yourself by having a good diet and a good supply of medicinal plants."