Luteolin blocks cellular signaling pathway to lower colon cancer risk

Monday, February 06, 2012 by: John Phillip
Tags: luteolin, colon cancer, growth factor

(NaturalNews) The result of a body of research published in the journal BMC Gastroenterology has found that consumption of the plant flavonoid luteolin is able to inhibit the activity of cell signaling pathways (known as IGF and PI3K) important for the growth of colon cancer. Extensive research has preceded this study to confirm the health-promoting and disease-fighting nature of natural plant compounds for a wide variety of vegetables and fruits consumed raw or minimally cooked.



Colon cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in western populations. Any natural compound that can significantly lower the risk from this deadly illness without any side effect should warrant special consideration in the diet of any health-minded individual.

Colon cancer cells express elevated markers of an inflammatory protein known as insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-2) as compared to normal colon cancer tissue. Researchers believe that it is this inflammatory factor that is responsible for driving uncontrolled cell division and cancer growth.

Luteolin blocks cell signaling pathway to halt colon cancer progression

Researchers from Korea found that in a controlled setting, application of the flavonoid luteolin to colon cancer cells blocked the secretion of IGF-II within a time period of two hours. By blocking cell receptors for the IGF-II protein, scientists found that cancer cell growth was halted and additional cell signaling pathways that normally trigger metastatic growth were inhibited. Luteolin was shown to trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) by arresting the normal cell cycle that typically results in uncontrolled growth.

The study leader, Professor Jung Han Yoon Park found that luteolin affected cell signaling pathways which are activated by IGF-I in cancer. He commented of the finding, "Blocking these pathways stops cancer cells from dividing and leads to cell death." Luteolin is one of a number of natural plant-derived compounds that are known to exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Professor Park concluded "Our study, showing that luteolin interferes with cell signaling in colon cancer cells, is a step forward in understanding how this flavonoid works." As further studies are planned to better understand the impact of luteolin on colon cancer progression, most adults will want to ensure a regular intake by consuming plenty of vegetables including celery hearts, hot peppers, parsley or spinach or supplement with a full-spectrum multi-vitamin containing the flavonoid.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/12/9/abstract

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201213.htm

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/bc-pfl012012.php

http://www.nutraingredients.com

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/240628.php

About the author:
John Phillip is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.