A molecule found in brassicas can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, researchers say.
Scientists funded by the Medical Research Council at the University of Leicester investigated the impact of the molecule - I3C - on four different laboratory-grown breast cancer cell lines and found it affected the chemical signalling inside cells from three of the lines.
This could make the cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of anticancer drugs, making the vegetables an ideal accompaniment to the conventional treatments.
Josephine Querido of Cancer Research UK said: “This study adds to the evidence that I3C found in broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables can help block the growth of breast cancer cells. The work was carried out on cells grown in the laboratory and it is not yet clear if I3C will have a role in breast cancer treatment.”
The findings were presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Conference, as well as being published in the journal Carciogenesis.
