Cauliflower, Broccoli May Protect Against Breast Cancer

MILAN, Italy--Cruciferous vegetables in the Brassica oleracea family, including broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and kale, may inhibit breast cancer growth, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Nutrition (135, 6:1503-1509, 2005).

Researchers evaluated the anti-proliferative activity of juice obtained from leaves of several varieties of brassica vegetables on estrogen receptors (ER) and human breast cancer cell lines. The effect of juice on cell proliferation was evaluated on DNA synthesis and cell cycle-related proteins. Researchers found the juice markedly reduced DNA synthesis, independent of ER activity. All cauliflower varieties tested suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Cell growth inhibition was accompanied by significant cell death at higher juice concentrations, although no sign of apoptosis was found. Interesting, researchers discovered the juice displayed preferential activity against breast cancer cells compared with other mammalian cell lines investigated.

Researchers concluded vegetables in the Brassica oleracea family may be potential chemopreventitive agents due to properties that markedly inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells.