Inflammation enhanced colon cancer & natural anti-cancer plant compounds

Inflammation is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer through mechanisms that are not well understood. Isothiocyanates, which are the bioactive components in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, have been shown to suppress COX-2 and IL-6 production from inflammation. The polyacetylene gymnasterkoreayne B (GKB) was previously shown to increase detoxification enzymes, but has not previously been tested for anti-cancer activity (1). Here we tested 10% broccoli, 5% broccoli sprouts, GKB and a GKB-rich extract from Gymnaster koriensis (GE) for their ability to prevent inflammation-enhanced colon cancer, using the dextran sulfate sodium/ azoxymethane mouse model. GKB (500 ??mol/kg diet daily), GE (providing an equal dose of GKB) and broccoli protected against some aspects of inflammation, including cyclooxygenase-2 levels in colonic mucosa. The extract and the 10% broccoli diet, but not purified GKB or 5% broccoli sprouts, protected against colon cancer, decreasing adenocarcinomas by 90%. These data suggest that the Gymnaster extract and broccoli are both promising anti-cancer products