Cancer can be one of the most devastating diagnoses in the world. The impact of a cancer diagnosis is far-reaching, for patient and loved ones alike. Despite decades spent on cancer research, there is still no definitive cure. The grueling nature of this disease spurs scientists to look for alternative theories in their pursuit of treatment and cures. One such promising topic is apigenin and its role in cancer chemoprevention.
Apigenin’s anti-cancer properties are preventative with regards to the fighting cancer. Modern research increasingly focuses on apigenin’s ability to complement other cancer treatments. In this article, we will explore how apigenin may help to prevent and combat various types of cancer.
Apigenin belongs to the flavone class of flavonoids. It is found in many fruits, including pineapples, grapefruit, oranges, and apples. Apigenin can also be found in vegetables and herbs, includeing onions, parsley, chamomile tea, celery, and wheat sprouts. Apigenin has been used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects. It can also be found in organic red wine and beer.
For centuries, apigenin was used in traditional medicine for its calming effects. However, modern research has expanded and developed our understanding of apigenin’s health benefits. According to studies, apigenin has some antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These properties may help in preventing and treating cancer. As an example, it can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis.
To understand Apigenin’s potential role in cancer, we should first discuss how cancer affects the body. Genetic mutations and environmental factors can cause cancer cells to grow. Cancer can lead to disruption of normal cellular processes and uncontrolled cell growth, which can, in some cases, invade and negatively impact other parts of the body.
Conventional cancer treatments come with significant side effects and a low success rate. As a result, interest and research has increased in natural compounds like apigenin. Researchers have been studying apigenin and cancer chemoprevention for years. Some laboratory and animal studies provide evidence of apigenin as an alternative approach to treating cancer. Let’s explore some of the mechanisms of apigenin for anti-cancer treatment.
The cell cycle, a complex process by which cells grow and divide, is a key area of study in cancer research. Apigenin, as a natural compound, has been found to have significant effects on this process. It can induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, increase p21 levels, and inhibit CDK1 and CDK2 in prostate cancer cells, all of which are crucial for regulating the progression of the cancer cell cycle.
Furthermore, apigenin can activate p53, a tumor suppressor protein whose activation can promote programmed cell death. All of these indicate that apigenin can stop cancer cells from dividing and thus the disease’s progression slows.
Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a crucial and natural process in the body. Through apoptosis, our body removes damaged or unwanted cells. Cancer cells are notorious for evading apoptosis, increasing and dividing uncontrollably. However, apigenin can induce apoptosis even in cancer cells. It does so by activating the intrinsic pathway, which releases cytochrome C from mitochondria. Cytochrome C activates caspase enzymes, which then can help to execute apoptosis in cells.
Apigenin can also increase pro-apoptotic protein expression and decrease anti-apoptotic protein expression, further promoting cancer cell death. For example, apoptotic protein can modulate key apoptotic protein expression in breast cancer cells. So, any cancer cells resistant to conventional treatment may respond positively to apoptotic protein.
A tumor requires a regular supply of nutrients and oxygen. The stimulation of new blood vessels can provide these essential elements to tumors, which is why the formation of new blood vessels is necessary for tumor growth. This process is known as angiogenesis.
Apigenin can inhibit a key protein involved in angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inhibition of VEGF can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels, thus apigenin can cut off the resource supply to tumors. In one research study, a mouse model of melanoma was treated with apigenin, which resulting in significantly reduced new blood vessels to tumors, and decreased tumor growth.
Apigenin is a powerful antioxidant and can enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Some common enzymes include catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione. Its antioxidant capacity can protect cells from DNA damage of a malignant nature.
Chronic inflammation can influence the development of cancer. Here, apigenin and cancer chemoprevention go hand in hand. Because the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is overexpressed in some inflammatory cancers, Apigenin can decrease Cox-2 expression and reduce cancer progression. Apigenin can also modulate the production of some inflammatory cytokines. For example, it can lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). These are all involved in reducing inflammation and the treatment of cancer.
Sometimes, cancer cells can spread to distant parts of the human body. This process is known as metastasis, and is a major cause of mortality in cancer cases. Apigenin can potentially prevent metastasis. Let’s look at how Apigenin can do that below:
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity can break down the outer layer of the matrix. The breakdown helps cancer cells invade surrounding tissues. Apigenin can inhibit the MMP’s activity. Therefore, it can reduce cancer cell progression and prevent metastasis. In human breast cancer cells, Apigenin treatment was shown to reduce MMP-9 expression resulting in a decreased level of metastasis from the breast to surrounding tissues.
Chemotherapy and radiation are the most common forms of cancer therapies. However, they can also cause severe reactions in the recipient’s body, causing difficult side-effects to manifest in cancer patients. Apigenin can help sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. It can also protect normal cells from radiation and reduce the horrible side effects. According to one study, apigenin can enhance the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug for ovarian cancer cells. The combined impact of apigenin and cisplatin can increase cell death and reduce toxicity.
Apigenin shows great promise in the field of cancer research. We can incorporate a variety of apigenin dietary sources into our routine. It can be a natural way to prepare our body for the fight against cancer. However, keep in mind that advanced research is still ongoing. We still do not fully understand apigenin and cancer chemoprevention. We may discover even more benefits of apigenin along the way. For now, consult with your healthcare provider before any significant dietary changes, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment.
