In the last decade, antioxidants have moved to the front line in the fight against cancer. Research shows they have preventative effects on cancer cell growth as well as many other benefits, from anti-aging to heart health. Previous research indicates that quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples, raspberries, green tea and grapes, has potent antitumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antiviral properties. With this research in mind, scientists from the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology at the Department of Medicine, State University of New York conducted a trial on the effect of quercetin on prostate cancer cell growth.

Specifically, the researchers observed the biological mechanisms of prostate cancer cell growth and how, if at all, these might be affected by quercetin. The researchers found that quercetin significantly inhibited the growth of both moderately and highly aggressive prostate cancer cells. They also found that quercetin increased the production of several antitumour genes while inhibiting the production of the genes that promote cell growth. The researchers say their study confirmed the antitumour effects of quercetin, especially for aggressive prostate cancer cells, and that it provides a scientific basis for the potential use of flavonoids in the prevention of cancer.

Sources: Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 2004 Jan;11(1):63-9