An apple a day to prevent cancer formation: Reducing cancer risk with flavonoids

J Food Drug Anal. 2017 Jan;25(1):119-124. doi: 10.1016/j.jfda.2016.10.016. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to update and discuss key findings from in vitro and in vivo studies on apple and its biocompounds, with a special focus on its anticancer role. Several studies have proposed that apple and its extracts exhibit a variety of biological functions that may contribute to health benefits including beneficial effects against chronic heart and vascular disorders, respiratory and pulmonary dysfunction, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanism(s) of various components in apple, as established in previous studies that indicated their growth-inhibitory effects in various cancer cell types. Moreover, an attempt is made to delineate the direction of future studies that could lead to the development of apple components as a potent chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agent against cancer.

Keywords: apple; cancer chemoprevention; phloretin; type 2 glucose transporter.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Humans
  • Malus*
  • Neoplasms
  • Plant Extracts

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts