Leonard Bjeldanes, Ph.D. explained the effect of indole, a naturally-occurring phytochemical abundant in broccoli, on the growth of human breast cancer cells. Epidemiologists know that a diet high in broccoli can stave-off some cancers, particularly those dependent on estrogen, typical of some, but not all, breast tumors. All cells have a pre-programmed life cycle that tells cells when to stop dividing. If this self-limiting process of cell division goes unchecked, and the cells keep duplicating, tumors are produced. The researchers learned that one type of indole, found in broccoli, is converted into diidolylmethane (DIM) as soon as it hits stomach acid. When the researchers exposed human breast cancer cells to DIM in the laboratory, there was an increase in apoptosis, the natural process that helps all cells that are old or incompetent to self-destruct. It appears that DIM increases a protein called BAX that inhibits cell growth by reminding cells to stop dividing and die. At the same time DIM decreases another protein that disables BAX and keeps cells dividing. Other tests performed on the treated breast cancer cells confirmed that DIM also fragments DNA, the material that tells cells how to behave, blocking the message all cells need to continue to multiply. This work adds to the mounting body of evidence that emphasizes the importance of a diet high in vegetables and plants. Broccoli belongs to the Brassica genus of plants that also includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables. But there are other good reasons to eat broccoli. It also contains other cancer-fighting agents such as beta carotene and vitamin C, and it is only 28 calories per cup. American Society for Cell Biology December 2000 Sulforaphane Kills h. pylori Oxomate-Synthetic Compound Like Sulforaphane Genes, Enzymes & Sulforaphane Antiangiogenic: Sulforaphane (Broccoli-derived) Dietary Organic Isothiocyanates Cytotoxic MCF-7 BCa cells Cooking Methods Affect Broccoli Nutrient Content Storage, Processing & Cooking on Glucosinolate in Brassica Vegetables J Cancer Prevention & Detection Citations for This Article Antiproliferative Properties Brassica oleracea Juice Thanks to Artemis, Journal Johns Hopkins http://www.med.jhu.edu/breastcenter/artemis/ J Agric Food Chem, Oct. 2000 J Nutrition, 2001 J Agri & Food Chem, 11/01 Selenium-Enriched Broccoli & Intestinal Tumorigenesis (Mice) Nutr Cancer, 1995 Cancer Res, 7/03 J Nutrition, 9/04 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.