Vegetables such as potatoes could someday help us fight cancer, according to a study completed at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland and published [December 7] in the journal Frontiers of Pharmacology.
In their study, researchers examined bioactive compounds called glycoalkaloids and how they can play a role in preventing or treating cancer.
Bioactive compounds are chemicals found in fruits and vegetables that can promote good health. Glycoalkaloids are found in nightshade plants, including tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes.
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Glycoalkaloids can inhibit cancer cell growth. Some studies have suggested that they aren’t toxic and do not risk damaging DNA or causing future tumors.
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A detailed understanding of glycoalkaloid properties would be needed to further evaluate how they can help fight cancer.
“There is an important difference between eating fruits and vegetables for health (often prevention) vs. mining plant materials for potentially bioactive drugs (often treatment),” [researcher Jessica] Cooperstone said.
“There is lots of research that shows the benefits of eating plant foods to lower cancer risk, but little conclusive evidence about the effects of specific compounds or specific foods,” she added.
