Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This occurs in normal physiological processes, such as wound healing and the menstrual cycle. However, angiogenesis is also necessary for cancerous tumors to grow and metastasize. Some cancer therapeutics are aimed at blocking angiogenesis and blocking tumors from recruiting a supporting blood supply. Angiogenesis inhibitor drugs are in development and some compounds with anti-angiogenic properties have been discovered in foods.
Tea
It has been long observed that cancer rates are lower in populations where tea is commonly consumed. However, the mechanism by which this occurs was not known. Green tea contains the active ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG. In a study published in April 1999 in the scientific journal "Nature," researchers report that purified EGCG acts as an angiogenesis inhibitor, preventing the growth of new blood vessels in animals.
Fruits and Vegetables
A study reported in the August 2010 "Journal of Food Science" indicates a possible anti-angiogenic role for grapes.Researchers prepared extracts from four different grape varieties -- Concord, Niagara, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir -- and showed that these blocked the formation of vessel-like structures in cells grown in the laboratory. Work published in June 2003 in the research journal FEBS Letters describes inhibition of angiogenesis by wild blueberry extract and a combination extract from wild blueberry, wild bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds and strawberry.
Spices
Tumeric is a spice widely used in Indian cuisine. It contains the active ingredient curcumin which has been shown to reduce tumor incidence in laboratory animals by reducing plasma levels of VEGF, a key angiogenic factor. In one study appearing in the February 2011 issue of "European Journal of Pharmacology," mice treated with curcumin developed 28.6 percent the tumors of untreated animals.
Cautions
Research on the anti-angiogenic properties of foods and spices is still ongoing. There is much still to learn about how to use anti-angiogenic foods in the optimal amounts and combinations. Anti-angiogenic foods should not replace conventional cancer therapies. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, discuss nutrition with your health care provider before making dietary changes.
References
- "Nature": Angiogenesis inhibited by drinking tea
- "European Journal of Pharmacology": Anti-angiogenic effect of resveratrol or curcumin in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice
- "Journal of Food Science": Antiangiogenetic effects of 4 varieties of grapes in vitro
- "FEBS Letters": Anti-angiogenic property of edible berry in a model of hemangioma
