The American Cancer Society says that over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer develop per year, making it the second leading cause of death and one of the greatest health risks for American women. Fennel is a traditional herbal remedy that may help prevent or slow growth of breast cancer, and apigenin is a natural compound found in many plants that may also be helpful in suppressing breast cancer. Consult your physician.
Causes and Risk Factors
Although the exact cause of breast cancer is still not known, hormones may have a role in causing the disease in some people. Certain inherited gene mutations may also cause breast cancer. These include BRCA1 and BRCA2, mutated genes that allow breast cells to grow out of control and become cancerous. Risk factors for breast cancer include being a woman over 55 years of age, having a family history of the disease or having already had breast cancer in one breast, being Caucasian or having dense breast tissue. Having certain benign conditions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ, or starting menstruation before age 12 also raise your risk for breast cancer.
Fennel
Fennel is a plant that produces a bulb at its base and has an aromatic, anise-like fragrance when crushed. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years and contains several phytochemicals. Quercetin from fennel and other plants prevents growth of cancer cells, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which summarizes laboratory studies on quercetin and cultured malignant cells. A study published in "Biological and Pharmacological Bulletin" in 2011 found that anethole, another compound in fennel, inhibits growth of tumor cells and causes them to die, while also suppressing invasion of healthy tissues by cancerous cells.
Apigenin
Apigenin is a natural compound called a flavonoid that is present in many fruits and vegetables, but especially plentiful in parsley, onions, oranges, tea and chamomile. According to laboratory studies summarized in a review published in 2007 in "International Journal of Oncology," apigenin inhibits growth of breast cancer cells through several different mechanisms, including blocking their division and inducing them to enter apoptosis, a process that causes their death.
Recommendations
By adding fresh fennel and apigenin-rich foods to your diet, you might reduce your risk of developing breast cancer or, if you already have the disease, reduce its growth rate and improve the long term outcome. Supplements containing apigenin or quercetin are also available from health food stores, as is dried fennel in capsules. Talk to your doctor to decide if apigenin, fennel or fennel-derived supplements might be helpful for your situation.
References
- American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer
- Medicinal Plants Information: Fennel - Medicinal Properties and Uses
- "Biological and Pharmacological Bulletin"; Anethole Exerts Antimetastatic Activity via Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase...; E. Choo et al.; January 2011
- "International Journal of Oncology"; Apigenin and Cancer Chemoprevention: Progress, Potential and Promise; D. Patel et al.; January 2007
- Natural News: Apigenin Phytonutrient Cuts Ovarian Cancer Risk; D. Guitterrez; November 2009
