Previous studies have suggested that increased intake of flavonoids which are common in fruits and vegetables may be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, according to Sanjay Gupta, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Case School of Medicine Department of Urology. Apigenin is a plant flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs, including chamomile, lemon balm, perilla and parsley.
"Flavonoids have aroused considerable interest recently because of their potential beneficial effects on human health, and have reported to have antiviral, anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant activities," Gupta said. "Apigenin has been shown to lower inflammation and oxidative stress, and exerts growth inhibitory effects on cancer cells."
In the study, Gupta and his team orally fed apigenin to mice two weeks before implanting a prostate tumor, then continuing the feedings for eight weeks. In a second protocol, apigenin was fed to mice two weeks after tumor implantation.
The first protocol mimicked prevention regimens, while the second followed therapeutic regimens for cancer.
In both cases, the apigenin slowed tumor growth and did not appear to cause any adverse side effects such as weight gain or changes in diet, which is common in patients who undergo chemotherapy treatments.