Secoiridoids are a class of organic compounds that are found in plants, particularly in the olive family, gentian family, and jasmine family. They have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits, including their anti-cancer properties. The main secoiridoids identified to have potential anticancer activities are oleuropein, ligstroside, and oleocanthal. Here’s how secoiridoids might exert their effects:
- Inducing apoptosis: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a vital process that helps to maintain the balance of cells in our bodies. Sometimes, cancer cells can evade apoptosis, allowing them to proliferate uncontrollably. Several studies have suggested that secoiridoids can induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Inhibiting angiogenesis: Angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, is a process that cancer cells often exploit to ensure they have sufficient nutrients to grow. Some studies have shown that secoiridoids can inhibit angiogenesis, thereby potentially starving cancer cells and inhibiting their growth.
- Antioxidant effects: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often overproduced in cancer cells, leading to oxidative stress which can further drive the growth and survival of these cells. Secoiridoids exhibit strong antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize ROS and potentially preventing DNA damage that could lead to the development of cancer.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of several types of cancer. Secoiridoids, like oleocanthal, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which could possibly prevent inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.
- Gene modulation: Secoiridoids upregulate SIRT1 and inhibit cancer-promoting genes by mimicking key features of resveratrol-induced gene expression patterns to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Cell cycle arrest: Some secoiridoids are believed to influence the cell cycle, causing it to halt and preventing cells from dividing. This arrest could limit the growth of cancer cells.
- Inhibiting metastasis: Some secoiridoids have demonstrated potential in inhibiting metastasis, the process where cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
- Modulating immune response: Certain secoiridoids can boost the immune system’s response to cancer cells, leading to better recognition and destruction of these cells.
It’s important to note, however, that while these mechanisms show promise, much of the research has been conducted in vitro or in animal models. More research, including clinical trials in humans, is needed to confirm these effects and to better understand how secoiridoids can be used in cancer prevention or treatment. The olive oil that I use is Madhava Clean & Simple Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (one tablespoon daily).
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