Potent Cancer Protection From A Liitle-Known Vegetable

Watercress, a lesser-known cousin of broccoli, offers a host of health benefits. Watercress is an exceptionally rich sourceof potent cancer-fighting isothiocyanates, including the much-studied compound known as phenethyl isothiocyanate, or PEIIC. Research indicates that a watercress-broccoli extract effectively suppresses production of an enzyme that facilitates the spread of breast cancer to other tissues. Scientists have also demonstrated that isothiocyanates in watercress suppress production of pro-inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins, which are associated with numerous pathological conditions, including cancer. This suppression of inflammatory compounds may be yet another anti-cancer effect conferred by cruciferous vegetables.

Cancer researchers are also interested in watercress as a weapon against lethal lung cancers. Watercress is the richest source of a glucosinolate known as nasturtiin, which is transformed into PEITC in the digestive tract. In laboratory rodents, watercress-derived PEITC helped prevent lung cancer that is ordinarily triggered by a tobacco-derived carcinogen. Because epidemiological evidence associates increased intake of cruciferous vegetables with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, scientists sought to identify the specific compounds responsible for this cancer-preventive effect. They found that a form of PEIIC that is abundant in watercress inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and their ability to form tumors.

Studies have shown that PEITC inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in the laboratory with surprising rapidity. This is very important, as PEITC and other dietary isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables tend to clear the body quickly through urinary excretion. Working with a type of human leukemia cell, scientists have discovered that PEITC and other isothiocyanates act on multiple cell targets to help fight cancer proliferation. After as little as three hours of exposure to PEIIC and other isothiocyanates, cancer cells experienced the full spectrum of these anti-cancer effects.

Scientists have also recently discovered that compounds contained in watercress induce phase I and phase II liver enzymes and these natural agents not only have anticancer benefits, but also provide detoxification support. This effect may explain their ability to inhibit the cancerous effects of a wide variety of compounds.