Estrogen Blockers
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1-2015
Initially, Chen and his colleagues found that a group of phytochemicals
called procyanidin B dimer - part of the polyphenol family - were potent
inhibitors of aromatase. Knowing that grape seeds are a rich source of
procyanidin B, the researchers tested the aromatase-inhibiting ability
of 13 brands of grape seed extracts. A series of cell and animal studies
found that 10 of the brands significantly inhibited aromatase. "These
findings encouraged us to screen a variety of vegetables to identify
dietary sources for aromatase inhibitors," Chen says.
With funding from AICR, Chen tested seven vegetable extracts and found
white button mushroom extract was most effective at preventing the
production of aromatase. That led to investigating other mushroom
varieties. Cell studies showed that shiitake, portabello, crimini and
baby button mushrooms also inhibited aromatase activity.
The next step was to determine the active components of the foods and
identify the amount needed. For instance, in white button mushrooms he
and his colleagues pinpointed conjugated linoleic acid as holding the
main anti-aromatase effect. Based on these studies and others, the City
of Hope has begun clinical trials with grape seed extract and mushrooms.
Pomegranates are a rich source of ellagitannins – converted into ellagic
acid in the body. In the gut, bacteria break down the compounds into
metabolites that studies have found slow the growth of human prostate
and breast cancer cells.
http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2?id=20161