Chemopreventive characteristics of avocado fruit.
Phytochemicals are recognized as playing an important role in cancer prevention by fruits and vegetables. The avocado is a widely grown and consumed fruit that is high in nutrients and low in calories, sodium, and fats. Studies have shown that phytochemicals extracted from the avocado fruit selectively induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit growth, and induce apoptosis in precancerous and cancer cell lines. Our recent studies indicate that phytochemicals extracted with chloroform from avocado fruits target multiple signaling pathways and increase intracellular reactive oxygen leading to apoptosis. This review summarizes the reported phytochemicals in avocado fruit and discusses their molecular mechanisms and targets. These studies suggest that individual and combinations of phytochemicals from the avocado fruit may offer an advantageous dietary strategy in cancer prevention.
Ding
Haiming
H
Division of Radiobiology, Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 2001 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA. ding.29@osu.edu
Chin
Young-Won
YW
Kinghorn
A Douglas
AD
D'Ambrosio
Steven M
SM
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D017209:Apoptosis; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D018890:Chemoprevention; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D027421:Persea / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts