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Title: Biological/Chemopreventive Activity of Stilbenes and Their Effect on Colon Cancer

Author
item Rimando, Agnes
item SUH, NANJOO - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Planta Medica
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/2008
Publication Date: 10/8/2008
Citation: Rimando, A.M., Suh, N. 2008. Biological/Chemopreventive Activity of Stilbenes and Their Effect on Colon Cancer. Planta Medica. 74:1635-1643.

Interpretive Summary: Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and women in Western countries. Epidemiological studies have linked consumption of fruits and vegetables to a reduced risk of colon cancer, and small fruits are particularly rich sources of many active phytochemicals, such as stilbenes. Stilbenes, such as resveratrol and pterostilbene, have diverse pharmacological activities, which include cancer chemoprevention, cholesterol-lowering, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and increased lifespan. This review summarizes results related to the potential use of stilbenes as cancer chemopreventive agents, in vitro mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in prevention of colon cancer in animals and humans.

Technical Abstract: Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and women in Western countries. Epidemiological studies have linked consumption of fruits and vegetables to a reduced risk of colon cancer, and small fruits are particularly rich sources of many active phytochemical stilbenes, such as resveratrol and pterostilbene. Recent advances in prevention of colon cancer have stimulated an interest in diet and lifestyle as an effective means of intervention in development of the disease. As constituents of grapes, red wine and small fruits, stilbenes are under intense investigation as cancer chemopreventive agents. Stilbenes have diverse pharmacological activities, which include cancer chemoprevention, cholesterol-lowering, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and increased lifespan. One of the best-characterized stilbenes, resveratrol, has been known as an antioxidant, and anti-aging as well as anti-inflammatory agent. This review summarizes results related to a potential use of various stilbenes as cancer chemopreventive agents, mainly in vitro mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in prevention of colon cancer in animals and humans.