Planta Med 2008; 74(13): 1635-1643
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1088301
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Biological/Chemopreventive Activity of Stilbenes and their Effect on Colon Cancer

Agnes M. Rimando1 , Nanjoo Suh2 , 3
  • 1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, University, MS, USA
  • 2Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
  • 3The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Publikationsverlauf

Received: May 7, 2008 Revised: July 21, 2008

Accepted: July 30, 2008

Publikationsdatum:
08. Oktober 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and women in Western countries. Epidemiological studies have linked the 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 the prevention of colon cancer have stimulated an interest in diet and lifestyle as an effective means of intervention. As constituents of small fruits such as grapes, berries and their products, stilbenes are under intense investigation as cancer chemopreventive agents. One of the best-characterized stilbenes, resveratrol, has been known as an antioxidant and an anti-aging compound as well as an anti-inflammatory agent. Stilbenes have diverse pharmacological activities, which include cancer prevention, a cholesterol-lowering effect, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and increased lifespan. This review summarizes results related to the potential use of various stilbenes as cancer chemopreventive agents, their mechanisms of action, as well as their pharmacokinetics and efficacy for the prevention of colon cancer in animals and humans.

References

Prof. Nanjoo Suh

Department of Chemical Biology

Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

164 Frelinghuysen Road

Piscataway

NJ 08854

USA

Telefon: +1-732-445-3400 (x226)

Fax: +1-732-445-0687

eMail: nsuh@rci.rutgers.edu