Carrot Anticancer Agent Identified

Researchers have found that a diet rich in carrots provides anticancer benefits due to the activity of the chemical falcarinol, a natural pesticide, which carrots produce to defend themselves against fungal diseases.

Investigators from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) and the University of Southern Denmark (Odense) used a rat model to study the effect of carrots and falcarinol on tumor development. Twenty-four male BDIX rats were treated with azoxymethane (AOM) to induce formation of preneoplastic lesions of the colon. The animals were then separated into three groups of eight animals each. The control group received ordinary feed, the second group received feed supplemented with 10% (w/w) freeze-dried carrots with a natural content of 35 µg falcarinol/g, while the third group received ordinary feed supplemented with 35 µg falcarinol/g purified from carrots. After 18 weeks the colons of the animals were removed and examined for tumor development.


Results published in the February 5, 2005, online edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that the two groups that received falcarinol, either in carrots or after purification from carrots, were one third less likely to develop full-scale tumors than the rats in the control group.

Senior author Dr. Kirsten Brandt, senior lecturer in the School of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne said, "We already know that carrots are good for us and can reduce the risk of cancer, but until now we have not known which element of the vegetable has these special properties. Our research allows us to make a more qualitative assessment of the vegetables we are eating, rather than quantitative. We now need to take it a step further by finding out how much falcarinol is needed to prevent the development of cancer and if certain types of carrot are better than others, as there are many varieties in existence, of different shapes, colors, and sizes.”





Related Links:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
University of Southern Denmark