Apigenin Slows Growth of Progestin-induced Breast Cancer in Rat Model

The flavonoid apigenin, which is found in leafy green vegetables such as parsley and celery, blocks the spread of the form of breast cancer induced by progestin treatment by inhibiting the creation of new blood vessels that tumors require for growth and development.

Investigators at the University of Missouri (Columbia, USA) worked with a recently developed progestin-dependent mammary cancer model in which tumors were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) treatment.

They reported in the April 19, 2011, online edition of the journal Cancer Prevention Research that the flavonoid apigenin, which they previously had found to inhibit progestin-dependent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis in human breast-cancer cells in vitro, significantly delayed the development of, and decreased the incidence and multiplicity of, MPA- (the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate)-accelerated DMBA-induced mammary tumors in this animal model. While apigenin decreased the occurrence of such tumors, it did not completely block MPA-induced formation of cancer cells within the breast tissues of the rats.

"Six to 10 million women in the United States receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT)," said senior author Dr. Salman Hyder, professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Missouri. "We know that certain synthetic hormones used in HRT accelerate breast tumor development. In our study, we exposed the rats to one of the chemicals used in the most common HRTs received in the United States – a progestin called medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) – which also happens to be the same synthetic hormone that accelerates breast tumor development."

"We do not have specific dosage for humans yet," said Dr. Hyder. "However, it appears that keeping a minimal level of apigenin in the bloodstream is important to delay the onset of breast cancer that progresses in response to progestins such as MPA. It is probably a good idea to eat a little parsley and some fruit every day to ensure the minimal amount. However, you can also find this compound in pill supplements in the health food section of many stores. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle."

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