Sulforaphane inhibits growth of a colon cancer cell line.

OBJECTIVE: The consumption of cruciferous vegetables has a protective effect on the development of colorectal cancer. The phytochemical Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables. We have studied the effect of Sulforaphane on cell proliferation of an HT-29 colon cancer cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HT-29 colon cancer cells were cultured in 96-well microtitre plates. Sulforaphane (in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 mmol) were added to the wells. Cell proliferation was measured using the colourimetric assay technique. RESULTS: The proliferation of colon cancer cells was significantly reduced by Sulforaphane at concentrations of >/=0.02 mmol. CONCLUSION: These findings may help explain the epidemiologically proven protective effect of vegetables against colon cancer.

The variable effect on proliferation of a colon cancer cell line by the citrus fruit flavonoid Naringenin.

OBJECTIVE: Naringenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in citrus fruits, is known to have anticarcinogenic properties. We have examined the effect of Naringenin on cell proliferation of an HT-29 colon cancer cell line. METHODS: HT-29 colon cancer cells were cultured in 96-well tissue culture plates. Naringenin concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 2.85 mmol were added to the wells of the Test group. The Control group contained all the elements present in the Test group with the exception of Naringenin. Cell proliferation was measured by colourimetric assay using the 2% WST-1 cell proliferation kit. RESULTS: Significant inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in HT29 colon cancer cells exposed to Naringenin at doses greater than 0.71 mmol. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a potential role for citrus fruits as a source of chemoprotective agents for colon cancer.

Inhibition of proliferation of a colon cancer cell line by indole-3-carbinol.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring component of cruciferous vegetables, on cell proliferation of a colon cancer cell line. METHODS: Cell proliferation was measured using three different methods; 3H-thymidine incorporation, cell count and colourimetric assay. RESULTS: Each method of measurement revealed that I3C significantly reduced cell proliferation at concentrations of > 0.1 mM. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates for the first time the capacity of indole-3-carbinol to inhibit cell proliferation of a colon cancer cell line.