Year Published: 2017
Journal
Journal of Renal Nutrition
Authors
Laura Elena Estrada-Martínez, Ulisses Moreno-Celis, Ricardo Cervantes-Jiménez, Roberto Augusto Ferriz-Martínez, Alejandro Blanco-Labra, and Teresa García-Gasca
Methods
This study was a review of the current evidence on plant lectins and their relationship to digestive system cancers. Lectins are proteins that are abundant in plants. Research is ongoing about their potential physiological effect in humans.
Key Findings
The review found that similar to other lectins, PNA, the main lectin in peanuts, may be protective against certain digestive cancers. It may have the ability to inhibit tumor growth, induce cell death, and prevent cancer from spreading. However, more research is needed in this area.