Plant Lectins as Medical Tools against Digestive System Cancers

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

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.