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A natural compound, diindolylmethane (DIM), found in vegetables
like broccoli, cabbage, turnips and mustard greens can not
only prevent cancer, but may be able to cure it as well.
Researchers began the study by considering compounds that
protect a person from developing cancer. The research team
looked at how the compounds block cancer cell growth and found
that the compounds target PPAR gamma, a protein that is highly
active in fat cells. Researchers concluded that a chemically
modified version of natural DIM could target the PPAR gamma
and stop the growth of cancer.
Researchers have found that not only could DIM prevent cancers
but it could also treat them, leading to a patent for new
use of derivatives of DIM to treat cancer. Researchers knew
that DIM was shown to prevent cancer and developed several
more analogs. Researchers found that the treatment stopped
the tumor growth in mice. However, future studies need to
be conducted in humans in order to see if it is beneficial.
DIM is commercially available as a natural supplement for
cancer prevention and for treating estrogen-related health
issues, however researchers say their chemically altered DIM
is even more potent against tumors.
Science
Daily January 6, 2004
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