Plant chemicals created.

Plant chemicals created during the preparation of some vegetables could kill colon cancer cells in a manner similar to cancer drugs. Scientists have found that these natural chemicals sabotage the uncontrolled division of colon cancer cells. The plant chemical allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) is created when some brassica vegetables are chopped, chewed, cooked, processed and digested. AITC is a breakdown product of sinigrin, a chemical compound found in such brassica vegetables as mustard, cabbage, horseradish, cauliflower, sprouts, swede, kale and wasabi. This research indicates that preventive dietary measures can be used in the same way as drugs. Investigators have known for many years that sinigrin breakdown products kill cancer cells. But by uncovering a previously unknown part of the process working in a similar way to some anticancer drugs, they hope to show how important diet can be in terms of personal health. These studies contribute to a greater understanding of the role lifestyle plays in cancer prevention. Contact: Ian Johnson or Liz Lund, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UA, England, U.K. Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail].