Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol with anticancer properties, was already known for its capability to inhibit carcinogenesis [11], in spite the mechanism how EGCG achieved this wasn't still completely clear.

It seems that EGCG affects multiple biological pathways [12], one of the ways these polyphenols achieve their anti-cancerous properties in multiple types of cancers. However one of the reasons why researchers couldn't profit from its anti-cancer properties was the inability to specifically reach tumors deploying EGCG via intravenous administration [10], so the deployment of EGCG in the blood stream didn't reach the cancer cells and couldn't be effectevely used against them. Image left: Tea plantation by sarahemcc under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

Now, a group of researchers from the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, have discovered an effective way of deploying EGCG in a way that it will be able to effectively reach its target, cancer cells [10].

The research showed very promissing results, with two-thirds of tumours treated with this new method shrinking or disappearing withing one month of treatment with no side effects to normal tissues [10]. But how did they achieve EGCG to be deployed so effectevely to cancer cells?

CAMELLIA SINENSIS

Family: Teaceae
Genus: Camellia
Common name: Green tea

Many are the health benefits and beneficial properties exerted by grapes. Grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins)[3], probably the reason why grape seed extracts have showed to be so effective on the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even heart disease. But grapes are also a rich source of polyphenols, something that has been found to be an even better reason to have them as part of our diets.  Image left: Grapes in the setting sun by Christian Haugen under Creative Common License (CC BY 2.0).

Polyphenols are active constituents present in many fruits and plants, some of them used in multiple traditional herbal remedies, known to interact on different ways against carcinogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and inflammation. They also exert powerful antioxidant properties. In olives polyphenols contribute to give a bitter taste to olives and act also as astringents. Now, a study reveals even more properties are exerted by polyphenols than we thought.

VITIS VINIFERA

Family: Vitaceae
Genus: Vitis
Common name: Common grape vine

Emblica officinalis is arguably the most important medicinal plant in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda [15]. The fruit also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, has been an herbal component of Thai traditional recipes believed to slow down the aging process [1] but is also used to treat many ailments such as common cold and fever, as a diuretic, laxative, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, restorative, alterative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hair tonic, to prevent peptic ulcer and dyspepsia, and as a digestive [16]. It is also the source of Indian Gooseberry oil and Indian Gooseberry juice. Image: Emblica officinalis by latihamba under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

Preclinical studies have shown some Indian gooseberry benefits. Amla possesses antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, antiatherogenic, adaptogenic, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, antianemia, antihypercholesterolemia, wound healing, antidiarrheal, antiatherosclerotic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties [16].

In traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda, the use of Emblica officinalis extends to all parts of the plant including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers are used in various herbal preparations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, chronic diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic [4] anti-tumor, antioxidant and analgesic [7,8,9], but how many of those properties have been scientifically founded on facts? Let's see some of them.

EMBLICA OFFICINALIS

Family: Phyllantaceae
Genus: Emblica
Common name: Indian gooseberry, Amla, Emblic, Emblic myrobalan, Malacca tree.

Curcumin(diferuloylmethane), is one of the most active chemical constituents found in Turmeric or Curcuma longa. Traditionally used in herbal preparations and as a dye and flavoring agent, Curcumin is a polyphenol compound from the group of curcuminoids that is known for its characteristic yellow color, the color we can seen in curry powder, extracted from Turmeric root and used in many traditional culinary Indian recipes,

In a recent study done on the effects and efficacy of Curcumin in delaying the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 240 prediabetic population were given either placebo or curcumin during 9 months. After the test period the participants were subject of analysis with the following results:

1. 16.4% of the subjects in the placebo group were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
2. None (0%) in the Curcumin-treated group acquired Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

But that's not all, the curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β-cells and lower C-peptide. Image: Vietnam Plants under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0).

CURCUMA LONGA

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Common name: Turmeric, Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica Valeton.