Assessment of the Anti-Genotoxic, Anti-Proliferative, and Anti-Metastatic Potential of Crude Watercress Extract in Human Colon Cancer Cells

Abstract

Although it is known to be a rich source of the putative anti-cancer chemicals isothiocyanates, watercress has not been extensively studied for its cancer preventing properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential chemoprotective effects of crude watercress extract toward three important stages in the carcinogenic process, namely initiation, proliferation, and metastasis (invasion) using established in vitro models. HT29 cells were used to investigate the protective effects of the extract on DNA damage and the cell cycle. The extract was not genotoxic but inhibited DNA damage induced by two of the three genotoxins used, namely hydrogen peroxide and fecal water, indicating the potential to inhibit initiation. It also caused an accumulation of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle indicating (possible) cell cycle delay at this stage. The extract was shown to significantly inhibit invasion of HT115 cells through matrigel. Component analysis was also carried out in an attempt to determine the major phytochemicals present in both watercress leaves and the crude extract. In conclusion, the watercress extract proved to be significantly protective against the three stages of the carcinogenesis process investigated.

Watercress supplementation in diet reduces lymphocyte DNA damage and alters blood antioxidant status in healthy adults

“…The present study has focused on watercress, which has a particularly high content of glucosinolates and other potential anticancer phytochemicals including carotentoids. An in vitro study within our laboratory showed that watercress extract can protect cells (HT-29; colon cancer cell line) against DNA damage levels induced by genotoxic agents such as H 2 O 2 and fecal water (33). In the present study, we reported a decrease in all our measures of DNA damage in lymphocytes in response to watercress consumption in humans in vivo.…”

Glucosinolates inBrassicavegetables: The influence of the food supply chain on intake, bioavailability and human health

“…In general, a decrease in genotoxin-induced DNA damage by plant extracts and an increase in protective enzymes have been observed. In addition in one study with watercress extract, a significant decrease in cell invasion through Matrigel (a model for metastasis) was seen [251] (Table 10). Tables 11 -13 summarise the effects of a range of ITCs and indoles in vitro.…”

Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant properties of baby-leaf watercress produced under organic production system

“…Over the past 20 years, it has been shown that many classes of phytochemicals are important in the diet and could be used as potential therapeutic tools (Johnson, 2007). However, the scientific investigation on the therapeutic use of watercress and other brassicas is often limited to primary nutrients, GSs, ITCs, and their role as antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, antiproliferative, and antitumoral agents (Boyd et al, 2006). Fewer reports have been published about their richness on phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity.…”