Wheatgrass Juice Administration and Immune Measures during Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer Patients: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended in high-risk stage II–III colorectal cancer (CC). We examine the effect of daily wheatgrass juice (WGJ) intake in addition to chemotherapy on immune parameters, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and white blood cells (WBCs) among CC patients. In a controlled prospective trial, 100 stage II–III CC patients were enrolled. According to patient preference, they were divided into two subgroups, control group and intervention group, 50 patients each, all of whom received the same standard postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, plus consumption of 60 cc WGJ daily in the intervention group. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and upon treatment termination, 5–6 months later (T1). Cytokine concentrations were assessed using ELISA kits. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in the WGJ group than in the control group at T1. The decline in WBC counts between T0 and T1 was significantly lower in the WGJ group. No significant differences were observed in IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12 concentrations between the study groups. The higher levels of IL-10 and the attenuating of WBC decline during chemotherapy may constitute preliminary evidence of the beneficial effects of WGJ on immune parameters, when given as a supplement to standard care. In light of these preliminary results, WGJ supports immunological parameters during adjuvant chemotherapy. Nevertheless, future studies are needed in order to translate those results to clinical recommendations for cancer survivors.

Wheatgrass inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 macrophages

“…Some of those significant components could be flavonoids, chlorophyll and superoxide dismutase, as reported earlier ( Parit et al, 2018 ). It is to be noted that chlorophyll, which constitutes one of the major components of wheatgrass, has been reported to be responsible for treating various inflammation-related diseases, such as dengue, cholangiocarcinoma, allergic rhinitis and acne vulgaris ( Avisar et al, 2020 ). Further, both high anti-oxidant constituents, as well as anti-oxidant effects of wheatgrass, has also been reported in various studies, including human subjects ( Sukkar et al, 2008 , Shyam et al, 2007 ).…”

“…Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin-E are other major nutrients present in fresh wheatgrass juice and have been reported to possess anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties ( Gore et al, 2017 , Shakya et al, 2018 , Suhail et al, 2012 ). The current forms of wheatgrass consumption include fresh juice, frozen juice, tablets, and powders, with compositions varying according to their production processes and growing conditions ( Avisar et al, 2020 ). The wheatgrass juice contains 70% of chlorophyll among its total constituents.…”

Research Trend and Detailed Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Food Bioactive Compounds against Cancer: A Comprehensive Review with Special Emphasis on Probiotics

“…Wheatgrass juice has also been observed to be effective in reducing the vascular damage caused by chemotherapy in colon cancer and in increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These effects exhibit the protective actions of wheatgrass [ 194 , 195 ]. Overall, it seems that wheatgrass exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.…”

Wheatgrass extract imparts neuroprotective actions against scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice

“…Wheatgrass can also restore oxidative stress-induced inhibition of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in diabetic and chronic kidney disease conditions, a property attributed to its rich phenolic composition. [19][20][21][22][23] The characteristic phenolic acids of wheatgrass, mainly epicatechin, luteolin, sinapic acid and apigenin, have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also have been reported to attenuate neurological disorders. [24][25][26] Wheatgrass, also known as green blood due to its high chlorophyll content and physical similarities with haemoglobin, has not yet been investigated thoroughly for its potential role in preventing neuroinflammation.…”