Numerous studies have previously suggested that tomatoes have anti-cancer properties. Now, a study by researchers in the United States and Italy provides additional evidence, after discovering that whole tomato extract has the potential to treat and even prevent stomach cancer.
The experts found that the extracts of two tomato varieties, the San Marzano tomato and the Corbarino tomato , blocked the growth of stomach cancer cells and dissolved their malignant characteristics.
Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is more common among older adults, since about 60% of adults diagnosed with the disease are older than 65 years.
Compounds found in tomatoes, such as lycopene , a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color, can help fight cancer. However, experts note that few studies have investigated the anticancer effects of whole tomatoes.
Therefore, the researchers tested the effects of whole extracts of San Marzano and Corbarino tomatoes in relation to stomach cancer, finding that each extract not only stopped the growth of gastric cancer cells, but also interfered with cell migration , so the cancer cells began to move away from the primary tumor in order to invade the surrounding tissues, which led to the death of the cancer cells.
In addition, they observed that the anticancer effects of tomato extracts were not reduced to a particular compound: “ Its antitumor effect does not appear to be related to specific components , such as lycopene, but rather suggests that tomatoes should be considered in their entirety”, explains Daniela Barone, co-author of the work.
According to the researchers, their findings indicate that whole tomato extracts may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of stomach cancer.
“Our results drive a further evaluation of the potential use of specific nutrients not only in cancer prevention, but also as a support strategy in conjunction with conventional therapies,” clarifies Antonio Giordano, leader of the work.
The study has been published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology.
