Purple potatoes can inhibit the growth of cancer stem cells

Purple potatoes can inhibit the growth of cancer stem cells

Recently, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania State University reported that compounds found in purple potatoes may help kill colon cancer stem cells and limit the spread of cancer. Baked purple potatoes can inhibit the growth of colon cancer tumors in culture dishes and in mice by targeting cancer stem cells.

In an initial laboratory study, the researchers found that baked potato extracts inhibited the spread of colon cancer stem cells while increasing their mortality. The researchers then tested the effects of whole roasted purple potatoes on colon cancer mice and found similar results. A person's weight is about a medium-sized purple meat potato for lunch and dinner, or a large purple meat potato every day.

According to the researchers, there may be several substances in purple potatoes that act on multiple pathways to help kill colon cancer stem cells, including anthocyanins and chlorogenic acids, as well as resistant starches.

Vanamala said: "Our previous work and other studies have shown that potatoes - including purple potatoes - contain resistant starch, which can be used as a food for intestinal bacteria, which can be converted into beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as Acid Butyric acid regulates the immune function of the intestines, inhibits chronic inflammation, and helps to destroy cancer cells themselves."

Vanamala said that at present, most cancer research funding is targeted at cancer treatment, not prevention. However, the incidence of cancer is expected to increase in the next two decades, so the two-food-based cancer prevention and treatment methods should be equally valued to cope with the growing cancer in the United States and around the world.