Abstract
As part of a screening program for cancer chemopreventive agents of plant origin, we have examined the antitumor-promoting activity of extracts and constituents of edible or medicinal plants. Primary screening for antitumor promoters was carried out using an in vitro short-term assay. Inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation were observed in this assay. The isolated active components were further tested using in vivo antitumor-promoting assays against mouse skin and lung. A variety of phytochemicals such as sesquiterpenes, biflavones, lipids, lignans, and other phenolic compounds were isolated as active principles by monitoring their inhibitory effects on EBV-EA activation. Among these, drimane-type sesquiterpenes and acetylenic compounds showed potent antitumor-promoting activities in vivo. They were derived from edible plants used as condiments or garnishes in the Japanese cuisine. Focusing on the edible plants, the results of our screening study are reviewed.
Published Version
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