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July 2009
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Welcome to our first Apple E news. In this first issue we take the opportunity to reveal the breadth of apple research that continues to build on that presented in our 2008 Report and 2009 Review with three diverse studies looking at the antioxidant like compounds present in apples.
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META-ANALYSIS EXAMINES ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN LUNG CANCER PROTECTION
Worldwide, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both the developed and developing world. In Australia it is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and stroke. While improvements are made to cancer treatment, survival rates for lung cancer patients remain small.
This study presents the findings of the first meta-analysis to evaluate potential associations between flavonoid intake and lung cancer risk. With increasing evidence suggesting high fruit and vegetable intakes reduce lung cancer risk, and the lack of evidence supporting vitamins A, C and E, interest has turned to polyphenolic compounds, particularly the flavonoids group.
Tang et al found 12 suitable studies and the combined results indicated a statistically significant association between the highest flavonoid intake and reduced risk of developing lung cancer - good news considering apples are a significant dietary source of flavonoids in the Australian diet.
Click here for abstract
Refs:
Garcia M et al. Global Cancer Facts & Figures 2007. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2007.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Causes of Death, Australia, 3303.0 - 2007
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APPLE ANTIOXIDANTS ENHANCE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
Epidemiological research supports a role for whole fresh apples in cancer protection. And laboratory studies show apple extracts have the capacity to inhibit cancer cell growth. Observed mechanisms of action are varied and the strength of the activity appears to be related to the variety of apples used (see Apple Report 2008).
In this study by Yang et al, phloretin, a natural polyphenolic compound found in apples (and pears) has been studied in combination with a chemotherapy agent paclitaxel. Paclitaxel, often used in the treatment of liver carcinoma, can have significant side effects at its recommended dose, and strategies to reduce its toxicity are warranted.
Yang et al found low doses of both phloretin and paclitaxel were largely ineffective in programmed cell death of liver cancer cells at (6% and 2% respectively). However when the two were combined the same low dose effects were significantly greater, jumping to almost 50% cell death.
Liver cancers in mice responded in a similar manner, with a four fold reduction in tumor weight compared to treatment with the chemotherapy agent alone.
While this research remains distant from the apple in your fruit bowl, it does cause pause for thought about what other subtle health benefits eating fresh apples regularly may offer.
Click here for abstract
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APPLES SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO QUERCETIN INTAKE IN AUSTRALIAN DIET
Finally to Australian research from Griffith University. The Apple Report 2008 outlines research that establishes apples as fruit rich in antioxidant like compounds, particularly the flavonoids quercetin and catechin.
Somerset & Johannot put this information into context within the Australian diet by utilizing the recently released USDA database on flavonoid content of foods in combination with Australian national dietary intake data. Among their findings were apples as the second highest contributor of dietary quercetin after black tea and apples amongst the top four contributors to catechin intake behind black tea, wine and grapes.
Recent American research suggests that apples are the largest contributor of fruit phenolics in the American diet and that apples, together with strawberries were the biggest suppliers of cellular antioxidant activity. Getting your two a day and making sure one of those is an apple remains a relevant and affordable health message for all.
Click here for abstract
Refs:
Wolfe et al. Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Common Fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2008:56;8418-8426
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© 2009 Horticulture Australia Limited
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