Shimizu K, Das SK, Baba M, Matsuura Y, Kanazawa K.
Source
Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University, Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
Abstract
Artepillin C, a prenylated phenylpropanoid found specifically in Brazilian propolis, has been shown to be a bioavailable antioxidant. In this study, artepillin C was tested for colon cancer-preventing activity using azoxymethane-challenged ddY mice. Oral doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg body weight of propolis or 10mg/kg of artepillin C (equi-amounts to 160 mg propolis) reduced significantly the frequency of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) by 39.2, 43.7 and 43.4%, respectively. In liver of the mice, glutathione S-transferase and NADPH:quinone reductase activity increased with the doses of propolis or artepillin C, and an antioxidant-responsive element (ARE) was found to be activated for binding DNA. Artepillin C is considered to suppress the formation of colonic ACF through the activation of ARE and induction of phase II enzymes in liver.
* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.