Does Watercress Intake Have an Impact on Cancer Patients Outcomes: a Longitudinal Trial

Population studies associate a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables with a reduced risk of cancer. Studies identified PEITC and several active isothiocyanates in watercress extract that may have significant anticarcinogenic activity. Potential anticarcinogenic mechanisms include: preventing carcinogen activation by inhibiting phase I enzymes such as cytochrome P450s, by increasing cells' resistance through detoxification/antioxidant enzymes, by inhibiting cell cycle progression and/or by inducing apoptosis. These findings are justifiably interesting for the primary care setting and cancer primary prevention. Yet, these cellular effects of watercress supplementation may further prove useful in the modulation of cancer progression and disease recurrence. The present clinical trial of nutritional supplementation in cancer, intends to further explore the effects of therapeutic diets supplemented with nutraceuticals via watercress that may prove useful in DNA damage modulation, as well as in the global disease prognosis.