Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2016.
World J Biol Chem. Feb 26, 2016; 7(1): 88-99
Published online Feb 26, 2016. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v7.i1.88
Table 4 Properties and biological effects of dietary phytochemicals and approved chemopreventive agents
Dietary phytochemicalsApproved chemopreventive agents
Occurrence
Natural compounds of plant originMajority are synthetic compounds while some are biological and/or natural agents
Long History of exposure to humans through foodHuman exposure as prescribed drug/vaccine
Easily available and relatively cheaperAvailable on prescription and relatively expensive
Properties
Anti-oxidant/polyphenolic in nature, sparingly soluble in waterWidely differing properties and characteristics
Chemopreventive efficacy
Established in experimental models, yet to prove efficacy in clinical trialsEstablished both in experimental models and clinical trials
Effects-weak to moderateEffects-moderate to strong
Successful against different classes of carcinogens and at multiple organ sitesMay not be successful against different classes of carcinogens and at multiple organ sites
Mechanism(s)
Modulators of redox status and kinase functions, inducer of phase II enzymesMechanisms are diverse and may not be related to redox status and/or kinase functions, may not be modulating phase II enzymes
Modulate multiple pathways/targetsModulation of specific targets/pathways
Specificity
Relatively less specific/non-specific (Pleotropic effects)Relatively specific to defined agent/exposure and/or molecular pathways
Toxicity
Depends on dose and duration of exposure. Non-toxic at the doses present in foodDepends on dose and duration of exposure