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"Loved the outings! Indian Waterfall was my favourite. Throwing my worries over the edge was freeing." 

— S.K.

Breast Cancer and Watercress

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Summary: 

Aberrant overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases, including metalloproteinase-9, is associated with increased invasive potential in cancer cell lines. Studies demonstrate that extracts of broccoli and watercress suppressed MMP-9 activity and invasiveness in a concentration dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of each vegetable were associated with the presence of 4-methysulfinylbutyl (sulforaphane) and 7-methylsulphinylheptyl isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates derived from broccoli and watercress inhibit metalloproteinase 9 activities and also suppress the invasive potential of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a constituent of watercress that has been effective in causing cell death (apoptosis) in breast cancer cels in rats. 

  • Broccoli and watercress suppress matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and invasiveness of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
  • Bim contributes to phenethyl isothiocyanate-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
  • In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: a pilot study.