Dutch scientists from the University of the Netherlands are reporting on research that the naturally occurring flavanoid apigenin may help prevent leukemia, according to Reuters news.

Apigenin is found in several herbs like parsley, thyme, peppermint. chamomile, and others. It is also found in red wine and tomato sauce.

A 2009 study by Dr. Margaret A. Gates, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School suggested that apigenin was associated with a decrease in ovarian cancer risk.

While the study showed the possible benifits of apigenin, Peppelenbosch warned that his research also found that the flavanoid has chemotherapy resistance, suggesting it may interfere with chemotherapy for established disease.

“Apigenin might be a useful preventative agent for leukemia, but it should not be taken at the same time as chemotherapy for established disease as it could interfere with the positive effects of treatment,” Peppelenbosch wrote in the Cell Death and Disease scientific journal.

Flavanoids are compounds with antioxidant properties that protect cells against damage by oxygen molecules.

Source
Reuters