IN-VITRO evidence for the protective properties of the main components of the Mediterranean diet against colorectal cancer: A systematic review

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#colorectal-neoplasms #diet-mediterranean #humans #in-vitro-techniques #prognosis

IN-VITRO evidence for the protective properties of the main components of the Mediterranean diet against colorectal cancer: A systematic review

Rotelli et al., 2015 | Surg Oncol | Systematic Review

Citation

Rotelli M T, Bocale D, ... Altomare D F. IN-VITRO evidence for the protective properties of the main components of the Mediterranean diet against colorectal cancer: A systematic review. Surg Oncol. 2015-Sep;24(3):145-52. doi:10.1016/j.suronc.2015.08.001

Abstract

AIM: Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) vary over 10-fold worldwide where within Westernized societies lower rates are observed amongst populations living within the Mediterranean basin, suggesting a significant influence of environment and dietary style in CRC carcinogenesis. Interpretation of the data concerning the benefits of mediterranean (MD) diet is difficult in vivo because of the variability of alimentary regimens used, the differing compliance with dietary supplementation and because of the non-uniform duration of patient cohort observation. Therefore, the aim of this review is to evaluate the in-vitro effects on colorectal cancer cell lines. METHODS: the literature concerning the in-vitro effects of 4 of the principal components symbolizing the MD such as olive oil (polyphenol), red chili (capsaicin), tomato (lycopene) and red grapes (resveratrol) have been systematically reviewed. RESULTS: Several studies have demonstrated that polyphenols form olive oil, lycopene, resveratrol and capsaicin have multiple anticancer properties affecting several metabolic pathways involved in cancerogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis in CRC cell lines. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes some of the most recent data potentially supportive of the use of MD in CRC chemoprevention, analyzing the in vitro effects of individual components of the MD on CRC cell development, progression, metastasis and apoptosis.

Key Findings

Several studies have demonstrated that polyphenols form olive oil, lycopene, resveratrol and capsaicin have multiple anticancer properties affecting several metabolic pathways involved in cancerogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis in CRC cell lines.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Diet, Mediterranean
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Prognosis
  • Protective Agents

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: resveratrol

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09