Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is among the most common tumors in Brazil and remains an important challenge for public health. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), in the country, it is the fourth most common type among men and the sixth among women.

“Gastric cancer, also called gastric adenocarcinoma, originates in the cells lining the stomach. Its development is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors, such as dietary habits, infection by Helicobacter pylori and pre-existing diseases, such as chronic atrophic gastritis”, explains Dr. Ramon Andrade de Mello, oncologist at Centro Médico Paulista High Clinic Brazil (São Paulo).

A new review published in the journal Oncoscience in May called “The chemopreventive effects of native Brazilian plants on stomach cancer: A review of the last 25 years“, shows that Brazilian plants have natural compounds that may be promising against this type of tumor.

According to the doctor, the development of this type of Cancer is related to eating habits. “We know that high consumption of sodium and smoked foods increases the risk of developing stomach cancer, while the consumption of fruits and vegetables has a protective effect against the disease. This effect occurs because vegetables contain phytochemical compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities”, he says.

Fruits promote health

According to Dr. Ramon Andrade de Mello, much research still needs to be done with plants from the Brazilian biome, which is little explored. What is currently known is that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and chemopreventive effects on stomach cancer, with an also indirect action, by reducing the risk of metabolic diseases that favor tumor development.

“Brazilian native fruits, originating from different biomes, are rich in bioactive compounds, and their processing allows not only the consumption in naturebut also produces by-products rich in valuable elements such as phenolics, providing substantial health benefits. We are talking about fruits like açaí and guava, for example”, says nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez, director and professor at the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).

A diet rich in protective nutrients strengthens the body and helps prevent long-term illnesses. “Including them in the diet improves the supply of antioxidant nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds, many of which are essential for the health of chronic disease prevention non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer”, he adds.

Study needs more in-depth analysis

The study published in Oncoscience reviewed work from the last 25 years and covers ten native species, including açaí (Euterpe oleracea), araçá-do-campo (Psidium guineense), yellow araçá (Psidium cattleianum Sabine), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), coriander (Eryngium foetidum), physalis (Physalis angulata), guava (Psidium guajava), guava (Acmella oleracea), pitanga (Eugenia uniflora) and ubaia (Eugenia Patricia).

“Extracts from these plants showed signs of reducing the growth of cancer cells, triggering cell death and slowing the progression of the disease. Many of the studies analyzed are cell culture studies, with only two studies conducted in animal models and no clinical studies carried out”, explains Dr. Ramon Andrade de Mello.

Because of this, he highlights the importance of more in-depth analyses. “Although the exact biological mechanisms remain unclear in many cases, some work has reported reduced inflammation and disruption of cancer-related signaling. These findings point to the possibility that natural substances Herbal medicines can support efforts to prevent or control cancer, but they need to be confirmed in clinical work”, says the oncologist.

However, this does not nullify the study findings. “This is important to understand how these plant compounds act in the human body and to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in real-world scenarios”, adds the doctor.

Bioactive substances that strengthen human health

While these extracts have not yet been explored by research, the oncologist says it is worth including foods that contain phytochemical compounds. “These compounds are bioactive substances naturally found in plants — including fruits, vegetables, grains and seeds — which are not essential nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals), but have beneficial effects on human health”, says Dr. Ramon Andrade de Mello.

The doctor highlights the relevance of these compounds specifically in native Brazilian fruits. “In native Brazilian fruits, they are present in high diversity and concentration, which contributes to their functional and medicinal potential. The list of compounds includes: polyphenols (which include flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and lignans); carotenoids; alkaloids; saponins and terpenoids; and anthocyanins”, the list.

According to Dr. Marcella Garcez, açaí is a practical illustration of this composition. “THE açaífor example, contains anthocyanins. Flavonoids called anthocyanins, responsible for their color, with great antioxidant power, are bioactive compounds that provide functionality to the food. Its fermentation causes changes in certain bacterial groups and produces organic acids. The phenolic compounds in açaí have antioxidant effects that protect DNA.” The nutritionist also points out that açaí pulp is rich in calcium and potassium, which are important for various metabolic functions.

Essential care to prevent stomach cancer

Dr. Marcella Garcez recommends including these native Brazilian foods in a balanced, varied and as natural diet as possible, to promote benefits and prevent diseases. Dr. Ramon Andrade de Mello also advises how to prevent gastric cancer, control gastritis and avoid risk factors.

“Diagnose and treat infection by H. pylorireducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods rich in preservatives, maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding excessive smoking and alcohol, in addition to carrying out routine exams, especially for those with a family history of the disease, are among the preventive measures”, concludes the oncologist.

By Pedro Del Claro