Corn's anticancer therapy potential probed

ITESM/DICYT It is a proven fact that corn and other grains hold huge health care potential because their proteins and peptides (components of smaller size, but same composition as proteins) contain antioxidant and anticancer properties. In addition, their compounds have a role in preventing and treating chronic degenerative diseases.

For that reason, Tecnológico de Monterrey Biotechnology PhD candidate Margarita Ortiz is working on a new approach consisting of assessing corn's components in an isolated manner, with the aim of their possible application not only as nutrients, but also as drugs.

"There is a wealth of scientific data on whole grains' potential in maintaining health. In this sense, the paper's focus is on reviewing the proteins and peptides obtained from cereals and their application as anticancer therapy," she said.

She explained that there has been a growing interest in proteins and peptides derived from cereals over the last few years, as studies have yielded that they can influence positively the body's workings through a variety of mechanisms, with antioxidant protection and improved immune response being the most studied.

"In Mexico, protein largely comes in the shape of cereals and legumes. That's why we're conducting studies in proteomics to jump start this field and gain insight into their preventive or corrective applications," stated Dr. Silverio García, Tecnológico de Monterrey National Science, Engineering, and Technology Graduate School professor/researcher