Tomatoes and stomach cancer

Previous studies have shown the anti-cancer properties of tomatoes, linking lycopene (a compound found in tomatoes) and carotenoid (a pigment that gives tomatoes their colour) to reducing the risk of cancer.  The National Cancer Institute of Naples and the Oncology Research Centre of Mercogliano, Italy studied the effect of the whole tomato on cancer rather than separate parts of the tomato.

The study published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology found that two varieties of tomatoes, San Marzano and Corbarino blocked the growth of stomach cancer cells.  San Marzano and Corbarino are both plum varieties of tomatoes grown in Southern Italy used widely in traditional Italian pasta sauces known as sugo al pomodoro.

The study showed that not only did the whole extract of each tomato block the growth of gastric cancer cells but they also interfered with the migration of the cancer cells, moving them away from the primary tumor leading to the death of cancer cells.

About the journal:  The Journal of Cellular Physiology is a peer reviewed scientific journal focusing on all aspects of cellular physiology.