Unveiling the intricacies of phytate antinutrients in millets and their therapeutic implications in breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Dietary interventions have gained substantial attention due to their potential to modulate cancer risk and progression. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, have emerged as promising candidates in this regard, owing to their rich nutritional composition and diverse bioactive compounds. Among these bioactive compounds, phytate antinutrients have garnered considerable interest for their potential health benefits. This review aims to unravel the intricacies of phytate antinutrients in millets and their therapeutic implications in breast cancer. Phytates are naturally occurring compounds present in various plant-based foods, including millets, and are known for their ability to chelate minerals and inhibit their bioavailability. However, recent research has shed light on the multifaceted properties of phytates, highlighting their potential as functional bioactive molecules. Phytates exhibit various anticancer properties, including “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects”, which have been shown to inhibit the growth and progression of breast cancer cells. Additionally, phytates have been reported to modulate key signaling pathways involved in cancer development, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, thereby exerting their anticancer effects. Moreover, phytates demonstrate the potential to enhance the efficacy of conventional breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while mitigating their adverse effects. Furthermore, the bioavailability and metabolism of phytates are complex processes influenced by factors such as food processing, gut microbiota composition, and genetic variations. Understanding these intricacies is crucial for harnessing the full potential of phytates in breast cancer prevention and treatment. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate roles of phytate antinutrients in millets and their therapeutic implications in breast cancer. The findings suggest that millets, as a rich source of phytates, could be incorporated into dietary strategies to reduce breast cancer risk and complement existing therapeutic approaches. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, optimal dosage, and potential synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds. The information that is given here is supported by accurate facts and arguments that have undergone rigorous scrutiny.

Keywords

Millets / Antinutrients / Phytate / Nutraceutical / Breast cancer

References

[1] WHO. Plant-based diets and their impact on health, sustainability and the environment: a review of the evidence, WHO. apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/349086/WHO-EURO-2021-4007-43766-61591-eng.pdf?sequence=1; 2021. Accessed July 7, 2023.

[2] Singh Makhaik M, K Shakya A, Kale R. ‘Dietary Phytochemicals: As a Natural Source of Antioxidants’ Antioxidants - Benefits, Sources, Mechanisms of Action. 2021.

[3] Nath H, Samtiya M, Dhewa T. Beneficial attributes and adverse effects of major plant-based foods anti-nutrients on Health: a Review. Human Nutrit Metabol. 2022;28: 200147.

[4] Petroski W, Minich DM. Is there such a thing as “anti-nutrients”? A narrative review of perceived problematic plant compounds. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):2929.

[5] Akond ASMG, et al. Minerals (zn, Fe, ca and mg) and Antinutrient (phytic acid) constituents in common bean. Am J Food Technol. 2011;6(3):235–243.

[6] Sugimoto K, et al. Dietary phospholipids prepared from scallop internal organs attenuate the serum and liver cholesterol contents by enhancing the expression of cholesterol hydroxylase in the liver of mice. Front Nutr. 2021;8.

[7] Luo W, et al. Bergamottin, a natural furanocoumarin abundantly present in grapefruit juice, suppresses the invasiveness of human glioma cells via inactivation of Rac1 signaling. Oncol Lett. 2017. [Preprint].

[8] Popova A, Mihaylova D. Antinutrients in plant-based foods: a Review. Open Biotechnol J. 2019;13(1):68–76.

[9] Pathaw N, et al. A comparative review on the anti-nutritional factors of herbal tea concoctions and their reduction strategies. Front Nutr. 2022;9.

[10] Meka W. ‘Antinutrational factors in plants, potential application and its adverse effect. J Nutraceuticals Food Sci. 2021;6(11):47. A nutraceuticals.imedpub.com/antin utrational-factors-in-plants-potential-application-and-its-adverse-effect.pdf.

[11] Champ MM-J. Non-nutrient bioactive substances of pulses. Br J Nutr. 2002;88(S3): 307–319.

[12] Chukwuebuka E, Chinenye IJ. Biological functions and anti-nutritional effects of phytochemicals in living system. IOSR J Pharm Biol Sci. 2015;19(2):10–19. https://doi.org/10.9790/3008-10231019.

[13] Jenab M, Thompson L. Role of Phytic Acid in Cancer and Other Diseases. Food Phytates [Preprint; 2001.

[14] Vilhelmova-Ilieva N, S Galabov A, Mileva M. ‘Tannins as Antiviral Agents’ Tannins - Structural Properties, Biological Properties and Current Knowledge. 2020. [Preprint].

[15] Alcorta A, et al. Foods for plant-based diets: challenges and innovations. Foods. 2021; 10(2):293.

[16] Natesh N H, SK A, L A. An overview of nutritional and anti nutritional factors in green leafy vegetables. Horticult Int J. 2017;1(2).

[17] Pawar NB. Agriculture and Rural Development: Spatial Issues, Challenges and Approaches Vol 204. Pune, Maharashtra: Santosh Pandurang Mane; 2020.

[18] Gemede HF. Potential Health Benefits and Adverse Effects Associated with Phytate in Foods. Vol. 27. Food Science and Quality Management; 2014. core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234683795.pdf.

[19] Emire SA, Jha Y, Mekam F. ‘Role of anti-nutritional factors in food Industry’ BEVERAGE & FOOD WORLD [Preprint]. researchgate.net/publication/280722236_Role_of_Anti-nutritional_Factors_in_Food_Industry; 2013.

[20] Shahidi F. Beneficial health effects and drawbacks of antinutrients and phytochemicals in foods. ACS (Am Chem Soc) Symp Ser. 1997:1–9.

[21] Cominelli E, et al. Antinutritional factors, nutritional improvement, and future food use of common beans: a perspective. Front Plant Sci. 2022;13.

[22] López-Moreno M, Garcés-Rimón M, Miguel M. Antinutrients: lectins, goitrogens, phytates and oxalates, friends or Foe? J Funct Foods. 2022;89:104938.

[23] Samtiya M, Aluko RE, Dhewa T. Plant food anti-nutritional factors and their reduction strategies: an overview. Food Product, Process Nutrit. 2020;2(1).

[24] Samtiya M, et al. Key anti-nutrients of millet and their reduction strategies: an overview, Acta Scientifci nutritional health. scholar.archive.org/work/vkr53ndl5zcatjvihgvm3onr5q; 2021. Accessed July 5, 2023.

[25] MINI (no date) Millets: Future of Food & Farm, krishi.maharashtra.gov.in. Available at: krishi.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/GR/millets-Book.pdf (Accessed: 4 July 2023).

[26] Kumar A, et al. Millets: a solution to agrarian and nutritional challenges. Agric Food Secur. 2018;7(1).

[27] WHO. Breast cancer, world health organization. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer; 2021. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[28] Sarita, Singh E. Millet’s Anti-nutrients and Their Therapeutic Effects; 2016. thepharmajournal.com/archives/2016/vol5issue8/PartA/5-7-24-301.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[29] GoodPhyte. What is phytic acid?, GoodPhyte. goodphyte.com/blogs/nutrition-education/what-is-phytic-acid; 2022. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[30] Valeii K. Phytic acid: benefits, side effects, dosage, and interactions, Verywell Health. verywellhealth.com/phytic-acid-5088824; 2022. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[31] Himanshu. Nutritional and nutraceutical properties of millets: a review. Clinic J Nutrit Dietetic; 2018. asclepiusopen.com/clinical-journal-of-nutrition-and-dietetics/volume-1-issue-1/7.php#:~:text=As%20being%20rich%20in%20antioxidants ,peroxides%20which%20damage%20the%20cells. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[32] Goudar G, et al. Phenolic, nutritional and molecular interaction study among different millet varieties. Food Chem Advan. 2023;2:100150.

[33] Afify AE-M, et al. Bioavailability of iron, zinc, Phytate and phytase activity during soaking and germination of white sorghum varieties. PLoS One. 2011;6(10).

[34] Shigihalli S, Ravindra U, Ravishankar P. Effect of processing methods on phytic acid content in selected white finger millet varieties. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2018; 7(2):1829–1835.

[35] Lorenz K. ‘Tannins and Phytate Content in Prosso Millets (Panicum Miliaceum)’ Cereal Chemistry; 1983:424–427. www.cerealsgrains.org/publications/cc/backissues/1983/Documents/chem60_424.pdf.

[36] Grases F, Costa-Bauza A. Key aspects of myo-inositol hexaphosphate (phytate) and pathological calcifications. Molecules. 2019;24(24):4434.

[37] Devi PB, et al. Health benefits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) polyphenols and dietary fiber: a Review. J Food Sci Technol. 2011;51(6):1021–1040.

[38] Bray F, McCarron P, Parkin DM. The changing global patterns of female breast cancer incidence and mortality. Breast Cancer Res. 2004;6(6).

[39] Sun Y-S, et al. Risk factors and preventions of breast cancer. Int J Biol Sci. 2017; 13(11):1387–1397.

[40] Kashyap D, et al. Global increase in breast cancer incidence: risk factors and preventive measures. BioMed Res Int. 2022;2022:1–16.

[41] De Cicco P, et al. Nutrition and breast cancer: a literature review on prevention, treatment and recurrence. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1514.

[42] Sledge GW, et al. Past, present, and future challenges in breast cancer treatment. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(19):1979–1986.

[43] Nelson M. Two New Studies Suggest Diet Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors Live Longer’. Two new Studies Suggest Diet Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors Live Longer. American Institute for Cancer Research; 2021. aicr.org/news/two-new-studies-suggest-diet-can-help-breast-cancer-survivors-live-longer/. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[44] Alharbi KS, et al. Role of medicinal plant-derived nutraceuticals as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer. J Food Biochem. 2022;46(12).

[45] Shareef M, Ashraf MA, Sarfraz M. Natural cures for breast cancer treatment. Saudi Pharmaceut J. 2016;24(3):233–240.

[46] de Lima EM, et al. Cytotoxic effect of inositol hexaphosphate and its Ni(II) complex on human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells. Toxicol Vitro. 2015;29(8):2081–2088.

[47] Hussein MR, et al. ‘The biochemical changes associated with phytic acid on induced breast proliferative lesions in rats. Preliminary Find. 2006;5(9):1129–1133.

[48] Abdulwaliyu I, et al. Investigation of the medicinal significance of phytic acid as an indispensable anti-nutrient in diseases. Clinic Nutri Experim. 2019;28:42–61.

[49] Mathur P, et al. National noncommunicable disease monitoring survey (NNMS) in India: estimating risk factor prevalence in adult population. PLoS One. 2021;16(3): e0246712.

[50] Chaturvedi M, et al. Women cancers in India: incidence, trends and their clinical extent from the national cancer registry programme. Cancer Epidemiol. 2022;80: 102248.

[51] Berdzuli N. ‘Breast cancer: from awareness to access’. BMJ. 2023:380.

[52] Vucenik I. Anticancer properties of inositol hexaphosphate and inositol: an overview. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2019;65(Supplement):S18–S22.

[53] Proietti s, et al. Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) as an effective topical treatment for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after breast surgery. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci; 2017. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28724186/. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[54] Pires SM, et al. Phytates as a natural source for health promotion: a critical evaluation of clinical trials. Front Chem. 2023;11.

[55] Schlemmer U, et al. Phytate in foods and significance for humans: food sources, intake, processing, bioavailability, protective role and analysis. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2009;53(S2).

[56] Markiewicz LH, et al. Phytate and butyrate differently influence the proliferation, apoptosis and survival pathways in human cancer and Healthy Colonocytes. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1887.

[57] Greger M. Phytates in beans: anti-nutrient or anti-cancer?. NutritionFacts.org. nutritionfacts.org/blog/phytates-in-beans-anti-nutrient-or-anti-cancer/; 2015. Accessed July 9, 2023

[58] Irshad M, et al. Anticancer and nutraceutical potentialities of phytase/phytate. Int J Pharmacol. 2017;13(7):808–817.

[59] Unfer V, et al. Reduced burden of chemotherapy side-effects in patients receiving inositol hexakisphosphate alone or in association with myo-inositol. Cancer Studie Therapeutic. 2018;3(1):1–5.

[60] Selladurai M, et al. Considerations for gluten free foods - pearl and finger millet processing and market demand. Grain & Oil Sci Technol. 2023;6(2):59–70.

[61] Prasad ME, Arunachalam A, Gautam P. Millet: a nutraceutical grain that promises nutritional security, Eco. Env. & Cons. envirobiotechjournals.com/EEC/Vol26OctSuppl20/EEC-1.pdf; 2020. Accessed July 9, 2023.

[62] Kumar A, et al. Nutraceutical value of finger millet [Eleusine Coracana (L.) gaertn.], and their improvement using OMICS approaches. Front Plant Sci. 2016;7.

[63] Hassan ZM, Sebola NA, Mabelebele M. The nutritional use of millet grain for food and feed: a Review. Agric Food Secur. 2021;10(1).

[64] Kuruburu MG, et al. Variations in the anticancer activity of free and bound phenolics of finger millet (Eleusine Coracana (L) gaertn; variety KMR-301) seeds. Phytomedicine. 2022;2(2):100276.

[65] Panwar P, Dubey A, Verma AK. Evaluation of nutraceutical and antinutritional properties in barnyard and finger millet varieties grown in Himalayan region. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(6):2779–2787.

[66] Dey S, et al. Understanding the antinutritional factors and bioactive compounds of Kodo millet (paspalum scrobiculatum) and little millet (Panicum sumatrense). J Food Qual. 2022:1–19.

[67] Dayakar Rao B, et al. Nutritional and Health Benefits of Millets. ICAR_Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR); 2017. Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, 112, millets.res.in/m_recipes/Nutritional_health_benefits_millets.pdf.

[68] Nithiyanantham S, et al. Nutritional and functional roles of millets—a review. J Food Biochem. 2019;43(7).

[69] Xie M, et al. Whole grain consumption for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1769.

[70] Zhang LZ, Liu RH. Phenolic and carotenoid profiles and antiproliferative activity of foxtail millet. Food Chem. 2015;174:495–501.

[71] Yadav S. Efficacy of kodo millets paspalum scrobiculatum: a systematic review. Biosci Biotech Res Commun. 2022;15(3):379–385.

[72] Mohamed L. The Anti-cancer Activity of Extracts Derived from Millets and Kraalbos. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Biology; 2020. hdl.handle.net/11427/36882.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.