Plant lectin impacts on cancer cells, risks, and treatments.

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Clinical Nutritionist, Retired Pharmacist, Founder of Prevail Over Cancer

What are Lectins?

Lectins are a type of protein found in many plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. According to a 2015 review out of China published in the Cell Proliferation, plant lectins can modify the expression of specific immune cells and alter signaling pathways to help kill off cancer cells and block tumor growth.[a]

How Lectins Interact with Cancer Cells

Interestingly, some lectins are used to detect and diagnose cancer cells. Lectins manifest diverse activities, including inhibiting virus, and antitumor, antifungal, and anti-insect activities. Others are used for therapeutic purposes because of their anti-tumor activity and ability to trigger cancer cell death.[b]

Plant lectins attach to cancer cells and induce their cell death through autophagy (the body break...