Use of Freeze-dried Watercress for Detoxification of Carcinogens and Toxicants in Smokers: Implications of the Findings and Potential Opportunities

Bonorden and colleagues designed a clinical trial to test the hypothesis that daily consumption of freeze-dried watercress, a rich source of the chemopreventive agent phenethyl isothiocyanate, can enhance the detoxification of well-known tobacco and environmental carcinogens and toxicants. Initial results have validated subject compliance and a positive outcome of this study would further support the use of watercress as a whole food-based approach to cancer chemoprevention. On the basis of the design of the clinical trial and the various biological samples to be collected, we discuss potential opportunities to test future hypotheses. See related article, p. 143.