BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L. EXTRACTS AND THEIR PROTECTIVE EFFECTS AGAINST COLON CANCER: IMPLICATION FOR HUMAN HEALTH

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) is a valuable dietary component, rich in proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, fibers, and vitamins, making it an essential part of the diet. Beyond its nutritional value, P. vulgaris is also known for its nutraceutical properties and contributes to environmental sustainability. In order to study the biological activity of three varieties of P. vulgaris, Cannellino, Piattellino, and Fagiola di Venanzio (FV), traditional cooking procedures were mimicked, followed by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Through these processes, soaking and cooking water, along with the bioaccessible fraction (BF) from the digestion, were collected. The BF from Cannellino, Piattellino, and FV beans significantly reduced the growth of colon cancer cells by inducing the autophagic process. Additionally, FV extracts were analyzed to evaluate their activity in inhibiting molecular pathways linked to colon cancer cell growth, which are prompted by inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. These extracts demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress induced by interleukin 1β, through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production, as well as by lowering reactive oxygen species production and NOX1 levels. Overall, these studies highlight the beneficial impact of beans in the diet on human health, supporting the importance of understanding the bioactive compounds responsible for these health-promoting properties.