Phytochemicals are capable of halting that process at one or more of the stages. They play a variety of roles such as antioxidants, suppressors of tumor growth, antimutagens, enzyme modulators, chemical inactivators, and free radical scavengers. Most of the evidence on the beneficial effects of phytochemicals comes from laboratory studies. This evidence suggests it may be possible that phytochemicals protect against human cancer but is not yet conclusive. In addition, under certain circumstances phytochemicals show the potential to promote cancer.
More research needs to be done to confirm laboratory findings.
Phytochemicals may also be significant in the prevention of other diseases such as heart disease. For more information on carcingenesis, please see the Extoxnet TIB on Carcinogenesis . For other details see Recommendation 14 Vitamins , Recommendation 14 Minerals .