Potential anti-tumor properties

Test-tube research reveals that chestnuts may have anti-tumor capabilities. These studies, in particular, demonstrate that the antioxidants present in chestnuts may help restrict cancer cell development and spread while also stimulating cancer cell death. In vitro research revealed that chestnut extracts inhibited the growth and spread of numerous cancer cells, including prostate, breast, and colon malignancies.

Other test-tube and animal investigations on chestnut antioxidants, such as ellagic acid, have discovered that they may also inhibit tumor cell spread and accelerate tumor cell death. Ellagic acid, in particular, affects the PI3K signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth and survival. However, further research in humans and animals is needed to understand how the chemicals contained in chestnuts may affect cancer cells in humans.