Researchers Find That Grape-Seed Extract Can Kill Cancer Cells

A recent study has found that grape-seed extract may be what the medical community has been looking for to help eradicate cancer cells. In fact, the study concluded that grape-seed extract can indeed kill leukemia cancer cells.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky, is causing quite a bit of interest within the medical community and has been published in an American Association for Cancer Research journal called Clinical Cancer Research. The study was led by Xianglin Shi, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Kentucky, in the Graduate Center for Toxicology Department.

Many researchers are trying to find something that can eradicate cancer cells, with the stipulation that the same thing that can eradicate cancer cells will not have a negative effect (or any effect) on normal cells. Many are saying that grape-seed extract is the answer, though some think it is too soon to tell and are not sure the extract is chemo-protective.

During the study, Shi exposed leukemia cells to grape seed extract at different doses. In one of the high doses the extract caused apoptosis, which is the cell signaling pathway associated with the use of the extract causing death of the leukemia cancer cells. During they study they also found that grape seed extract had no affect on normal cells at all. In addition, within 24 hours of exposure to grape seed extract, over 75 percent of leukemia cells had died.

After the results, researchers wanted to find out how grape seed extract provoked apoptosis. To find out they used genetic and pharmacologic approaches to uncover that grape seed extract powerfully activates JNK (a regulating protein for the apoptotic pathway), as well as the JNK pathway. The JNK pathway controls the cell cycle.
More studies will be done to decide whether or not grape seed extract will be incorporated into leukemia and other cancer treatment and prevention. Many in the medical community are hopeful that the extract will indeed help eradicate cancer cells.

The author of this article is Tim Moore, who publishes a website on Vitamins, Nutrition, and Alternative Medicine.

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The Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is a liquid or powdery substance that is derived from the small seeds of red grapes. Occasionally, grape seed extract may come from the skins of red grapes. Grape seed extract is a rich source of flavonoids, which are phytochemicals that contain antioxidant properties. Many people believe that these flavonoids are just as vital as vitamin C and vitamin E to maintaining health.

A supplement rich in cancer-fighting properties

Antioxidants are substances that help the body to remove free radicals, which are cancer causing agents. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can contribute to the development of numerous harmful conditions in the body. This is the reason grape seed extract supplements that are rich in antioxidants have become popular.

The most valued of flavonoids found in grape seed extract are procyanidolic oligomers or proanthocyanidins (PCOs). Aside from their powerful antioxidant properties, PCOs are also reported to improve blood circulation. The PCOs from grape seed extract are believed to strengthen blood vessels, resulting in improved heart function and a reduction in cancer cells.

Health benefits of grape seed extract

European doctors often prescribe drugs containing PCOs for vascular disorders. Aside from grape seed extract, PCOs are also found in maritime pine. PCOs drawn from maritime pines have the same health benefits and therapeutic benefits as PCOs drawn from grape seed extract. However, maritime pines are more expensive and have a more limited supply than grape seeds.

Taking grape seed extract can help improve blood circulation, which help prevent leg cramps, diabetes complications, varicose veins, numbness in the extremities, muscular degeneration, cataracts and impotence. Because most of these health conditions more commonly occur and are severe among the elderly, grape seed extract can be especially beneficial to them.

Grape seed extract is also believed to partially block the release of prostaglandin, the substance responsible for causing pain and inflammation in disorders such as endometriosis.
Grape seed extract is commonly used as an ingredient in European facial creams. When used as a topical ointment, grape seed extract is believed to help maintain the skin's elasticity.

The antioxidants in grape seed extract help protect muscle cells attacked by free radicals. As a result, those who wish to reduce the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia often take grape seed extract. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known, its painful symptoms include chronic muscle pain and stiffness.

Countless studies have shown that antioxidants play some part in reducing the number of cancer cells in the body. Because of this, people who are at risk for cancer often use grape seed extract. It is believed that the antioxidants in grape seed extract neutralize cell mutations that lead to tumor formation. It is hoped that by taking grape seed extract, the progression of common cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer can be halted.

Buying grape seed extract

Grape seed extract supplements are available in many forms and they are generally inexpensive. These supplements can be purchased in tablet, liquid or capsule form. The standardized formula for the grape seed extract should be labeled as 92% or 95% PCO.

By Paul Ghossain For more indepth information on the herbal nutritional supplements as well as the benefits and risks associated with it, please feel free to visit http://www.vitaminsect.com/herbal-nutrition-supplement.html

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