Cancer has been one of the deadliest diseases across the globe for a long time. Despite the constant advancement in medicinal technology, cancer has continued to haunt patients and physicians alike.
In the fight against cancer though, a study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide may have just introduced a revolutionary compound that could serve as a cancer treatment solution.
What is the compound?
The cancer-fighting compound is found in grape seed and skin extract, commonly known as grape seed extract.
The extract contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and resveratrol—a type of natural phenol that is believed to possess immense benefits for human health.
Research findings
The study conducted by the researchers from the University of Adelaide revealed that grape seed extract contained chemicals that could target and destroy cancer cells in the body.
The study was conducted on colon cancer cell lines, and the researchers discovered that when the extract was introduced to the cell lines, it triggered a process that killed the cells within 24 hours.
Further studies are still needed to confirm the effectiveness of the grape seed extract on all types of cancers and the extent of damage that it can cause to cancerous cells in the human body.
However, this is a significant discovery that could pave the way for more cancer research and look for ways to develop a cancer treatment regimen based on grape seed extract.
How does it work?
The researchers discovered that the grape seed extract caused oxidative stress in the cancerous cells, which led to a chain reaction that destroyed the cells.
Oxidative stress is a state in which there’s an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects by neutralizing them with antioxidants. Therefore, it appears that the extract activates the process of oxidative stress within the cancerous cell, ultimately leading to the cell’s death.
Possible implications
The discovery of the cancer-fighting compound in grape seed extract may have far-reaching implications in cancer treatment.
The researchers further noted that the extract had no harmful effects on any healthy cells, meaning that it could pave the way for a more directed cancer treatment rather than the current conventional methods that also damage healthy cells. Besides, the grape seed extract could also be used to prevent cancer, as it is widely known that free radicals in the body cause oxidative stress that can potentially cause cancer.
There is no doubt that the extract could act as an effective antioxidant, which could potentially reduce the risk of cancer.
Additional potential benefits of grape seed extract
Besides cancer treatment and prevention, the grape seed extract has several other potential benefits to humans, including:.
- Heart disease prevention: Many studies have shown that the natural phenols in grape seed extract, including resveratrol, are effective in reducing the risk of heart disease. The extract has been effective in reducing high blood pressure and decreasing “bad” cholesterol levels, which are both risk factors for heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory: The natural phenols and polyphenols in grape seed extract contain anti-inflammatory properties that could reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- Skin health maintenance: Grape seed extract has been suggested as a natural way to maintain and improve skin health. Due to its antioxidant properties, the extract can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and visibly improve the skin’s texture.
Conclusion
The discovery of a cancer-fighting compound in grape seed extract is a significant advancement in the medical field.
While further research is needed to corroborate the findings of the study, there is no doubt that the extract has immense health benefits that could potentially reduce the risk of severe chronic diseases. It’s exciting to imagine a future where cancer treatment will be based on natural products such as grape seed extract rather than more conventional methods that also inflict damage on healthy cells.