Grape seed oil extract contains high quantities of vitamin E, flavonoid antioxidants, the essential fatty acid linoleic acid and antioxidant compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs. Grape seed oil also contains oleic acid --- the fatty acid in some cooking oils that tolerates high heat --- and palmitic acid --- a saturated fatty acid found in palm oil. Grape seed oil has purported benefits for some health conditions, including cancer. Consult your doctor before using grape seed oil to treat cancer.
Colon Cancer
Grape seed extract may inhibit colon cancer, according to a study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Molecular Carcinogenesis." In the tissue culture study, grape seed extract inhibited growth and promoted apoptosis -- programmed cell death in human colon cancer cells. Grape seed extract decreased levels of the antioxidant gluathione, implying promotion of antioxidant enzyme pathways that use glutathione. The researchers noted that the results of their preliminary tissue culture study are the first to identify a particular inhibiting effect of grape seed extract in the process of colon cancer cell growth.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer may respond well to treatment with grape seed extract, according to a study published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Foods." In the study, grape seed extract inhibited key enzymes involved in prostate cancer development by up to 80 percent. Additionally, grape seed extract suppressed hormone dependent processes involved in prostate cancer and inhibited cell growth. The researchers conclude that grape seed extract may prove to be a viable supplement for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory
A study published in the July 2010 issue of the journal "Molecular Carcinogenesis" found that grape seed extract prevented colon cancer in laboratory animals. In the study, diets supplemented with 0.25 percent or 0.5 percent grape seed extract for 12 weeks showed up to 60 percent fewer incidents of crypt formation --- a process that can lead to colon cancer --- compared to a control diet that did not contain grape seed extract. The supplement inhibited excessive cell reproduction in the colon lining and increased apoptosis --- programmed cell death. Grape seed extract also decreased inflammation. Additionally, no toxic or adverse effects were noted.
Breast Cancer
Grape seed extract prevented breast cancer in a study published in the May 2010 issue of the journal "Molecular Carcinogenesis." In this tissue culture study, scientists combined human breast cancer cells with grape seed proanthocyanidin extract --- a component of grape seed oil --- and observed that the grape seed extract prevented precancerous changes in breast cells. The researchers concluded that grape seed extract may offer benefits that counteract the detrimental effects of repeated exposure to low-dose carcinogenic substances such as environmental toxins in food, air and water and occasional radiation exposure from medical procedures or air travel, thereby making breast cancer less likely.
References
- "Molecular Carcinogenesis"; Grape Seed Extract Upregulates Page 21 (Cip One) through Redox Mediated Activation of ERK One Half and Posttranscriptional Regulation Leading to Cell Cycle Arrest in Colon Carcinoma HT 29 Cells; Kaur M, et al.; January 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Grape Seed Extract Regulates Androgen Receptor-Mediated Transcription in Prostate Cancer Cells through Potent Antihistone Acetyltransferase Activity; Park Sy, et al.; January2011
- "Molecular Carcinogenesis"; Dietary Feeding of Grape Seed Extract Prevents Azoxymethane Induced Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci Formation in Fischer 344 Rats; Velmurugan B, et al.; July 2010
- "Molecular Carcinogenesis"; Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Suppression of Breast Cell Carcinogenesis Induced by Chronic Exposure to Combined Four-(Methylnitrosamino) -1-(Three Pyridyl) -1-Butanone and Benzo [A] Pyrene; Song X, et al.; May 2010
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