Grape seed extract is a rich source of plant chemicals that may protect health in a number of ways. Some studies have shown that it may help protect against cancer. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent or treat cancer with grape seed extract.
Phytochemicals
Populations that eat a lot of fruits and vegetables have a lower incidence of cancers, according to an article published in 2009 in the "Journal of Nutrition." Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, or plant chemicals that have the ability to protect the body from cancer. Overall, scientific research suggests that grapes and grape-based products are excellent sources of phytochemicals.
Colon cancer
Grape seed extract may be able to protect you from colon cancer. In a study published in June 2011 in "Frontiers in Bioscience," grape seed extract was combined with resveratrol, a substance found in grape skins and therefore in red wine. The researchers found that grapeseed extract and resveratrol had the ability to kill human colon cancer cells.
Prostate Cancer
Grape seed extract can potentially protect against prostate cancer. Preliminary evidence stemming from animal-based studies suggests that grape seed extract can stop the spread of prostate cancer cells. A study published in June 2007 in "Cancer Research" found that groups of mice given 200 mg of grape seed extract for every 2.2 pounds of collective body weight showed significantly lower rates of prostate cancer cell proliferation.
Breast Cancer
Grape seed extract shows promise as an agent that can work against the spread of breast cancer. A study published in 2009 in the "China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica" found that grape seed extract can stop the reproduction of human breast cancer cells in vitro. The grape seed extract interfered with a significant step in the cancer cell formation cycle.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Anticancer and Cancer Chemopreventive Potential of Grape Seed Extract and Other Grape-Based Products; Manjinder Kaur et al.; 2009
- "Frontiers in Bioscience"; Resveratrol Potentiates Grape Seed Extract Induced Human Colon Cancer Cell Apoptosis; S. Radhakrishnan; June 2011
- "Cancer Research"; Oral Grape Seed Extract Inhibits Prostate Tumor Growth and Progression in TRAMP Mice; Komal Raina et al.; June 2007
- "China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica"; Grape seed extract inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cell MCF-7 and decrease the gene expression of Survivin; Changjie Chen et al.; April 2009
