Resveratrol, grape seed extract help prevent skin cancer

Saturday, August 27, 2011 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer
Tags: resveratrol, skin cancer, health news

(NaturalNews) Researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have made a fascinating discovery about the synergistic effects of certain fruit and vegetable compounds on preventing skin cancer. Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in grape skins, grape seed extract, D-glucarate, a cellular detoxifier, calcium and ellagic acid all seem to work in harmony together to protect against skin cancer.

In one study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, scientists observed that these various natural compounds exhibited a protective effect on the body when administered both orally and topically in mice with skin cancer. Even in low doses, the plant agents exerted maximum therapeutic effects when combined with each other because each compound plays a specific and unique role in the process.

When administered individually, however, scientists say the compounds are not particularly effective.

"Both the combined agents and the combined treatments work better than single agents or treatments in prevention of skin cancer," explained Dr. Zbigniew Walaszek, research associate professor of pharmacology at the center.

But even on its own, resveratrol has been shown in other studies to be particularly effective in preventing and treating cancer.

"In controlled studies, resveratrol has been shown to reduce skin cancer tumors by up to 98 percent, to stop production of leukemia cells," explains Jon Barron in his book Lessons from The Miracle Doctors: A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimum Health and Relief from Catastrophic Illness. "In addition, it works as a Cox inhibitor, thus halting the spread of cancer throughout the body."

The discovery is groundbreaking because it provides potential alternatives to conventional sunscreens, which often contain toxic ingredients. Sunscreens also block out the vitamin D-producing ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which ultimately prevents users from gaining any of the sun's health benefits.

Editor's Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support the implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and well-being of all living creatures.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-...

http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals...