The findings indicated that grape seed extract activates a protein, JNK, that regulates the cell-signaling pathway, which leads to apoptosis – cell death. Although the research remains preliminary, the implications are that grape seed extract may be considered for inclusion into cancer prevention or treatment, especially hematological malignancies.

It remains too early to declare that grape seed extract is chemo-protective.

The grape seeds used in the experiment were commercially available grape seed extracts. Different doses were used and the higher doses caused apoptosis in the leukemia cells, whilst normal cells were unharmed.

When an agent was added, however, to inhibit the JNK protein, the grape seed extract was ineffective. Genetic engineering attempts to inhibit the JNK protein was also ineffective when experimented together with grape seed extract.

Other research has also indicated significant implications between eating more fruits and vegetables and reduction of tumors, as well as prevention of tumor re-growth.

Grape seed extract, especially, has also been found in previous research to be associated with reduction of certain tumors.

Other known benefits of grape seed extract include assistance with heart conditions, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor circulation, diabetes, nerve and eye damage, muscular degeneration and swelling from injuries or surgery.

Research has shown that grape seed extract is so beneficial due to its abundance in antioxidants.

The National Cancer Institute is currently funding further research into grape seed extract and its effectiveness in preventing breast and prostate cancers.

In clinical trial environments, grape seed extract has been used safely for up to 8 weeks.

By Nicole Chiu – Contributing Health Journalist ]]> http://naturalhealthontheweb.com/mangano-minute/blogs/?feed=rss2&p=230 0 http://naturalhealthontheweb.com/mangano-minute/blogs/?p=48 http://naturalhealthontheweb.com/mangano-minute/blogs/?p=48#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:15:18 +0000 admin http://naturalhealthontheweb.com/mangano-minute/blogs/?p=48 Did you know that the grapes sitting on your kitchen table may actually be beneficial in preventing cancer? Just be sure they contain the seeds!

According to the web site PDRHealth.com, grape seeds actually offer a wide variety of benefits in addition to anti-cancer properties.

The potent ingredient that can be extracted from the seeds is a type of mixed flavonoid called proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties.

In addition, lab tests reveal the possibility of grape seeds to have possible anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-atherogenic properties.

Through in vitro tests, grape seeds also have been observed to help combat cancers of the lung, breast and stomach.

Grape seeds may even be beneficial in treating varicose veins, arthritis and some allergies according to anecdotal evidence.

The brands which you should be looking for include: “Proanthodyn Grape Seed Extract (Source Naturals), Activin Grape Seed Extract (Natrol), Grape Seed Power (Nature’s Herbs), Grape Pips (Nutricology), Grape Seed Phytosome (Enzymatic
Therapy) and Grapenol (Solaray).”

Folks, grape seeds are an excellent and safe alternative to any prescription drug for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Proanthocyanidins also protect the brain and spinal nerves from free radical damage, protect the liver from damage caused by toxic doses of the non-prescription pain reliever known as acetaminophen, support immunity and slow the aging process.

To take advantage of the wonderful benefits of grape seeds & proanthocyanidins you can simply pick up a bottle of grape seed extract or you can chew some grape seeds.

The anti-cancer effects of grape seed extract on other types of tumors have been demonstrated in previous studies. Within the skin and seeds of grapes are antioxidant flavonoids that remove harmful free radicals from cells called proanthocyanidins. 

Researchers discovered an inhibition of cell growth that was dose and time dependent after the grape seed extract was exposed to two different kinds of human carcinoma cells. For live cancer cells that were exposed for the longest time -which was about two days – a 92 percent decrease was evident when given the highest dose.

Studies on mice were then conducted which showed a reduction of advanced colorectal tumors by 44 percent. The method by which grape seed extract inhibits cancer growth was also demonstrated for the first time during this study. Apparently, a critical protein called Cip1/p21 – which effectively freezes the tumor cell cycle, and can initiate the self destruction of a cancer cell – becomes increased with grape seed extract.

In fact, after 12 hours of treatment, the amount of Cip1/p21 protein within the cells increased 150 times. The longer the treatment time, the more cancer cells were frozen before they had a chance to divide.

Next on the agenda for the researchers is to figure out the lowest effective dose, and the highest non-toxic doses for grape seed extract used on mice.

Frank Mangano’s commentary:

Grape seed extract in my opinion, is one of the best cancer fighting anti-oxidants money can buy. It’s jam packed with disease fighting compounds like resveratrol, which has been sited in many studies to provide a number of different benefits to the body.

This is a promising study and I’m not surprised to read about yet another benefit of grape seed extract. Grape skin and seeds are a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids called proanthocyanidins.

I’m an advocate of Grape seed as it improves the stability of collagen and elastin, two substances that are crucial for healthy skin, joints, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. Grape seed is also used to improve microcirculation throughout the body.

Grape seed extract may also help to prevent and treat heart diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to human case reports and results from some laboratory and animal studies. 

You can find grape seed extract in capsule form at your local health food store but remember, to truly shield your body from cancer most effectively, it’s essential that you control your insulin levels, get sufficient amounts of omega-3 fats, get safe amounts of natural sunlight to normalize your vitamin D levels and make exercise a part of your regimen 3 to 4 times a week.