Grape Seed Extract Reduces Cancer

A potent grape seed extract, currently available as a dietary supplement, has been shown to significantly inhibit and even kill human cancer cells, while increasing the growth and viability of normal healthy cells, according to research findings announced at the American Association of Cancer Research conference.  “Activin”, a super-antioxidant derived from the seeds of red grapes, demonstrated toxic effects against a variety of human cancer cells. 

Using cultures of human breast, lung and stomach cancer cells, a team of scientists from several top research universities including Creighton University, the University of  Nebraska, Omaha and Georgetown University Medical Center, added Activin at concentrations of 25mg/L and 50 mg/L and studied the effects over a 72-hour period.  The results were dose-dependant and demonstrated Activin’s cytotoxicity – or the destruction of cells and cell function.

The study also showed that Activin increased the growth and stability of normal human  cells over the same time period by 9 to 18 percent.  In addition, Activin was tested and cultures of human myelogenous leukemia cells with significant effect on growth rats.

“Last year, more than 4 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States alone,” said Dr. Debasis Bagchi, the Creighton scientist who led the research team. “With this sobering medical reality in mind, our objective was to investigate Activin ‘s potential as an anti-cancer agent.  The findings of our research indicate that there may be an important role for nutritional ingredients in cancer therapies as well as cancer prevention.”