New research is showing that a promising compound, called flavonoid, as found in certain foods, is effective in killing pancreatic cancer cells.
The flavonoid sources of particular interest are Celery, Artichokes and Mexican oregano. These herbs and vegetables contain apigenin and luteolin, flavonoids that have been proven to kill human pancreatic cancer cells in the lab, by blocking an enzyme necessary for the cancer to grow.
Apigenin alone was shown to destroy two aggressive human pancreatic cell lines. But when the cancer was pre-treated with apigening for 24 hours and then chemotherapy added later the rate of success was much higher.
The important discovery points to the application or use of the flavonoids before the application of chemotherapy instead of using them as a concomitant agent. As a matter of fact, antioxidant supplement, the flavonoids in this case, seem to block or neutralize the effects of chemotherapy.
Pancreatic cancer is aggressive, silent and deadly. Only 6% have a chance of survival. And it is the 4th leading cancer in humans.
The research showed that without the pre-treatment with the flavonoids cancer cell death, or apoptosis, was only 8.4% on average, but when the pre-treatment was done, the rate jumped to 43.8%. And that was before the use of chemotherapy medication.
The scientists warned that assumption of natural sources would probably not be enough to cure cancer, and that the flavonoids in question would have to be boosted via a medical concentrate.
The scientists, however, advised that if a person eats a lot of fruits and vegetables during a lifetime, that the dietary regimen could help reduce the risk of cancer, since they are rich in bioactive flavonoids.
Source : MNT 8.19.13
No comments:
Post a Comment