Researchers To Investigate Resveratrol's Cancer-FightingProperties

Researchers To Investigate Resveratrol's Cancer-FightingProperties

MIDLANDS, England--The U.S. National CancerInstitute (NCI) awarded $1.7 million to England's University of Leicester andthe Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan to study a cancer prevention productmade from resveratrol. The University of Leicester's Cancer Biomarker andPrevention Group, in collaboration with the University of Michigan'sComprehensive Cancer Center, will conduct a preclinical and clinical evaluationof resveratrol, a natural agent found in grapes, peanuts and several types ofberries. So far, the nutrient has been found to possess anti-inflammatory andanti-cancer activity in experimental models.

"Since resveratrol may be of value in preventing cancer,NCI is funding early clinical studies of pure resveratrol capsules in healthyvolunteers," said Will Steward, one of the principal investigators based atthe University of Leicester, which most recently supported an investigation ofthe cancer-fighting properties behind curcumin.

The trials will begin in spring 2003 and will take place inEngland. Healthy, young volunteers will be selected, evenly split between menand women. According to the media outlet Reuters, approximately 20 volunteerswill be given one tablet containing .5 g of resveratrol and investigators willnote how long resveratrol stays in the body and circulates in the blood.

More information is available online ( www.le.ac.uk/press/press/leicesteramongworldfirst.html).