Grapeseed Extract Inhibits Cancer Growth in Mice

PHILADELPHIA—Chemicals found in grapeseed significantly inhibited growth of colorectal tumors in both cell cultures and in mice, according to researchers who have already demonstrated the grapeseed extract (GSE) anti-cancer effects in other tumor types.

Mice implanted with advanced human colorectal cancer cells were given only one large dose of GSE through a feeding tube (dosage was comparatively larger than what a human would use). After eight weeks the tumor volume decreased by 44-percent compared to control with no toxic side effects observed, despite high doses. GSE increased availability of the Cip1/p21 (a critical protein) in the mice treated; this resulted in halting cancer tumor cell cycle and pushing cancer cells to self destruct. Rajesh Agarwal, Ph.D., professor at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, said: "The value of this preclinical study is that it shows GPE can attack cancer, and how it works, but much more investigation will be needed before these chemicals can be tested as a human cancer treatment and preventive." The study was published in Clinical Cancer Research (12, 6194-6202, 2006) and funded by the American Association for Cancer Research.