Grape Skin Protein Kills Cancer Cells

Grape Skin Protein Kills Cancer Cells

Scientists have just begun to discover how drinking red wine, which contains the compound resveratrol, in moderation has contributed to controlling disease.

Marty Mayo, assistant professor of biochemistry, stated that resveratrol blocked the ability of an integral protein that fed it and by doing so aided in the prevention of cancer cells. The protein responsible for stimulating gene functions that promote cell survival is known as nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-kB) and is located inside the nucleus of all cells.

Mayo recommended that one glass of wine, three or four times a week, contained the sufficient amount of resveratrol to protect the protein from thriving cancer cells.

Mayo also cautioned against exceeding the recommended limit of wine consumption, because doing so could increase the risk of cancer.

Facts on Resveratrol

It¡¯s an antioxidant found in various types of plants, including grape skins, raspberries, mulberries and peanuts.
In nature it functions as a preventative element to fight fungus during the rainy season.
In the United States it is sold over-the-counter as a nutritional supplement.
Mayo theorized that the cancer cells resveratrol came in contact with died as a result of a built-up sensitivity to a compound called Tumor Nectrosis Factor alpha (TNFa).

It is also believed a process referred to as apoptosis, the self-destruction of cancer cells, was activated by the compound resveratrol.

Other studies have revealed that resveratrol could play a role in controlling diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, arthritis and autoimmune disorders.