Resveratrol shown to inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells

Resveratrol is a bioflavonoid and phytoestrogen found mainly in grape skins, grape juice, red wine, mulberries, and peanuts. Phytoestrogens are complex plant compounds that weakly mimic the action of estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors. Upon binding, phytoestrogens either enhance or diminish the effects of estrogen.

Because they often restrict potent and potentially harmful estrogens from binding, resveratrol and other phytoestrogens may protect against hormone-related cancers, such as breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer. According to Dr. Runqing Lu and Dr. Ginette Serrero in the Journal of Cellular Physiology, "...the chemopreventive effect of bioflavonoids has been used to explain the low incidence of breast cancer and prostate cancer among vegetarians and Orientals who normally have higher blood levels of phytoestrogens."

In response to this encouraging data, Dr. Lu and Dr. Serrero sought to determine "...the effect of resveratrol on the growth of human breast cancer cells..." Cells were given the chance to grow in a nutrient-rich solution either with or without resveratrol for 6 days. Upon completion of the study, Dr. Lu and Dr. Serrero stated that "The results presented in this study show that resveratrol inhibits the growth of...[estrogen receptor] positive human breast cancer...cells."

Researchers concluded that "Based on this report and the data presented here, resveratrol is definitely an interesting compound worthy of further investigation for its chemopreventive potential."

Arch Pharm Res 1999;22(3):309-12.

Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002