Grape extract "kills leukaemia"

 

0.9

Scientists have discovered a grapeseed extract can force leukaemia cells to die.

Laboratory experiments show the commercially available extract caused 76% of the blood cancer cells to be destroyed within 24 hours in a process of natural self-destruction called apoptosis. All healthy cells remained unharmed.

Although the research is in its early stages and it has not been recommended people eat grapes to stave off cancer, US scientists believe the results could mark the start of promising new treatments.

It is the antioxidants in grapeseed, including resveratrol, which is known to have anti-cancer properties, that are believed to cause the cells to die.

Previous tests found that the extract was effective on skin, breast, bowel, lung, stomach and prostate cancer cells, but it this is the first time it has been tested on leukaemia