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Three
of five antioxidants found in red wine appeared to significantly
inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in test tube studies,
according to Spanish researchers.
The researchers
from Getafe University in Madrid, reporting in the British
journal BJU International, said they tested five polyphenols
-- quercetin, morin, rutin, gallic acid and tannic acid --
that are found in red wine, tea and some fruits and vegetables.
They said
gallic and tannic acid and rutin in particular encouraged
apoptosis, or cell death, in the prostate cancer cells. They
said morin also inhibited cancer cell growth at higher concentrations,
and quercetin was effective only for a brief period.
"The
results provide a strong rationale for studying the in vivo
effects of these compounds," the researchers said. They
also suggested that the findings may help explain the lower
prostate cancer rate in Mediterranean countries.
"The
Mediterranean diet is considered to be protective against
the endocrine cancers (including prostate cancer), and features
a low animal-fat and meat content, with a high intake of fresh
fruit, vegetables, pasta and wine," the researchers wrote.
Source:
Prostate Cancer
Week of July 14, 2002
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