Extract from Grape Seed Shown to Kill Cancer Cells

American and Chinese researchers have discovered the extract from grape seeds kills leukemia cancer cells (by way of suicide) and hope to one day to use this natural substance to treat cancer.

Dr Xianglin Shi, one of the leading researchers, says “These results could have implications for the incorporation of agents such as grape seed extract into prevention or treatment of hematological malignancies and possibly other cancers.”

“What everyone seeks is an agent that has an effect on cancer cells but leaves normal cells alone, and this shows that grape seed extract fits into this category,” he said.

It has been known that eating fruit reduces the prevalence of cancer, but finding a specific chemical which causes the death of cancer cells (and not normal cells) is a big discovery. While killing cancer cells in the lab is different from killing them in human body, it is hopeful news for those affected by cancer.