Researchers, led by Paul Okunieff, M.D., chief of Radiation Oncology at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center, showed that the natural antioxidant from grape skins and red wine crippled the function of pancreatic cancer cell's core energy source or mitochondria.
Most physicians would not advise a patient who already drinks red wine moderately to stop during chemotherapy treatment. A better choice would be to drink as much red or purple grape juice as desired.
Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants when under attack by bacteria or fungi. Phytoalexins are antibacterial and anti-fungal chemicals produced by plants as a defense against infection by pathogens.
"While additional studies are needed," Okunieff said, "this research indicates that resveratrol has a promising future as part of the treatment for cancer."
The study is published in the March edition of the journal, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.
