Resveratrol from red grapes could be used to treat pancreatic cancer.

This antioxidant is able to kill cancer cells in pancreatic test tube.

other fruits, including raspberry, blueberry and peanut, also they contain resveratrol, Although this is abundant in the skin of red grapes and, Therefore, in red wine.

Researchers at the Medical Center of the University of Rochester treated human pancreatic cells with resveratrol, either alone or in combination with radiotherapy.

The team found that the compound in wine alter the activity of cellular mitochondria, energy production centers essential for cell function.

Resveratrol also alter the activity of certain cellular proteins, responsible for countering the action of chemotherapy drugs to expel outside the cell.

Along with radiotherapy, but not only, the compound potentiated the production of substances harmful to cells called reactive oxygen species, which they are those that can make tumor cells are destroyed more easily.

In fact, the study showed that malignant cells treated with the combination were more likely to self-destruct.

“While more studies are needed, This research indicates that resveratrol has a promising future in the treatment of cancer”, He said lead study author, el doctor Paul Okunieff. The study was published in the journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

Significance is unknown yet what have these results for patients. Resveratrol is available in counter supplements, but there is no evidence that consumption improves cancer therapy. Patients under treatment should not take supplements without first discussing it with your doctor.

The team explained that a relatively high dose of resveratrol was used, equivalent to 50 micrograms per milliliter. This concentration in red wine varies by type, but in some reaches 30 micrograms of resveratrol per milliliter.

But it is still unknown whether resveratrol in red wine would have the same effect on the body tumors in tumor cells analyzed in the laboratory.