Resveratrol in Cancer Treatment – Understanding the Process
Sunday, March 21st, 2010Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in an organism. In human body, the shape that is taken is provided by the various organs such as the bones and skin. These organs are in turn determined by the formation of the cells. This pattern is usually predetermined through the DNA. The production of specialized cell is coded and this message determines the arrangement of amino acids and the protein structure. Any disorientation of this coded language, which is called mutation, would lead to abnormal growth of cells and the organs.
Because the body cells are usually balanced, any disorientation of some of the cells would lead to illness. In some cases, the communication between the cells is affected leading to autolysis of the cells. This is where the cells fail to recognize self destroy each other instead of targeting the foreign bodies as in the case of leukemia cancer.
There are various types of cancer ranging from the blood cancer or leukemia, to breast, cervical, prostate, lung and others. The naming of the cancer is dependent on the organ that is affected.
Empirical studies conducted in California in 2008 by Chao and other provided some evidence that those who took red wine were of less risk to developing lung cancer compared to those who took white wine or beer. Red wine is made from grape fruit and is known to contain large portions of resveratrol. This brought to focus the potential in using this plant product in managing cancer. The product is often produced by the higher plants in response to the fungal and bacterial attacks.
Cancer inhibition will only be effective if the mutagens are countered. Where the abnormal cell growth has started, the anti-cancer agent must be able to arrest the growth of the rogue cells. It is in this context that we shall explore how resveratrol works.
One method by which the resveratrol works is by reducing the activity of free radicals. These are products of metabolism in the form of unbounded hydrogen molecules. They cause injurious effects by punching the cells membrane. They also trigger unwanted cellular activities leading cancerous growth. The large polyphenol structure of the chemical will provide additional binding sites from the free hydrogen bonds.
Another way by which it reduces cancer cell growth is by encouraging the death of the malignant cells. This process is known metastasis. In addition, it leads to improved mitochondrial action would lead to increased energy levels that is necessary for the recuperation from the use of the toxic cancer drugs. Genes such as SIRT1 which promote the growth of good cells are also triggered by the plant chemical.
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