Mayo Clinic Researchers
point to quercetin for
prevention, treatment of
prostate cancer
Researchers at the
famed Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minn., last month reported that quercetin-a
plant based nutrient found in apples- may provide a new method for preventing
or treating prostate cancer.
The researchers found in a laboratory study that quercetin
reduced or prevented the growth of human cancer cells by blocking activity
of androgen hormones. Previous research has linked andogens to prostate
cancer's progression.
"By blocking androgen activity, the growth of
prostate cancer cells can be prevented or stopped, " said Nainzeng
Xing, Ph. d., the mayo Clinic's lead researcher on the project. "
Our study suggests quercetin may be a potential non- hormonal approach
to preventing or treating prostate cancer.
The Mayo Clinic research is hopeful news in the battle
against prostate cancer, a serious threat to male health. Prostate
cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cuase of
cancer death in men in the United States, behind only lung cancer, according
to the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer society estimates
that nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that
31,500 will die of ot this year alone in the United States.
"This is the new news for apples," said
USApple spokeswoman Julia Daly."Apples annd apple nutrients have
been linked witha range of health benefits, but to our knowledge this
is the first link to a men's health issue as important as prostate cancer."
The Mayo Clinic study
was published in the March edition of the peer-reviewed journal Carcinogenesis,
and was presented late last month at the American Association of Cancer
Research annual meeting.
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