Resveratrol for prevention in human prostate cancer
October 14th, 2009 - With over a decade of test tube and animal research behind
resveratrols anti-cancer benefits, it finally appears that researchers are ready to take the fast track to human clinical trials in cancer prevention and therapy. (1)
Resveratrol is abundantly found in nature in various fruits, nuts and other plants and accounts for 5 to 10% of the biomass in grape skin. (2) Over the years, resveratrol has demonstrated multiple inhibitory actions on the three stages of cancer including initiation, promotion and progression. (1-3) Part of resveratrols action in preventing initiation of cancer is from its potent anti-oxidant effect and ability to scavenge free radicals. Promotion of tumor growth appears to be inhibited by Resveratrol's ability to exert anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2).
Resveratrol also inhibits cancer cell growth by antagonizing the action of androgens at the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cells. Whether this anti-androgenic effect of resveratrol has effects on AR in muscle, fat or mammary tissue remains to be seen.
Resveratrol better than Viagra?
October 14th, 2009 - Drugs like Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) and Cialis (Tadalafil) are
used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the erectile tissue in the penis known as the corpus cavernosum.
These drugs increase blood flow to erectile tissue by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase enzymes (PDE5 & 6), which prolongs the action of cGMP in the smooth muscle tissue, increasing the dilation response from nitric oxide (NO) release. However, inhibition of the phosphodiesterase enzyme system has effects across the entire body and can lead to side-effects including headache, skin flushing, nasal congestion and muscle aches. (1) These are very unwelcome side-effects when trying to stimulate sexual arousal.
New research suggests that
resveratrol can also trigger erections by promoting blood flow to the erectile tissue in the penis. (2) This vasodilatory effect appears to occur within minutes of resveratrol exposure, suggesting that supplementation may provide a quick temporary boost in sexual performance. (3)
Evidence suggests that resveratrol does not have the side-effects typically associated with popular ED drugs. Resveratrol improves vasodilation by multiple cellular mechanisms, and does not negatively inhibit the phosphodiesterase enzyme system, which can lead to unwanted side-effects. (3) Whether or not resveratrol is a worthy
substitute to powerful prescription drugs such as Viagra and Cialis remains to be determined.