Colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer, accounting for 9% of all cancer deaths from all organs. Colorectal cancer is a cancer born out of a modern lifestyle. Did you know it is preventable? If you can inculcate a few healthy lifestyle changes, especially dietary habits, then it can help reduce the risk of this malignant disease. Speaking of dietary changes and supplements, nature has got a plethora of solutions for many diseases, even colon cancer. One such promising gift is grape seed extract for colon cancer.
Why grape seed extract for colon cancer?
Grape seeds are of plant origin. Bioactive compounds in grape seed extracts selectively target numerous types of cancer cells. The medicinal use of plants and other natural extracts dates back centuries in different cultures. Despite being traditionally known and used, it is only after recent studies and research the relationship between plants and their abilities to cure or fight certain diseases such as cancer has been revealed.
The grape seed extract is an extract from red wine grapes’ oil. This extract contains a substance called proanthocyanidins, which have antioxidant properties. We are already aware of the beneficial effects of including fruit and vegetables in our daily diet to reduce the risk of numerous types of cancer.
How does grape seed extract fight colon cancer?
Grapeseed is known to contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. Grape seed extract is in demand due to the presence of this active component. There is accumulating evidence pointing to the beneficial effects of antioxidants in reducing the risk of various types of cancer, including colon cancer.
Colon cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC) is a diverse disease with an outstanding ability to develop resistance to chemotherapy. One of the main mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in CRC cells is the development of insensitivity to induction of apoptosis (natural death of cells during the lifespan of any organism).
As colon cancer cells progress, grape seed extracts stop their growth and survival. It turns out that much more chemotherapy is needed to kill stage IV cancer than stage II, but the opposite is true for grape seed extract. Grape seed extract not only effectively targets cancer cells but also leaves the healthy cells unscathed. This is the wonder of GSE’s preferential killing of the advanced colorectal cancer cells.
On the other hand, we know that traditional chemotherapy isn’t perfect. It kills both the healthy as well as the cancer cells. There are many side effects plus chemotherapy uses many harsh and toxic chemicals. But the grape seed extract doesn’t involve any such harsh chemicals.
Grape seed Extract vs. Colon Cancer stem cells
A grape seed extract has a dramatic effect on colon cancer stem cells. According to a recent study, grape seed extract can effectively suppress the colon cancer stem cells. Let’s talk about cancer stem cells and how getting rid of them could be a key to treating cancer.
When we talk about cancer, one of the challenges is whether the patient has the potential to recover after being treated for the illness. Chemotherapy and other anticancer drugs are great at killing cancer cells but they are not capable of killing cancer stem cells. So, if the cancer stem cells reappear, it can be pretty hard to treat. Since they are left behind, and when the drug runs out, they grow back very fast, and the disease relapses.
Studies have shown that grape seed extract not only kills colon cancer cells but also attacks cancer stem cells. Now, if you can target cancer stem cells, you can reduce the chance of recurrence of cancer, hence increasing the chances of getting rid of the disease, or at least you can slow the progression of the disease.
So, regular intake of grape seed and grape seed extract products can help you reduce the chances of getting various cancers. Taking a grape seed product is a smarter way because it ensures the right dosage plus the right frequency of GSE intake. It is a hassle-free approach as well.
How to take Grape seed extract?
If you want to incorporate this chemopreventive and anticancer agent in your daily life, there can be many ways to do so. You can either go for liquid (concentrate) form or capsules. If you like liquid form or concentrate, simply add 10 drops of concentrate to your favourite drink and take it with or without your meal. You can take this solution one to three times a day. One capsule can be taken once or twice a day.
Before opting for any way of intaking grape seed extract, you should always consult your physician. This will ensure that you get the right dose. Plus, you will know whether you can go for grape seed extract or not. Even though grape seed extract is generally considered safe, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Do not use grape seed extract if you are allergic to grapes. Another caveat is that if you have a bleeding disorder or high blood pressure, consult your doctor before you start using grape seed extract. If you are under medication then you should consult your doctor before starting to use grape seed extract. GSE may interact with drugs such as anticoagulants, NSAID analgesics (aspirin, Advil, alive, etc.), certain heart medications, and cancer treatments.
Summing Up
We have touched on a few pointers about grape seed extract and its usefulness in treating colon cancer. Grapeseed is just not effective against colon cancer. In fact, it has been shown to work wonders against many other types of cancer like lung, skin, breast, and prostate cancer. The studies are still being carried out to draw the maximum benefit of grape seed extract. Each day comes up with a newer and better approach to using this natural drug.
