Last Updated on February 21, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
The Claim
An Instagram post claims, “They hid this seed for more than 100 years, because it can cure any cancer in just a few days. Grapes and grape seeds are rich in antioxidant resveratrol which is proven to stop the growth of cancerous cells in the breast, liver, stomach and lymphatic system”. The screenshot of the social media post is available down-below:
Fact Check
Can grape seeds cure cancer?
Not exactly. There is scant evidence that suggests grape seed can cure cancer. Some preclinical studies have shown that grape seed may cure cancer. However, these studies are in the initial phase and can be used only to hypothesise grapeseed as a ‘potential cure’ for cancer. Moreover, a study has shown that antioxidants help the immune system with balancing stability and normal activities through a process called homeostasis during an attack by cancer cells. As grape seeds are rich in antioxidants, researchers wish to understand the effect of antioxidants on the induction, growth, and progression of cancer.
On the contrary, an existing study has also shown that grape seed extract and a chemotherapy drug together can be detrimental for colon cancer therapy. Hence, further research is required to understand the mechanism through which grape seeds kill cancer cells.
Can resveratrol in grape seed cure cancer?
To a certain extent. The available literature has shown that resveratrol can weaken the cancer cells at different stages of normal cells becoming cancerous. However, researchers are unable to determine the proportion of the resveratrol that can be used to develop therapeutic medicines. Further research can determine the dose of resveratrol that can be used to mass produce cancer medicines. A study (2014) has shown that a high dose of grapeseed may initiate a response against cancer. Moreover, such a high dose may be toxic or lethal for humans to consume and at concentrations that are not possible to meet in reality.
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