If one is confronted with the question: "Why is it important
to drink orange juice every day?" the typical response would
revolve somewhere around the benefits of vitamin C. Though according
to research, two additional ingredients found in the citrus drink
need to be recognized: flavanoids and limonoids (nutrient-packed
pigments that give color and taste to fruit). These compounds are
significant because they may help prevent or even stop neuroblastoma
cells.
Neuroblastomas account for nearly 10 percent of all cancer in children
and usually exist as a solid tumor residing in the neck, chest,
spinal cord or adrenal gland.
Unlike other anti-cancer drugs, limonoids
are non-toxic and do not present any harmful side effects. And although
flavanoids and limonoids both work against cancer, researchers found
that limonoids specifically:
- Prevent cancer from forming
- Slow the growth of existing cancer
- Kill cancer cells
Studies showed that neuroblastoma cells died in 48 hours or less
within contact of 5, 10 and 50 micromoles of limonoids -- one micromole
is equal in size to a tiny skin flake. (One glass of orange or grapefruit
juice will comprise these amounts of limonoids.) They also discovered
that limonoids trigger apoptosis, a programmed cell death that spirals
in an unstoppable fashion once the weak spot on the cell is struck.
This, in turn, leads to cell death.
Researchers hope their findings will lead to the possibility of
taking an oral cocktail of limonoids to put a stop to cancer.
Science
Blog December 1, 2004
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