American researchers believe that grape seed extract can treat hematological (blood) malignancies by destroying cancerous tissue.

According to a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, grape seed extract can stimulate the apoptosis (self-destruction) of leukemia cells in laboratory.

Grape seed has anti-cancer properties because of its high antioxidant (resveratrol) content. The extract activates the production of JNK, a protein responsible for regulating cellular apoptosis.

Findings revealed that 76 percent of the affected cells were killed within 24 hours of exposure to the extract; healthy cells, however, remained intact.

Previous studies had reported the efficacy of grape seed extract in attacking skin, breast, bowel, lung, stomach and prostate cancer cells. It has reportedly been found effective in reducing the size of breast tumors.

Scientists concluded that eating grapes might keep cancer at bay. They however, added that further research is required to confirm this finding.

PKH/HGH