One of the most dangerous yet common way to get cancer is from the sun. Skin cancer is a one of the most common types, with nonmelanoma skin cancer being the most popular with 1,000,000 expected cases in the year of 2009. Because of this, scientists and researchers are always looking for new and improved ways to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. These researches include everything from better sunscreens to supplements, such as Resveratrol, that can help block UV rays or prevent its harmful effects on the body.
Once the discovery of Resveratrol’s anti-aging and antioxidant properties was revealed, scientists set work on testing this supplement to see if it could have chemo-preventive properties. If it does, it is believed that it could be effective in shielding the damaging effects of UVB rays. Research on this belief started with a topical ointment on hairless mice that were then exposed to UVB rays for 7 consecutive days. Another major topic for research with Resveratrol and cancer was the effects of this supplement on survivin. Survivin is responsible for cell division in the human body. It is typically absent in normal human adult tissue, but is found in those suffering from cancer. Because of this, many cancer therapies target survivin to destroy and help stop the spread of cancer.
The results of the topical application of Resveratrol to the hairless mice proved that those who were exposed to UVB rays with the ointment has considerably lower levels of damage and even helped control the protein expression of survivin. Resveratrol was found to control certain cell signals through the body and this lead to the protection of the cells from the UVB rays and triggering cancer development. It also hindered the creation of skin edema and thickness, something that is normally mediated by UVB rays.
Of course the prevention of cancer through Resveratrol doesn’t stop at skin cancer and a topical treatment. Though not classified exclusively as an antioxidant, Resveratrol exhibits many exceptional antioxidant properties. These properties include battling free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the cause of cell mutation and damage, which can lead to cancer. By eliminating free radicals, one cause of cancer is thus eradicated. Another incredible discovery is that Resveratrol induces apoptosis. Apoptosis is a function a cell is hotwired to do if it begins to mutate or if something is going wrong during division. The cell self-destructs to prevent the start of cancer. However, there are times when the cell does not commit that particular kind of ’suicide’ and the cell continues to grow and cancer could be formed. Resveratrol has been proven to induce apoptosis, again lowering the chance of getting cancer.
The benefits don’t stop there. Resveratrol has also been shown to aid in chemo- and radiotherapy. Not to induce apoptosis or anything negative against the damaging cells, during therapy, this supplement actually helps protect the healthy cells while therapy eradicates the mutated cells.
Keep in mind, Resveratrol isn’t just for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. It is for anyone looking for a supplement to help prevent cancer as well. It can be incredibly beneficial for anyone looking for a way to avoid a less than pleasant fate at the hands of cancer.
