Resveratrol and Ellagic Acid, As Found in Muscadine Grapes, Can Help to Combat Skin Cancer

The war on cancer has never been waged as seriously as it is today, and based on the results of studies such as the one conducted by our group, we are winning. There are ways to fight and beat cancer, and we are only now uncovering the most effective methods.

Consider skin cancer. A new strategy to guard against the condition has been developed through studies, and the potential benefits of this method are significant. A recent study undertaken by the University of Texas has found that a dual approach to fighting skin cancer, utilizing a two-front combination of resveratrol and ellagic acid, has yielded tremendous results.

Many are familiar with resveratrol. Its a naturally produced phenol that has become widely utilized in recent studies pursuing its health applications, the most notable being cancer prevention. The skin cancer study, a continuation of this research, advanced on the theory that a concurrent topical and dietary treatment, augmented with select compounds such as resveratrol and ellagic acid, would allow for greater prevention of skin cancer.

The comprehensive study tested a variety of combinations, including ellagic acid, resveratrol and Calcium D-glucarate on mice. Resveratrol was topically applied while the grape seed extract was added to the diet, in addition to being topically applied. The results suggest the design of this combination against skin cancer is effective.

The skin tissue of the test mice which received the various combinations, were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the different approaches. Each select combination produced a definite, demonstrable reaction. In some cases, the reaction was significant. It was found that selected combinations influenced the epidermal-thickness compared with the DMBA-treated groups. The reaction was a marked decrease. Combinations of resveratrol and grape seed extract, among other substances, showed a synergistic effect on the skin tissue.

Grape seed extract, and more specifically, that of muscadine grapes, has the highest levels of resveratrol and ellagic acid. For this reason, select grape seed extracts can be used to combat various forms of cancer, especially skin cancer. The conclusions of the study shows that ellagic acid acts as a natural complement to resveratrol, combining to form a natural defence against the development of skin cancer.

These results are exciting. They suggest a simple, natural method such as increasing your resveratrol and ellagic acid intake, can help to reduce the dangers of skin cancer. Such a method could be made widely available and benefit a great deal of people, including skin creams and health supplements.

Leo Day

For more information on resveratrol, ellagic acid and muscadine grape benefits, visit http://www.muscadinex.com/

Resource http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/3/2/170.short

Original article

Detecting Skin Melanoma Cancers

When it comes to dangerous, deadly skin melanoma cancers, we need every weapon we can get. Now a new test, a simple, noninvasive procedure that uses adhesive tape to painlessly gather cells from a skin lesion that looks suspicious can accurately identify melanoma in all stages, from early to advanced.

Today melanoma is often identified by visual exam followed by biopsy, an uncomfortable, somewhat painful procedure that collects cells that are then sent to a pathologist for examination.

A new study reports on the new testing method used for a year at 18 different sites in the United States, finding that it was able to identify melanomas with a 100% test rate and a 12% false positive rate.

That's better than anything in use today. Interestingly, there are studies that suggest 40 biopsies are done for each melanoma detected, and this is important to remember. It is thought that this new test will give dermatologists a tool to assess patients before a biopsy, and with the low false positive rate, should reduce the number of more invasive procedures that need to be performed.

The experimental tape used in the study is able to harvest cells from the skin surface, and was developed by a biotech company, which was also the source of funding for the research.

The test uses a patented technology to collect samples from a worrisome skin lesion. During the research, the samples were sent to the lab for analysis; earlier studies had already identified genes specific to melanomas. The latest analysis looked at 17 of these.

According to the researchers, the 17-gene biomarker is able to tell the difference between early and very invasive disease.

The researchers are trying to make this melanoma tape test more affordable, and there'll be lots more testing before they seek approval by the FDA. They hope (if all goes to plan) the test will be available to doctors in around two years. Then it will be up to dermatologists to embrace the new procedure.

The new test might be particulary appealing to those who don't want a biopsy scar on their face or on other visible body parts like arms or legs, or for times when a biopsy would cause undue pain.

Experts tell us that melanoma incidence has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. The increases in America are especially dramatic in specific populations - young women and older gentlemen. The National Cancer Institute has numbers that put the invasive melanoma rates up by just about 4% a year for women 15 to 34 years old since 1995. For men over 65, the rates have shot up by nearly 9% a year.

When it comes to melanoma, or any skin cancer, your best bet is to keep in mind the ABCD system
- Asymmetry (one half different from the other),
- Borders (irregular edges),
- Color (changes from one part to another) and
- Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser).

If you catch skin melanoma cancers early, they are very treatable. This form of cancer is far more dangerous (deadly) once the cancer cells have the chance to spread into the body beyond the skin. Which is why new testing methods that are easy, noninvasive and accurate will always be a welcome addition.

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Original article

Avoid Skin Cancer: Some Simple Tips

Skin cancer and its most dangerous form, melanoma, are among the most widespread types of cancers at present. This condition is serious and may be deadly. The good news is that prevention is easy and simple. Learn how to protect yourself effectively.

Wear protective clothing that covers as large area of the skin as possible, when you go out. This is particularly effective for skin cancer protection. Long trousers and shirts with long sleeves are to be preferred. Wear a wide brim hat so that you can protect the most delicate skin areas, the face, neck and ears. There is nothing strange about wearing protective clothing in the summer. You can choose from a wide selection of clothing items made from light and breathable materials. Pick clothes with light colors to feel cooler.

Avoid exposure to the sun between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. This is one of the best tips for avoiding skin cancer. You can readily follow the advice even if you are outdoors. You can readily stay under the shade or an umbrella, if you are at the beach or sitting in a café. If you have to sit near the window and get exposed to the sunlight, just lower the shades.

Apply sunscreen every time you go out, even on cloudy days. This tip for protection from melanoma is also easy to keep. Choose a sunscreen cream or lotion that has an SPF of 30 at least. If you have fair complexion and do not get exposed to the sun much, you should consider using sunscreen with SPF of 45 or higher. Apply the cream or lotion on all skin areas that will be exposed to sunlight when you go out. You should do this half an hour before you leave home. Reapply the sunscreen regularly, preferably every two to three hours. Make the application more frequent, if you swim or play in the water.

Check your body regularly for abnormal moles to protect yourself from skin cancer. You can recognize suspicious moles using the so called ABCD system. Each letter in the abbreviation stands for a type of abnormality that is suspicious. Asymmetry is one of the signs to watch out for. B stands for boarders. These are irregular in case of melanoma. Color may also show abnormalities. The color of cancerous moles varies in the different areas of the mole. Diameter is another important factor. Moles larger than 6 mm in diameter may be cancer. If you detect suspicious moles, make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.

Now you know what to do to avoid skin cancer.

Learn all about one of the most advanced screening methods for Melanoma early detection. Find clinics where you can get high-accuracy advanced Skin Cancer screening.

Original article