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Tangerine Peel Kills Cancer Cells New Research Finds
MANCHESTER, England, September 12 /PRNewswire/ --
Research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in
Manchester, shows that a compound extracted from tangerine peel can kill
certain human cancer cells.
Researchers based at the Leicester School of Pharmacy showed that human
cancer cells (which contain an enzyme called P450 CYP1B1) were destroyed by a
compound called Salvestrol Q40, contained in tangerine peel. Some types of
human cancer cells contain abnormally high levels of P450 CYP1B1.(1), (2)
Salvestrol Q40 is found in the skin of fruits but is removed from the
diet when fruit is eaten without its peel or is processed for fruit-based
products such as fruit juice.
Medicinal chemist Dr Hoon L. Tan said: "Salvestrols may offer a new
mechanism of dietary anti-cancer action. Indeed, the depletion of salvestrols
in the modern diet is due to the fact that many people no longer eat the skin
of fruits and this may be a major contributory factor to the increasing
incidence of some cancers in the human population."
The researchers have formed a private company, Nature's Defence
Investments, to protect and promote their research, with the potential of
designing a natural anti-cancer alternative based on this new technology.
Dr Tan said: "It is very exciting to find a compound in food that can
target cancers specifically. However, it is still early days and many tests
will be needed before reaching the clinical trial stage."
The British Pharmaceutical Conference Press Office (September 10, 11 and
12 only)
Tel: +44-(0)-161-839-9170
Tel: +44-(0)-161-839-9173
Tel: +44-(0)-161-839-9164
Tel: +44-(0)-161-832-2023
Tel: +44-(0)-161-832-1090
Mobile: +44-(0)-7739-533-658
ISDN: 0161 833 4751
Notes to Editors
The British Pharmaceutical Conference - entitled "The medicines maze:
balancing risks and benefits" - takes place from 10th to 12th September,
2007, at Manchester Central (formerly Manchester International Convention
Centre). The theme of BPC 2007 is reflected throughout the programme, with
keynote speeches and workshops addressing crucial technical and professional
issues that are facing pharmacy today. The conference will showcase the
latest developments in pharmaceutical science and practice research and
include discussion and debate led by expert speakers.
References
(1). Murray GI, et al. Cancer Research 1997;57(14)3026-31.
(2). Potter GA, et al. British Journal of Cancer 2002;86:774-8.
