Berries for Cancer: Grapes and Cranberries

J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Feb 13;56(3):630-5.
"...the anticancer effects of berry bioactives are partially mediated through their abilities to counteract, reduce, and also repair damage resulting from oxidative stress and inflammation."
Other Possible Effects of Berries and Disease Markers in Cancer Research (Seeram, 2008)
*regulate metabolizing enzymes important for cancer onset
*inhibit growth factors
*inhibit inflammatory cytokines
*inhibit cancer cell proliferation
*stimulate cancer cell apoptosis, causing the cells to die faster
*inhibit tumor angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels supporting the tumor)
*may also potentially sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents by inhibiting pathways that lead to treatment resistance
*may provide protection from therapy-associated toxicities
Red Grapes in Research on Cancer
[Note: the studies below have not yet been sufficiently confirmed in humans. Grape products have not been approved by the FDA for treating or preventing cancer]
* Anticancer effect of grape resveratrol on human breast cancer cells
"... resveratrol has a variety of biological and pharmacological activities including pronounced anticancer properties. These effects are observed despite its extremely low bioavailability and rapid clearance from the circulation."
* Chemoprevention by resveratrol: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential
"Modulation of cell signaling pathway by resveratrol explains its diverse bioactivities related with human health. Resveratrol also potentiates the apoptotic effects of cytokines, chemotherapeutic agents and gamma-radiation."
Resveratrol: leading berry phytochemical of 2008 research!
Bottom Line?
Eat more fruits and veggies, according to a CDC taskforce to encourage greater consumption of fruis and vegetables.