Wisconsin study claims fruit compound fights prostate cancer cells

• University of Wisconsin researchers have found that a common compound in some fruits shows promise in fighting prostate cancer.
• A UW School of Medicine and Public Health research team investigated whether Lupeol - a chemical compound found in fruits including strawberries, mangoes, figs, grapes and olives - would kill existing cancer and help prevent a tumor or malignancy from starting or progressing.
• The team evaluated the compound's effect in mice injected with prostate cancer cells from humans.
• The impact of Lupeol alone was investigated, as well as Lupeol in combination with a laboratory-produced antibody.
• Mice receiving Lupeol alone showed significant slowing of their cancer progress, but those receiving both substances did even better, the researchers found.
• "Our study - while early - adds to growing evidence that certain fruits and vegetables contain very powerful agents against cancer, especially prostate cancer," said dermatology Professor Hasan Mukhtar, who led the research team.
• "Our hope is that one day we may be able to develop a cocktail fruit platter of products with several chemopreventive substances that are working through different pathways in the prostate cancer development process."
• A previous UW study found that pomegranate juice also was effective in fighting prostate cancer.
• Pomegranates contain more antioxidants than red wine or green tea, Mukhtar said.
• Lupeol contains antioxidants that protect cells as well as a substance that fights mutation of cells.
• The study was reported in the Dec. 1 edition of Cancer Research.
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, following lung cancer, according to the UW.