Resveratrol and Quercetin: Natural Compounds that Help in Cancer Treatment

Research published by the College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University shows that Resveratrol and Quercetin, compounds that have been touted as having a variety of health benefits, may provide the  basis of an important new advance in cancer treatment.

Researcher professor Adam Alani says, “These compounds have a synergistic effect that enhances the efficacy of the cancer drug Adriamycin, by sensitizing the cancer cells to the effects of the drug.” Also, the administration of Quercitin and Resveretrol to those receiving  Adriamycin ameliorates the risk of heart damage  attributed to that drug.  Adriamycin, used for breast, ovarian and other cancers is limited in the length of time it can be taken, and in the dose it can be given, because of the inevitable heart damage it will cause. “This has great potential to improve chemotherapeutic cancer treatment,” said Dr Alani. “The co-administration of high levels of resveratrol and quercetin shows that it significantly reduces the cardiac toxicity of Adriamycin.”

With regard to this being implemented by practicing oncologists, Dr Alani says that that both resveratrol and quercetin appear to be safe at high concentrations in the body and although more research should follow,  the FDA should speed the clinical testing and possible medical use of this potentially beneficial, low risk treatment . “We can reach clinical levels of these polyphenols in the body. We can load both quercitin and resveratrol at one time to help control the cardiotoxicity of the cancer drug, and we can help the polyphenols accumulate in cancer cells where they have their own anti-cancer properties.” Dr. Alani concludes, “This is like hitting three birds with one stone. It has great potential.”

As a part of a healthy diet, resveratrol is found in  grapes, red wine, green tea, fruits, berries and dark chocolate. Quercitin is found in berries, fruits, vegetables, capers and leafy greens.

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