Mayo Clinic Researchers
point to quercetin for
prevention, treatment of
prostate cancer

     Researchers at the famed Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minn., last month reported that quercetin-a plant based nutrient found in apples- may provide a new method for preventing or treating prostate cancer.

     The researchers found in a laboratory study that quercetin reduced or prevented the growth of human cancer cells by blocking activity of androgen hormones. Previous research has linked andogens to prostate cancer's progression.

     "By blocking androgen activity, the growth of prostate cancer cells can be prevented or stopped, " said Nainzeng Xing, Ph. d., the mayo Clinic's lead researcher on the project. " Our study suggests quercetin may be a potential non- hormonal approach to preventing or treating prostate cancer.

      The Mayo Clinic research is hopeful news in the battle against prostate cancer, a serious threat to male health.  Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cuase of cancer death in men in the United States, behind only lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.   The American Cancer society estimates that nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that 31,500 will die of ot this year alone in the United States.

      "This is the new news for apples," said USApple spokeswoman Julia Daly."Apples annd apple nutrients have been linked witha range of health benefits, but to our knowledge this is the first link to a men's health issue as important as prostate cancer."

      The Mayo Clinic study was published in the March edition of the peer-reviewed journal Carcinogenesis, and was presented late last month at the American Association of Cancer Research annual meeting.