A research conducted at the Cornell University revealed that Apple peel could either inhibit or kill cancer cells.
The researchers analyzed the peel from about 230 red delicious apples and isolated their individual compounds. On identifying the structures of the compounds in the peel, the researchers tested the compounds against [tag]cancer[/tag] cell growth in the laboratory.
They identified a dozen compounds referred to as “triterpenoids” in an apple peel, that had the potential to either kill or inhibit the cancer cells in the laboratory cultures.
The lead researcher Rui Hai Liu said “We found that various compounds have potent anti-proliferative activities against human colon, liver and breast cancer cells, and could be partially responsible for the anti-cancer activities of whole apples”.
The previous studies had already revealed that apples, apart from fighting cancer cells in the laboratory, also reduced the size of mammary tumours in rats. The researchers now believe that the triterpenoids could be doing much of the anti-cancer work.
Liu says “We believe that a recommendation of five to twelve servings of a wide range of vegetables and fruits a day is appropriate to reduce risks of most chronic diseases including cancer, apart from meeting the nutritional requirements for good health.”