







A natural compound in grapes can stop the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer cells and is a promising starting point for developing an effective treatment for the disease, according to a recent German study.





The study was conducted by researchers at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the University of Würzburg, Germany, and published their findings in the latest issue of the Journal of Natural Products.





They explained that pancreatic cancer cells multiply strongly, depleting nutrients and oxygen in the tumor area.





While most of the body's cells die under these harsh conditions, pancreatic cancer cells survive by activating a signaling path called Akt / mTOR. Scientists are looking for natural compounds with the properties of this pathway.





The team also succeeded in identifying some natural organic compounds, which possess anti-tumor potentials, and were found in grapes grown in the Congo rainforests.





The team isolated a compound in the grape called Ancistrolikokine E3 and found that it effectively targeted pancreatic cancer cells in the laboratory.





He also pointed out that this compound prevents the migration and proliferation of cancer cells in laboratory tests, suggesting that the compound can help prevent the formation of malignant tumor in patients.





Professor Gerhard Bringman, the research team leader, said the compound, which was isolated from grapes, could be promising to develop new drugs to treat pancreatic cancer.





Cancer of the pancreas is the most deadly type of cancer, with only 3.3% of those living with it live after 5 years of diagnosis.