Facebook post falsely claims grape seeds can cure cancer

Social media posts claim that consuming grape seeds or grapeseed oil can cure cancer. But cancer experts say supplements from the fruit are still being studied and there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claims, while US health regulators have warned against believing so-called cancer treatments promoted on social media.

“They have kept this seed hidden for over 100 years because it can cure any cancer in just a few days” Facebook January 24, 2022 postal Claim.

Similar posts can be found on Facebook here, hereand here.

Alternative therapies, unusual medicines, and even dangerous treatment suggestions for diseases are often touted online, and cancer is no exception. AFP Claims that some foods, including lemon water, almonds, hot pineapple water and dandelion root extract, are effective cancer fighters have previously been debunked.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Warning to consumers “Be wary of products on websites or social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that claim to cure cancer.”

The FDA website notes that these unproven treatments come in a variety of forms, “including pills, capsules, powders, creams, teas, oils, and treatment kits,” and are “often promoted as ‘natural’ treatments and are often mislabeled as dietary supplements.”

Dr. Stacey DeAndreMayo Clinic-affiliated oncologist and integrative medicine expert tells AFP: “Grape seed supplements are being studied for their anti-cancer potential, but there is no solid evidence that this supplement can cure or treat cancer.”

“Some anticancer activity has been seen in cell culture and animal models, as well as in early trials in prostate cancer patients, but more research is needed,” she said.

The results for various cancers are also mixed. She explains that “one study showed that people who ate grape seeds had lower rates of blood cancer,” but another study found that “grape seeds did not help breast cancer patients with the side effects of radiation therapy.”

Agree with this Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterA treatment and research center in New York. Its website explain: “Despite its antioxidant properties, grape seed has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.”

Dr. Naj Kumar, senior investigator in the Department of Breast and Genitourinary Oncology and the Cancer Epidemiology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, cautioned that “more information is needed about these promising compounds in grape seed products.”

Kumar said early studies on grapeseed oil have shown promising results, including “reductions in markers of inflammation and insulin resistance, which are associated with obesity and cancer.”

But she said: “It is still unclear how long these compounds remain in the blood and how much of these compounds ingested actually enter the human bloodstream to produce these beneficial effects. The bottom line is that we still need to study them in humans.”

Marji McCullough, PhD, senior scientific director of epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society, agrees. “Grape seed extract (GSE) is rich in proanthocyanidins, which have antioxidant properties. However, limited human studies have not shown that GSE can prevent or treat cancer.”

She adds: “Proanthocyanidins are found in a variety of plant foods, including berries, apples, kidney beans and nuts, and can therefore be part of a healthy, plant-based diet.”

D’Andre and McCullough also warn that grape seed products may interact with other medications. They recommend disclosing all supplements you take or consider taking to your healthcare provider.