Plants Can Turn on "Cancer Suppressor" Gene.
When operating properly, our bodies have the capability to suppress most illnesses. This is even true of cancer. In fact, researchers have found proof that nature has given us systems that can suppress cancer. One such system is the phosphatase and tensin homolog or PTEN protein.
The key to PTEN’s success is having healthy copies of the gene in our bodies. Deep inside every cell in the human body, at the very center is the nucleus where our genetic material -- our DNA -- resides. Inside the nucleus, each one of us should have two copies of this PTEN gene. This gene makes sure that cells self-destruct when they have finished out their healthy lifecycle. If you have normal healthy copies of this gene, you will have a lower risk for developing cancer, although even healthy PTEN is no guarantee against the disease. If one or both copies of the gene is either damaged, malformed or missing, then your body will be less able to stop the growth and progression of cancer.
Researchers are developing a test that identifies normal and abnormal PTEN genes. While this test cannot be used to conclusively predict a person’s risk for cancer, it is one more weapon in our arsenal against the disease. Cancers that are known to be a result of dysfunctional PTEN activity are breast, prostate, kidney, uterine (endometrial), colon, glioblastoma (brain), melanoma (skin) and thyroid.
However, according to Dr. Nalini Chilkov, research has shown that we can improve the level of PTEN in our systems by plants or food supplements that promote or “turn on” the PTEN gene. This includes foods or supplements high in these nutrients:
• Quercetin:, a bioflavinoid found in onions, apples, gingko and many other food and medicinal plants
• Resveratrol: a potent antioxidant, cell protector and modulator of hormones found in dark red and purple grapes and some medicinal plants such as polygonum cuspidatum
• Genistein and Daedzein:, isoflavones known as plant or phytoestrogens found in soy and red clover
• Curcumin: found in tumeric, the bright yellow spice that gives Indian curries its golden color
• Honokiol: found in the bark of a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Magnolia grandiflora, found in many modern anti-cancer formulas
Some leading edge oncologists combine botanicals with conventional chemotherapy treatment in an effort to support normal PTEN function. For those who have survived cancer or who have never had cancer, normal PTEN function is protective and can be optimized by including plant foods and spices know to activate and protect this cancer-suppressor gene in our daily diets. There is some hope for a drug that has the same properties as those found in plants. Research continues on drug that can turn on your PTEN gene. The drug Rapamycin, when combined with chemotherapy, has shown some promising results.
When operating properly, our bodies have the capability to suppress most illnesses. This is even true of cancer. In fact, researchers have found proof that nature has given us systems that can suppress cancer. One such system is the phosphatase and tensin homolog or PTEN protein.
The key to PTEN’s success is having healthy copies of the gene in our bodies. Deep inside every cell in the human body, at the very center is the nucleus where our genetic material -- our DNA -- resides. Inside the nucleus, each one of us should have two copies of this PTEN gene. This gene makes sure that cells self-destruct when they have finished out their healthy lifecycle. If you have normal healthy copies of this gene, you will have a lower risk for developing cancer, although even healthy PTEN is no guarantee against the disease. If one or both copies of the gene is either damaged, malformed or missing, then your body will be less able to stop the growth and progression of cancer.
Researchers are developing a test that identifies normal and abnormal PTEN genes. While this test cannot be used to conclusively predict a person’s risk for cancer, it is one more weapon in our arsenal against the disease. Cancers that are known to be a result of dysfunctional PTEN activity are breast, prostate, kidney, uterine (endometrial), colon, glioblastoma (brain), melanoma (skin) and thyroid.
However, according to Dr. Nalini Chilkov, research has shown that we can improve the level of PTEN in our systems by plants or food supplements that promote or “turn on” the PTEN gene. This includes foods or supplements high in these nutrients:
• Quercetin:, a bioflavinoid found in onions, apples, gingko and many other food and medicinal plants
• Resveratrol: a potent antioxidant, cell protector and modulator of hormones found in dark red and purple grapes and some medicinal plants such as polygonum cuspidatum
• Genistein and Daedzein:, isoflavones known as plant or phytoestrogens found in soy and red clover
• Curcumin: found in tumeric, the bright yellow spice that gives Indian curries its golden color
• Honokiol: found in the bark of a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Magnolia grandiflora, found in many modern anti-cancer formulas
Some leading edge oncologists combine botanicals with conventional chemotherapy treatment in an effort to support normal PTEN function. For those who have survived cancer or who have never had cancer, normal PTEN function is protective and can be optimized by including plant foods and spices know to activate and protect this cancer-suppressor gene in our daily diets. There is some hope for a drug that has the same properties as those found in plants. Research continues on drug that can turn on your PTEN gene. The drug Rapamycin, when combined with chemotherapy, has shown some promising results.
