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Mango: the cancer combater

by Medindia Content Team on Jul 25 2005 1:07 PM

It’s definitely not that mango springs to mind the image of a medication. Rather it is the “king of fruits” and a darling of all! Mango comes as a respite in the sweltering heat and charms one and all. Besides tantalising the taste buds it has been found to fight tumours and make cancer fret. Nutritionally mango is a rich source of beta-carotene, sugars and fibres.

Now research conducted at Indian Toxicology Research Institute (ITRC), Lucknow based on experiments conducted in the USA scientists believe that mango inhibits pancreatic cancer and regulated a number of processes involved in cancer development.

Lupeol is the wonder anti-oxidant found in mangoes, which can prove highly beneficial in heart diseases, cancer and ageing. This anti-oxidant is formed in mangoes as a result of heat and water effect by nature.

In the initial trials mango pulp was extracted and fed to mice. The results before and after were tabulated. When analysed they revealed that lupeol is also effective against environmental toxins. Scientists say that when the experimental trials are completed they can further aim towards making lupeol extracted from mango pulp as a nutraceutical.

These experiments once successful can be a boon for cancer treatment. People are so fond of mango, so they will not mind taking it as a prescription. In fact the prescription will become a licence for mango consumption. Children and the aged population will not have to be coaxed into taking their timely medicine. In fact they will never forget their medication time. As it is, cancer detection is depressing news, but with the advent of mango-based treatment it will not be so bad after all.

Cheers to summer and of course mango!

Source: ITRC, Lucknow


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