Red wine and aspirin could kill cancer cells

A compound found in red wine combined with aspirin could kill abnormal cells that lead to cancer, new research suggests. 

According to a report in the Irish Independent, both the wine extract resveratrol and aspirin help to destroy “tetraploid” cells that contain multiple copies of chromosomes.

These cells cause genetic instability and have been linked to the development of cancer.

The research, led by Dr Guido Kroemer, from the Gustave Roussy Institute in Villejuif, France, was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, in which scientists said they believed one pathway to cancer involves a temporary phase of “tetraploidisation”.

The research suggested that “resveratrol and aspirin involves the elimination of tetraploid cancer cell precursors”.

In tests, laboratory mice genetically engineered to have bowel cancer had fewer tetraploid cells in their guts when fed the wine compound and painkiller.

Exposure to the two substances also reduced the survival of tetraploid cells in human bowel cancer tumour cultures.

Resveratrol, is derived from red grapes and is said to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Last month a study found that the compound could help boost the immune system, and counteract the effects of a high-fat diet.

Aspirin, though primarily a painkiller, has been shown to protect against some cancers, especially those affecting the intestines and stomach.