Compound in Olive Skin Fights Colon Cancer

Researchers in Granada and Barcelona have discovered that maslinic acid, a compound occurring naturally in the leaves and skin of olives, may be a treatment for colon cancer. The compound causes the apoptosis, or programmed death, of human colon cancer cells. Maslinic acid is part of a group of cancer-fighting compound called triterpenoids, which are found in many medicinal plants. Maslinic acid is found in high concentration in olives, and therefore olives are a possible cheap and effective way of preventing colon cancer. News-Medical.Net December 18, 2008 
2009-01-05 18:11:15