Tangerine peel could help in the fight against certain cancers, researchers said on Wednesday. Human cancer cells, which contain an enzyme called P450 CYP1B1, were destroyed by a compound contained in tangerine peel, Salvestrol Q40, scientists at Leicester School of Pharmacy found.

The findings may offer a new approach to uncovering a treatment for cancers such as breast, lung, prostrate and ovarian cancer, the scientists said. Medicinal chemist Dr. Hoon L. Tan said: "It is very exciting to find a compound in food that can target cancers specifically. "Salvestrols may offer a new mechanism of dietary anti-cancer action.

蜜桔果皮可以防治多种癌症。据悉，人类癌症细胞中包含了一种被称为P450 CYP1B1的酵素，这种成分可以被蜜桔果皮中所包含的化学物质Salvestrol Q40破坏掉。该项研究成果是由来自兰凯斯特大学的药学院发现并对外公布的。

这项研究成果将有助于科学家发现治疗多种癌症的方法，其中包括乳腺癌，肺癌以及卵巢癌等多种顽疾。药物化学博士洪•L•谭表示：“这种食物中某种特别抑癌成分的发现是十分令人振奋的。癌症细胞中Salvestrols的这种特性将为人类提供食疗抑癌并治疗癌症的新方向。”据研究人员表示，该项研究仍处于早期阶段并面临多项深入研究与测试。在未来的5-7年内，有望实现临床医疗使用。

(British Council)