Beer drinking found slows prostate cancer, but no remedy

A compound in beer may slow down growth of cells that cause enlarged prostates, according to a study conducted by Emily Ho and colleagues from Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University as quoted by media reports Monday.

But conclusion cannot be drawn that drinking beer is a way to prevent prostate cancer, warned the study. The study found one compound xanthohumol in hops rendering flavor and bitterness of the beverage has shown promise in slowing down growth of cells that cause enlarged prostates.

The researchers found xanthohumol in a cell culture blocks the signaling of NF-KappaB protein slowing the growth of benign prostatic hyperplasia and malignant prostate cancer cells.

However, the amount of xanthohumol used in cell cultures to have an effect is equivalent to the amount present in 17 beers, and drinking too much alcoholic beverage has been associated with a number of cancers.

Moreover, the alcohol or whatever else other than xanthohumol in beer may offset the protective effect from the beer ingredient.

Meanwhile, a study conducted by researchers at Curtin University in Australia reviewed 45 studies on drinking and risk of prostate cancer and found heavy drinkers (drinking 14 or more alcoholic drinks per week) were at 20 percent increased risk.

Therefore, consumers are warned against jump starting beer consumption in the name of prostate cancer prevention. Drinking beer is not a way to prevent prostate cancer.

(Agencies)