First the disclaimer, no medical advice, merely for information purposes. That said:

The article from Natural News (link below) highlights a promising line of research on natural compounds that could help combat prostate cancer by targeting its metabolism — specifically by "starving" cancer cells of glutamine, an amino acid many tumours rely on heavily for rapid growth and survival. The piece draws from a study published in npj Precision Oncology (led by Stefano Tiziani at the University of Texas at Austin), which screened 142 natural compounds and identified synergistic effects from three plant-derived ones: curcumin (from turmeric), ursolic acid (from apple peels and even higher in the rosemary herb), and resveratrol (from red grapes and berries).

This isn't brand-new research, the core findings stem from a 2017 UT Austin study, but the 2026 republishing and framing emphasise its relevance for prevention, especially amid ongoing interest in dietary approaches to reduce prostate cancer risk (the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer, with slow progression in many cases making lifestyle factors potentially impactful).

Here's a closer look at how these three chemicals may contribute to prostate cancer prevention or slowing progression, based on the referenced mechanisms and broader evidence.

1. Curcumin (from Turmeric)

Curcumin, the bright yellow polyphenol in turmeric root, has been extensively studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. In the glutamine-starvation context, it combines with ursolic acid to block cancer cells' uptake or utilisation of glutamine, disrupting their energy supply and growth without apparent toxicity to normal cells (as seen in mouse models).

Broader mechanisms relevant to prostate cancer prevention include:

Inhibiting key signalling pathways like NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and androgen receptor activity, which drive cell proliferation and survival.

Promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer cell lines (e.g., androgen-sensitive LNCaP and insensitive PC-3).

Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, factors linked to cancer initiation and progression.

Epidemiological and preclinical data support curcumin's preventive potential—diets high in turmeric (e.g., in traditional Indian cuisine) correlate with lower prostate cancer rates in some populations, though human trials show mixed results due to poor bioavailability (curcumin absorbs poorly unless paired with black pepper/piperine or formulated as nanoparticles). No major clinical prevention trials exist yet, but adjunctive use (e.g., with standard therapies) has shown PSA stabilisation or slowed progression in small studies.

2. Ursolic Acid (from Apple Peels/Rosemary)

Ursolic acid, a triterpenoid abundant in apple skins (and rosemary), emerged as a standout in the screening for its ability to synergise with the others. Alone, its effects are modest, but paired with curcumin or resveratrol, it helps deprive prostate cancer cells of glutamine, leading to metabolic stress and inhibited tumour growth in cell lines and animal models.

Additional preventive angles:

It modulates pathways involved in inflammation, cell migration, and metabolism.

Preclinical work shows it can suppress prostate cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.

Eating apples whole (with peel) provides a practical, low-risk way to incorporate it — though effective lab concentrations exceed typical dietary levels, consistent intake might offer cumulative benefits for at-risk men.

No large human prevention trials focus solely on ursolic acid, but its safety profile (naturally occurring, no toxicity in models) supports including apple peels in a preventive diet.

3. Resveratrol (from Red Grapes, Berries, and Red Wine)

Resveratrol, a stilbenoid polyphenol famous from the "French Paradox" discussions, pairs with ursolic acid to block glutamine metabolism in prostate cancer cells, starving them similarly to the curcumin combo. In mice, these combinations shrank tumours without side effects, contrasting sharply with chemo/radiation's toxicity.

For prevention:

It activates pathways like SIRT1 and AMPK (linked to longevity and metabolic regulation), while inhibiting NF-κB, mTOR, and androgen signalling.

It promotes apoptosis, reduces angiogenesis (tumour blood supply), and has antioxidant effects.

Observational data link higher resveratrol-rich food intake (e.g., grapes, berries, moderate red wine) to lower risks of various cancers, including prostate, though direct causation is unproven.

Bioavailability is again a hurdle — resveratrol metabolises quickly — but food sources provide steady, low-dose exposure. Some studies suggest it sensitises cancer cells to other therapies.

The study's key insight: individual compounds show limited impact, but synergies (ursolic acid + curcumin or + resveratrol) create a "one-two punch" against glutamine addiction in prostate tumours. This metabolic targeting is exciting because many cancers (including prostate) rewire metabolism for growth, and starving them selectively spares healthy cells.

While promising in vitro (cell lines) and in vivo (mice), this is preclinical — no human trials confirm these exact combinations prevent or treat prostate cancer at scale. Dietary levels are far below lab doses, so eating more turmeric (with black pepper for absorption), whole apples, and red grapes/berries offers low-risk, plausible preventive benefits as part of a plant-rich diet (Mediterranean-style, high in fruits/veggies, linked to lower prostate cancer progression risk in recent studies).

Prevention often starts in the kitchen. Incorporating these foods could support overall health and potentially tilt the odds against prostate cancer development or progression. More human research — especially on optimized formulations and long-term dietary patterns — is needed, but the glutamine-starvation angle adds a fresh, mechanistic layer to why plant compounds matter.

https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-02-26-compounds-turmeric-fruits-starve-prostate-cancer-cells.html