They found capsaicin, an ingredient of jalapeno peppers, triggers cancer cell death by attacking mitochondria - the cells' energy-generating boiler rooms. The research raises the possibility that other cancer drugs could be developed to target mitochondria. The University of Nottingham study features in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. The study showed that the family of molecules to which capsaicin belongs bind to proteins in the cancer cell mitochondria to trigger cell death without harming surrounding healthy cells. Lead researcher Dr Timothy Bates says: "As these compounds attack the very heart of the tumour cells, we believe that we have in effect discovered a fundamental 'Achilles heel' for all cancers. Potential DrugsThe fact that capsaicin (and other vanilloids) are already commonly found in the diet proves they are safe to eat. This could make development of a drug containing them a much quicker and cheaper process. Dr Bates says: "Capsaicin, for example, is already found in treatments for muscle strain and psoriasis - which raises the question of whether an adapted topical treatment could be used to treat certain types of skin cancer. "It's also possible that cancer patients or those at risk of developing cancer could be advised to eat a diet which is richer in spicy foods to help treat or prevent the disease." However, Josephine Querido, cancer information officer at Cancer Research UK, says: "This research does not suggest that eating vast quantities of chilli pepper will help prevent or treat cancer. "The experiments showed that pepper extracts killed cancer cells grown in the laboratory, but these have not yet been tested to see if they are safe and effective in humans." Cancer Research UK recommends reducing the risk of cancer by eating a healthy, balanced diet, with plenty of vegetables and fruit. Dr Bates adds that the mitochondria in cancer cells could also be targeted by other compounds. He says the investigation and development of anti-mitochondrial drugs for cancer chemotherapy is likely to be "extremely significant" in the fight against cancer. | 
