(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New evidence shows maslinic acid, a compound found in olive oil, can provide a natural defense against cancerous cells.

Researchers at the University of Granada and University of Barcelona have demonstrated maslinic acid, a triterpenoid compound that regulates cell growth, can be used to treat colon carcinoma. Triterpenoids are responsible for the obstruction of carcinogenisis -- the creation of cancer. By inhibiting cell proliferation, maslinic acid is able to cause the destruction of human HT29 colon cancer cells.

The study is the first to hone in on the anti-tumoral effects of maslinic acid as an inexpensive cancer treatment. The agent is found in most people's daily diet.

"The results of the study could contribute to the development of maslinic acid for use as cancer chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents," study authors concluded.

SOURCE: Cancer Letters, 2009;273:44-54