Brain cancer: Study reveals two simple supplements that reduce tumour growth by 33%

Supplements are all the rage right now and for the right reasons. Pills, powders and liquids, in all their forms they have arrived as godsends. Rather than forming detailed diet plans or looking through medicines, all one needs to do is add these small and convenient supplements to their daily routine and enjoy the numerous health benefits they provide.

From fulfilling nutrient intake to strengthening health, supplements do it all. And now, it seems they can also help prevent cancer. Here's how!

Supplements: The new age medicines

According to a 2023 Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) survey, about three-quarters of all Americans take dietary supplements. The most popular among them are magnesium, Vitamin C, calcium and iron. The industry whose worth was estimated to be $189.23 billion in 2024 is projected to boom to $402.20 billion by 2034. Now, it seems two simple supplements that most take to increase energy production, immunity and heart health can work together to beat glioblastoma (GBM), the most common type of primary brain tumour. The median survival rate for those diagnosed with GBM is just 14.6 months, making it a fatal and aggressive form of cancer, as per experts at the Glioblastoma Research Organisation.

Supplements can help fight brain cancer

Scientists at the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai, India found that combining two supplements together "dramatically weakened" GBM in a small group of patients.

As per the September 2025 study published in the journal BJC Reports, scientists conducted the study in 20 glioblastoma patients who were already scheduled for brain surgery. Half of them were asked to consume a concoction of copper and resveratrol four times a day for 12 days. They collected tumour tissue from all participants, including 10 from those who consumed no supplements. The results showed major biological changes in treated tumours, including a shocking near-complete removal of DNA fragments that trigger inflammation.

They also noticed sharp reductions in numerous markers of tumour aggressiveness. As per a study press release:Tumour growth fell by 33%Cancer biomarkers dropped by 57%Immune checkpoint signals fell by 41%Stem call markers reduced by 56%“These results suggest that a simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic nutraceutical tablet potentially has the power to heal glioblastoma,” Dr. Indraneel Mittra, a researcher and professor at ACTREC, said in a statement.“We observed near-complete eradication of cell-free chromatin particles from the cancerous glioblastoma tissues following [the resveratrol and copper] treatment,” Mittra told Fox News Digital. “This finding was particularly significant because cell-free chromatin particles are key drivers of tumour aggressiveness.”

How is this possible?

The researchers paired the two supplements as copper allows resveratrol to create a burst of reactive molecules that break down the DNA debris known to inflame cancer cells. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in foods like red grapes and berries and it has mostly been known for its antioxidant effects. But paired with copper, it had some shocking effects. “Maybe it is time to look at cancer treatment differently and work toward healing tumours rather than annihilating them,” said Mittra. However, the researcher also warned people against self-medicating. “They should not start self-medicating simply because these items are readily available,” he added.

“There may be minimal benefit unless the controlled formulation we designed for our study is used.”Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.