Black raspberries shown to be highly effective in preventing cancer

A new study conducted by Ohio State University researchers has documented the power of black raspberries to prevent the development of tumors in the esophagus and colon. The study's findings were presented at the March 2007 national meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Gary Stoner, Ph.D., a professor of internal medicine at Ohio State University, led the study. Stoner and his co-workers prepared a powdered, freeze-dried extract from black raspberries then gauged its effect on rats that had been exposed to a cancer-causing substance. The research team measured the prevalence of malignant tumors. Compared to a control group, the rats fed black raspberry extract showed a 60 percent reduction in tumors of the esophagus and up to an 80 percent reduction in colon tumors.

"That's a much higher reduction than I thought we'd see," Stoner said, "This suggests that berries bind up a good portion of free radicals, preventing them from causing damage in the body."

Black raspberries are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid and contain the minerals selenium, zinc, and calcium. In addition, black raspberries have a higher content of anthocyanins than most other berry types, as well as phenols, such as ellagic, coumaric and ferulic acid. All of these substances are recognized as "chemopreventive agents," Stoner said.

"We do know from epidemiologic studies that vegetable and fruit consumption is protective against cancer and, from our work, we would suggest that berries be one of those helpings, at least two or three times a week," said Stoner.

Clinical trials are underway to examine the potential of black raspberries to prevent esophageal and colon cancer in humans. Stoner and his team have begun analyzing the effects of the fruit in people with Barrett's esophagus (a condition of the esophagus that increases risk of esophageal cancer) and precancerous colon polyps. Preliminary results show the berries are well tolerated at doses similar to those used in animals.

###

About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and technology pioneer with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of energy efficient LED lights that greatly reduce CO2 emissions. He's also a veteran of the software technology industry, having founded a personalized mass email software product used to deliver email newsletters to subscribers. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and adult gymnastics. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org