Black Raspberry, Clinical Research Progress On Track as an Anti-Cancer Agent |
Black raspberries, Rubus occidentalis L. Courtesy of the Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission Talk to today’s medical scientists studying the disease-prevention properties of plant foods and most would tell you that a fast-rising star is the black raspberry -- one of Nature’s most powerful antioxidant fruits. remarkable effects as anti-tumor agents in laboratory research. Beginning this Autumn, 2006, they are entering human clinical trials supervised by Dr. Gary Stoner of Ohio State University. An abstract of the early results -- just published -- can be viewed by clicking here. In pursuit of this critical line of research, few other fruits have had as much progress toward human clinical trials in recent years as the black raspberry. Phenolic pigments that give the "blackcap" its rich blue-black color shown above impart several distinctive taste and chemical qualities, including high acidity (its "astringence" causing a pH of 3.5), semi-sweetness and a special tangy full-bodied taste that appeals to most people, including children. Over the past 5 years, research by Dr. Stoner and his colleagues has revealed astonishing results of black raspberry phenolic extracts and whole berries themselves on colon, mouth and esophageal cancers in laboratory models. Phenolic acids called ellagic and ferulic acids and cyanidin glycosides from black raspberries appear to be the main antioxidant agents providing the benefit against cancer cells. Black raspberries are one of the world’s most promising natural tools in the fight against cancer. A press release from Ohio State for Dr. Stoner's research on black raspberries and cancer can be viewed at this link. Dr. Paul |
