Why Raspberry?
Because Raspberrys have an abundance of ellagic acid.
WHAT IS ELLAGIC ACID?
Ellagic Acid may be one of the most potent ways to fight cancer. Ellagic Acid, a phenolic compound, is a proven anti-carcinogen, and anti-cancer initiator!
The Hollings Cancer Institute at the University of South Carolina is doing a double blind study on a large group of 500 cervical cancer patients that has everyone excited.
They are excited because their past nine years of study have shown that a natural product called ellagic acid is causing G-arrest within 48 hours (inhibiting and stopping mitosis-cancer cell division), and apoptosis (normal cell death) with 72 hours, for breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon and prostate cancer cells.
Clinical tests also show that ellagic acid prevents the destruction of the p53 gene by cancer cells.
Additional studies suggest that one of the mechanisms by which ellagic acid inhibits mutagenesis and carcinogenesis is by forming adducts with DNA, thus masking binding sites to be occupied by the mutagen or carcinogen.
Ellagic acid can be found in different foods, but the clinic has identified the red raspberry as having the highest content of the acid.
Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic constituent in certain fruits and nuts. Research in the past decade confirms that ellagic acid markedly inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. Ellagic acid from red raspberries has proven as an effective antimutagen and anticarcinogen as well as a inhibitor of cancer.
Dr Daniel Nixon, MUSC, began studying the ellagic acid in red raspberries in 1993.
His recently published results show:
* Cervical cancer cells - HPV (human papilloma virus) exposed to ellagic acid from red raspberries experienced apoptosis (normal cell death).
* Ellagic acid leads to G1 arrest of cancer cells, thus inhibiting and stopping mitosis (cancer cell division).
* Ellagic acid from red raspberries prevents destruction of the P53 gene by cancer cells. P53 is regarded as the safeguard of mutagenic activity in cervical cells
* Tests reveal similar results for breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon and prostate cancer cells
* Consuming one cup (150 grams) of red raspberries per day prevents the development of cancer cells
RASPBERRY EXTRACT SHOWS PROMISE
AS CANCER, AGING FIGHTER
CLEMSON -- Pollution and sun exposure take their toll on our
skin and can result in cancer development and skin
deterioration. A Clemson University scientist's research on
raspberries has found that these berries and other fruits
contain powerful chemical compounds that can improve the
body's resistance to cancer growth and skin aging. One goal
of the research is to develop skin creams that inhibit
cancer and the skin changes resulting from aging and sun
exposure.
"We are hopeful that the results will lead to health
benefits," said Lyn Larcom, who conducted the research.
"Raspberries have high concentrations of ellagic acid and
other compounds that have significant cancer-fighting
properties."
Ellagic acid has been found to promote the death of
prostate cancer cells in culture, according to Medical
University of South Carolina research. This and related
compounds found in plants are effective in inhibiting cancer
in mice. In addition, the powerful antioxidant may help in
retaining the integrity of collagen, which is vital to
maintaining the structure of skin.
Ellagic acid is just one of many antioxidants present in
plants and fruits. Anti-oxidants inactivate free radicals
produced by UV in sunlight, numerous carcinogens and normal
cell metabolism. These free radicals cause extensive cell
damage and produce mutations leading to cancer.
In addition to their potent antioxidant activity and
their ability to block some types of mutations, raspberry
extracts have activity against the compounds that can allow
cancers to spread through the body.
Larcom's work has attracted the attention of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health and
private interests. Dermacon Inc., a South Carolina-based
corporation specializing in plant-derived health products,
is working with Larcom.
"The positive effect of raspberry extracts is well known,
but Dr. Larcom's work opens up new possibilities for
additional health advances," said Greg Hyman, Dermacon
president. "We are developing a topical skin cream that can
be valuable for treating precancerous conditions and
promoting collagen health."
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