Strawberries May Slow Cancer Cell Growth

15/01/07 Strawberries may be the most effective of commonly consumed berries at slowing the growth of some cancer cells, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles tested extracts of six berries -- strawberries, raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries -- against human oral, breast, colon and prostate tumor cell lines in cell cultures. All the berry extracts slowed the cancer cell growth in each cell line studied, and this protective effect grew stronger as berry concentrations were increased. Strawberries were strongest against colon and oral cancers.

"The strongest California strawberry effects were seen against slowing the growth of two types of oral cancer cells and one type of colon cancer cells," reported Navindra Seeram, PhD, assistant director of UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and lead author of the study. "In colon cancer cells, strawberries were also found to be potent inducers of programmed cell death, called 'apoptosis,' which is an important mechanism of cancer suppression." Apoptosis is the process by which cancer cells are forced to self-destruct.

Strawberries contain high levels of phytonutrients that are believed to be responsible for the protective effects of diets high in fruits and vegetables. Phytonutrients are nutrient-like compounds in foods that exert antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neurodegenerative effects. These effects in turn are thought to be protective against the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and mental deterioration.

"These laboratory results about the effects of berry phytonutrients on cancer cells provide us with a roadmap for future studies in humans. Eventually this will allow us to make dietary recommendations for preventing or slowing the progression of cancer," Seeram commented.

In addition to providing beneficial phytonutrients, strawberries are a good source of health-promoting nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, fiber and potassium. Not only do strawberries, whether fresh or frozen, provide these nutrients and have science to support their health benefits, 2006 consumer research has revealed that strawberries are America's favorite fruit. Eighty- eight percent of the nation's supply of strawberries comes from California.