Activity due to unique combination of plant nutrients
EAST WAREHAM, MA (January
18, 2007) – A
new research review and study examines how cranberry’s unique
flavonoid compounds– which
act as potent antioxidants – have been further linked to
potential anti-cancer properties. Led by Dr. Catherine C. Neto
of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and funded in part
by the Cranberry Institute and the Wisconsin Cranberry Board, this
review is the first to examine the effects of cranberry polyphenols
on human cancer cells, in order to further explore
cranberry’s potential role in cancer prevention. The
review was published in the current edition of The Journal
of Nutrition and presented as a part of the International
Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Cancer, hosted by the
American Institute of Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. in July
2006.
The review explores the existing research and recent findings on
the anti-cancer properties of the cranberry, and its diverse phytochemical
profile that likely plays a role in cancer prevention. Cranberries’ high
antioxidant content is one of the many factors that work synergistically
to create observed anti-tumor activities. “The results from in
vitro studies using a variety of tumor models show that the
polyphenol extracts from cranberry inhibit the growth and spread
of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and other tumors,” said
Dr. Neto.
“This review is so significant because it adds to the growing
body of evidence of both the proven and emerging health benefits
of the cranberry,” said Martin Starr, PhD, science advisor
to the Cranberry Institute.
The cranberry has long been recognized for its potential health
benefits, from prevention of urinary tract infections and gum disease
via a unique anti-adhesion mechanism, to its high level of antioxidants,
which may also provide protection from cardiovascular disease. These
new findings reinforce earlier research on cranberry’s anti-cancer
benefits and show promise that cranberry may limit processes involved
in tumor development and growth in human patients.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and
Food Chemistry, researchers at the University of California,
Los Angeles tested the extracts of six berries, including cranberry,
against human tumor cell lines in cell cultures. Cranberry extract
was shown to be effective in slowing cancer cell growth, a protective
benefit that increased with the amount of extract added.
The evidence is compelling, especially for consumers looking to
add healthier foods to their diet. “It’s easy for consumers
to add functional foods such as cranberries in their diet by eating
dried cranberries as a snack or drinking a glass of cranberry juice
once a day. And, apart from helping maintain wellness, cranberries
taste great,” said Jere Downing, Executive Director of the
Cranberry Institute.
About the Cranberry Institute:
The Cranberry Institute is dedicated to supporting research and increasing awareness
about the many health benefits of the cranberry. For more information, visit www.cranberryinstitute.org.
About the Wisconsin Cranberry Board, Inc:
The Wisconsin
Cranberry Board, Inc. administers the state's cranberry marketing order. Under
the order growers are assessed 10 cents per barrel of fruit sold. Proceeds
are used to fund research, education and promotion programs for the industry. For
more information, visit www.wiscran.org.
# # #
CONTACT:
Adrienne Matthews
Cranberry
Institute
c/o
Publicis Consultants | PR
(206)
270-4551
adrienne.matthews@publicisconsultants-pr.com
|
