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Red Raspberries and Ellagic Acid
"Medical research confirms eating red raspberries
may be one of
the most potent ways to fight cancer."
Dr. Daniel Nixon, Medical University of South Carolina
(JANUARY-1999) -- One of the most popular and flavorful
fruits on the
market now has an entirely new reason for becoming a part of a healthy
diet.
Recent medical tests have shown that the red raspberry is one of
the most effective all-natural ways to fight certain forms of cancer.
Red raspberries have the highest content of ellagic
acid, a phenolic
compound that is a proven anti-carcinogen, anti-mutagen and anti-cancer
initiator.
Tests conducted at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University
of South Carolina have revealed that the ellagic acid from red raspberries
is readily absorbed by the human body. This ellagic acid has been
clinically shown to cause apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells
. Additional tests have revealed that the ellagic acid in red raspberries
retains its potency after heating, freezing and concentration processing.
So whether consumed fresh, in juices, fruit spreads, preserves or
sorbets, the red raspberry should become a part of any healthy diet.
What is Ellagic Acid?
Ellagic acid is officially classified as an antioxidant.
Not only does
it exhibit anti oxidative properties, but also it demonstrates many
other medicinal properties, which have led scientists to study its
use
in cancer prevention. In fact, the American Cancer Society describes
it
in one of their publications, "American Cancer Society's Guide
to
Complimentary and Alternative Cancer Methods", on page 316.
They state
that ellagic acid is the only known natural substance that will
cause
apoptosis, or natural cell death in cancer cells. When the book
was
published, ellagic acid was not commercially available. Now it is!
This does verify the studies initiated by the National Cancer Institute
on the link between diet and cancer prevention. Volumes of scientific
evidence have accumulated concerning the role of diet and dietary
supplements in cancer prevention. The food we eat, does have a
significant effect on our health and wellness, and our ability to
fight
cancer once it has developed.
The distinguished Dr. Daniel Nixon from the Hollings
Cancer Center at
the University of South Carolina has been at the forefront of this
exciting research. Dr. Nixon and his team have been studying ellagic
acid since 1993, and has found it to be a potent chemo-preventive
compound capable of preventing both the initiation and progression
of
epithelial cancers. (Skin, colon, and cervical) Ellagic acid has
demonstrated its ability to induce apoptosis in cervical cancer
cells
within several days of consumption, and to cause growth cycle arrest
(G1) of cancer cells. The U.S.Government even studied ellagic acid
in
1942, discovering that it caused apoptosis in cancer. This fact
was
even included in medical books of that time. Ongoing studies and
clinical trials are now taking place, with hundreds of completed
studies
now available by clicking here. I've included details of one such
study
that is now in progress:
Relevant doctors at Hollings Cancer Research indicate
that
approximately 10% of all Papanicolaou smears in the United States
show
atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). This
10%
population represents approximately 5 million females in the United
States. In this population, those women who are infected with human
papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and/or 18 are at greater risk of
developing cervical metastatic form of ASCUS usually have lesions
which
are higher in the endocervical canal, and are more metabolically
active,
have flatter surface areas, and are more likely to invade the underlying
connective tissue as well as the endocervical glandular epithelium.
This population represents approximately one million women. One
way to
measure the potential for progression in these individuals is to
monitor
the levels of viral oncogene (E6/E7) messenger RNA expression in
cervical tissue.
Preliminary studies indicate that therapeutic concentrations
of
ellagic acid at tissue sites such as the cervix may be obtained
with the
oral administration of raspberry ellagic acid. Because of this and
previous observations showing the anti-cancer effects in cervical
cancer
cell lines as well as human volunteers ingesting large quantities
of the
product for prevention of colon cancer, it is believed that a clinical
trial to examine ellagic acid in prevention of cervical cancer is
warranted.
The women involved in this study will be carefully
evaluated for any
potential adverse effects of treatment and their HPV E6/E7 oncogene
levels carefully monitored every three months. The trial involves
full
clinical evaluation by OBGYN physicians at the South Carolina Medical
University every three months and changes in levels of oncogene
expression in cervical pathology will be determined.
Women receiving the raspberry ellagic acid product will be compared
to women receiving a "look and taste alike" placebo.
In summary, the clinical study/trial hypothesis is predicated upon
previous preliminary studies indicating the therapeutic concentrations
of ellagic acid at tissue sites such as the cervix may be obtained
with
oral administration of the product. Because of this and previous
observations showing the anti-cancer effects in cervical cancer
cells,
the trial is warranted. The end result it is believed will demonstrate
that the anti-oxidative activity of ellagic acid in cervical tissue
can
prevent expression of human papillomavirus genes believed to be
responsible for cervical cancer.
Details, Details
Ellagic acid is a type of phytochemical called a polyphenol,
or plant
cholesterol. It is released from the digestion of tannins contained
in
certain fruits and nuts. These water-soluble tannins are called
ellagitannins, which have demonstrated anti carcinogenic and
antimutagenic activity by inhibiting the multi-stage pathways involved
in the development of cancer. Ellagic acid is released from the
ellagitannins during the digestive process. Several studies indicate
that this ability occurs by:
1) Neutralizing carcinogens so that they cannot bind
to the cellular DNA
located in nucleus.
2) Activates the liver detoxification systems so that mutagens and
carcinogens are quickly excreted.
3) Scavenges and expels dangerous highly reactive oxygen molecules
free
radicals
4) Induces tumor cells to undergo apoptosis or natural cell death.
5) Stimulates the immune system for the destruction of cancerous
cells
Ellagic acid can be found in red and black raspberries,
cranberries,
strawberries, elderberries, boysenberries, marionberries, and others.
Found in some smaller amounts in walnuts, pecans, and pomegranates.
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