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Research Reveals Berry Gel Solution for Cancer
Research Reveals 'Berry Gel' Solution For Cancer
Source October 30, 2007 Author: Michael Jolliffe
A gel made from black raspberries could be a major breakthrough in the treatment of oral cancer,
according to scientists from Ohio State and Kentucky Universities. In a collaborative study between both
institutions, 20 patients with pre-cancerous lesions were asked to apply a solution containing freeze-dried
raspberries suspended in KY jelly to their lesions four times daily for six weeks. At the end of the trial, a
number of patients were found to have reversed their condition, while more than half had made
significant improvements.
“It’s very tantalising”, said Dr Susan Mallery, professor for the College of Dentistry at Ohio State
University, “the berry formulation is having a positive effect at the molecular level, changing enzymes and
proteins”. The components thought to have this positive effect are called anthocyanins, plant compounds
that give the berries their deep colour, and which have previously demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory
properties. Inflammation is thought by scientists to drive many of the processes that allow cancer to
progress. Commenting on previous research, in which the same berry solution was shown to slow down
the growth of skin cancer in mice, Dr Anne VanBuskirk of Ohio State’s College of Medicine expressed her
surprise that “in terms of shutting down the inflammatory response, we’ve never seen anything like it”.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed
each year, equivalent to more than 80 diagnoses every day. Current treatment for the condition is often
limited to surgery and radiotherapy, which can lead to the need for reconstructive surgery, and
permanent disfigurement. Additionally, the odds of the condition recurring are high.
A larger trial, involving several different cancer centres, is planned, while a gel product is currently going
through final stage approval processes and may be available in stores next year.
About the author
Michael Jolliffe, BA (Hons), Fd BSc (Hons), is a health writer, and an expert on nutritional and
environmental influences on health and disease. He is also a qualified nutritional therapist, and runs a
consultancy in Harpenden, Hertfordshire (UK).
Michael's other research interests include advanced medical technologies, alternative cancer therapies
and 'bodymind' medicine.
He is a member of the British Association for Nutritional Therapy, International Society for Orthomolecular
Medicine and the Life Extension Foundation.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys playing the guitar, comedy theatre and learning new languages.
To make contact, email michael@healthrevolutions.com or visit www.healthrevolutions.com.
Source October 30, 2007 Author: Michael Jolliffe
A gel made from black raspberries could be a major breakthrough in the treatment of oral cancer,
according to scientists from Ohio State and Kentucky Universities. In a collaborative study between both
institutions, 20 patients with pre-cancerous lesions were asked to apply a solution containing freeze-dried
raspberries suspended in KY jelly to their lesions four times daily for six weeks. At the end of the trial, a
number of patients were found to have reversed their condition, while more than half had made
significant improvements.
“It’s very tantalising”, said Dr Susan Mallery, professor for the College of Dentistry at Ohio State
University, “the berry formulation is having a positive effect at the molecular level, changing enzymes and
proteins”. The components thought to have this positive effect are called anthocyanins, plant compounds
that give the berries their deep colour, and which have previously demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory
properties. Inflammation is thought by scientists to drive many of the processes that allow cancer to
progress. Commenting on previous research, in which the same berry solution was shown to slow down
the growth of skin cancer in mice, Dr Anne VanBuskirk of Ohio State’s College of Medicine expressed her
surprise that “in terms of shutting down the inflammatory response, we’ve never seen anything like it”.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed
each year, equivalent to more than 80 diagnoses every day. Current treatment for the condition is often
limited to surgery and radiotherapy, which can lead to the need for reconstructive surgery, and
permanent disfigurement. Additionally, the odds of the condition recurring are high.
A larger trial, involving several different cancer centres, is planned, while a gel product is currently going
through final stage approval processes and may be available in stores next year.
About the author
Michael Jolliffe, BA (Hons), Fd BSc (Hons), is a health writer, and an expert on nutritional and
environmental influences on health and disease. He is also a qualified nutritional therapist, and runs a
consultancy in Harpenden, Hertfordshire (UK).
Michael's other research interests include advanced medical technologies, alternative cancer therapies
and 'bodymind' medicine.
He is a member of the British Association for Nutritional Therapy, International Society for Orthomolecular
Medicine and the Life Extension Foundation.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys playing the guitar, comedy theatre and learning new languages.
To make contact, email michael@healthrevolutions.com or visit www.healthrevolutions.com.