Acai berry can cure cancer cells in culture model

Nature's antidote to free radicals come in the form of fruits and vegetables known as antioxidants, which strengthen cells and defends against free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and even DNA. Free radical damage has been shown to be associated with a range of diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and Cancer. Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences said that Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. 

In the current University of Florida study, six different chemical extracts were made from acai fruit pulp, and each extract was prepared in seven concentrations. Four of the extracts were shown to kill significant numbers of cancer cells when applied for 24 hours. Depending on the extract and concentration, anywhere from about 35 percent to 86 percent of the cells died. .While this research has only been shown in a cell culture model, it is likely that it will have the same effect on human beings. Other fruits, including grapes, guavas and mangoes, contain antioxidants shown to kill cancer cells in similar studies. 

Talcot said that one reason so little is known about acai berries is that they’re perishable and are traditionally used immediately after picking. Products made with processed acai berries have only been available for about five years, so researchers in many parts of the world have had little or no opportunity to study them.

The UF study demonstrates that research on foods not commonly consumed in the United States is important, because it may lead to unexpected discoveries, said Joshua Bomser, an assistant professor of molecular nutrition and functional foods at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.But familiar produce items have plenty of health-giving qualities, he said. 

“Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk for many diseases, including heart disease and cancer,” said Bomser, who researches the effects of diet on chronic diseases. “Getting at least five servings a day of these items is still a good recommendation for promoting optimal health.”

Reference:

http://news.ufl.edu/2006/01/12/berries/

http://www.naturalnews.com/025403_acai_cancer_berries.html