Cancer
How the humble
raspberry
can help fight cancer – and other illnesses
by Susan Thorpe-Vargas, PhD
Cancer is the number one disease-related killer in dogs.
Approximately 65 million dogs are at risk of developing it in
the United States alone. A variety of cancers can strike canines,
while cats are more likely to develop lymphomas and injection
site sarcomas. Whatever their type, these cancers are always
caused by a breakdown in the control of cellular growth. We
now know that this results from alterations in the genes that
mediate normal cell replication and cellular death.
 There are numerous conventional and
alternative approaches to the treatment
of cancer, and more are being researched
all the time. In addition, many common
foods have been found to contain cancerfighting
substances, and one of the latest
to be added to the list is the raspberry.
Multiple studies have discovered that
the phytonutrients found in raspberries
are able to protect from cancer and
can even shrink some types of cancer
tumors. These substances also act
as antibacterial and antiviral agents.
One phytonutrient of particular
interest is a series of compounds
called ellagitannins. The highest levels
are found in raspberries, but they’re
also in strawberries, blackberries,
blueberries and some nuts. In 2001,
a study published by Dr. Gary Stoner
at Ohio State University showed that
ellagitannins inhibited the initiation
and promotion/progression stages of
esophageal cancer in dogs. Considering
the potential benefits, this is an extremely
important finding. These berries also
inhibit angiogenesis, a term used to
describe the development of blood
vessels needed for tumor growth.
How do
ellagitannins work?
We don’t yet know everything about
how ellagitannins inhibit cancer, but a
study at Hollings Cancer Center at the
Medical University of South Carolina
showed that one way they work is
by “turning on” a normal cellular
process called apoptosis. Apoptosis is “science speak” for programmed cell
death. This natural cell death is just one
of several ways the body protects itself
from cancer. In aging animals, cellular
replication mistakes can occur. Cancer
cells somehow become immune to the
signals that cause cells to self-destruct,
so they become virtually immortal and
reproduce indefinitely.
Ellagitannins are also very good
antioxidants and chemo-protective
agents. Researchers at Wayne State
University have a theory about how they
might work. The liver produces enzymes
that rid the body of toxins. These enzymes
break down or chemically change toxic
substances we ingest or inhale so they
can be excreted. During this detox
process, the breakdown products,
called metabolites, are frequently more
damaging than the original substances.
It appears that ellagitannins are able to
safeguard the liver from damage caused
by these breakdown products.
Another theory held by some investigators
is that ellagitannins are able to
protect our genetic material from certain
types of chemical reactions that lead to
the misreading of damaged DNA.
Next Page >
Published in
the December/January 2008 issue of Animal
Wellness |
