Cancer researchers strawberries can protect against breast cancer tumors
Can strawberries help in the treatment of breast cancer? Researchers now found that an extract of strawberries appears to prevent cancer cells from spreading. Not only the progressing cancer spread is stopped, also the tumors began to shrink.
Researchers at Marche Polytechnic University in Italy found in their study that a strawberry extract prevents the spread of laboratory-grown cancer cells and even shrinks existing tumors. The physicians published the results of their study in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports".
Many people like to eat strawberries. Experts have now discovered that strawberries not only taste great, they also seem to protect against breast cancer. (Picture: Missty / fotolia.com)Strawberry extract reduces weight and size of cancerous tumors
After a special diet with plenty of strawberries over a five-week period, the mice in the lab showed no signs of progressive cancer spread and their tumors had even shrunk, the experts explain. "We have seen a significant reduction in the weight and volume of the tumors," adds author Dr. Maurizio Battino from the Marche Polytechnic University.
Success in mice needs to be checked on humans
The cancer cells used in the experiments came from a highly aggressive and invasive strain. The results observed in animal experiments, however, would not necessarily mean that the same effects occur in humans, explain the researchers.
Strawberry extract blocks biological processes of cancer
Previous studies have already shown that consuming ten to fifteen strawberries a day could cause the decreased blood cholesterol levels to lead to healthier arteries, the researchers speculate. So-called phenolic plant compounds in the fruits are responsible for the observed positive effects, the authors add. Strawberry extract apparently blocks the biological processes involved in tumor growth and the spread of cancer.
Cancer arises through interaction between cellular and molecular systems
The activity of several genes that play a role in metastasis or that help spread cancer has been reduced by the extract of strawberries, according to the researchers. The majority of diseases, including cancer, are extremely complex and involve complex interactions between cellular and molecular systems that determine the development of the disease. Battino.
Clinical and epidemiological studies must complement the results
These results are undoubtedly valid for understanding the potential impact of strawberry consumption on breast cancer and the molecular mechanisms involved. Nevertheless, the findings have to be complemented by clinical and epidemiological studies. It can then be checked whether the same positive effects as in mice can be observed in humans, says the expert. (As)