Clinical tests at the Hollings Cancer Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) show that ellagic acid, a naturally occurring plant phenol with highest concentrations in red raspberries may be the most potent way to prevent cancer, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and arrest the growth of cancer in persons with a genetic predisposition for the disease. 

Dr. Daniel Nixon, MUSC, began studying the ellagic acid in red raspberries in 1993. 

His recently published results show:

•      Cervical Cancer Cells - HPV (human papilloma virus) exposed to ellagic acid from red raspberries experienced apoptosis (normal cell death).
•   Ellagic acid leads to G1 arrest of cancer cells, thus inhibiting and stopping mitosis (cancer cell division).
•  Ellagic acid from red raspberries prevents destruction of the P53 gene by cancer cells.  P53 is regarded as the safeguard of mutagenic activity in cervical cells.
• Tests reveal similar results for breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon, and prostate cancer cells.
•  Consuming one cup (150 grams) of red raspberries per day prevents the development of cancer cells.

Additional studies suggest that one of the mechanisms by which ellagic acid inhibits mutagenesis and carcinogenesis is by forming adducts with DNA, thus masking binding sites to be occupied by the mutagen or carcinogen.

For other Clinical Studies, go to www.pubmed.govand do a search for ellagic acid. More than 600 studies are listed.