Ellagic Acid Contained in Red Raspberries Proven To Be Anti-Carcinogenic
Washington Red Raspberry Commission, April 16, 2001

One of the most promising benefits that red raspberries hold for consumers is their substantial quantity of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a potent anti-carcinogenic/anti-mutagenic phenolic compound. Clinical tests conducted at the Hollings Cancer Institute (Medical University of South Carolina) and other prestigious research centers show that ellagic acid, a naturally occurring plant phenol, may be one of the best ways to prevent cancer, inhibit growth of cancer cells, and arrest growth of cancer in subjects with a genetic predisposition for the disease. A review of recently published literature indicates

· Cervical cancer cells (human papilloma virus) exposed to ellagic acid experience normal cell death (Nixon, 1999).

· Ellagic acid inhibits skin cancer activity and lowers AHH activity in skin cells (Del Tito, B.J., Jr., 1983).

· Ellagic acid inhibits activation by binding DNA and reducing the formation of certain carcinogens (Barch, D.H., 1996).

· Ellagic acid prevents destruction of the P53 gene by cancer cells. P53 is thought to safeguard against mutagenic activity in cervical cells (Narayanan, B.A., 1999).

· Ellagic acid is active in antimutagenesis assays and inhibits chemically induced cancer in the lung, liver, skin, and esophagus (Stoner, G.D., 1995).

How Does Ellagic Acid Work? Ellagic acid acts as a scavenger to bind cancer-causing chemicals, making them inactive; it inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria; and it prevents binding of carcinogens to DNA and reduces the incidence of cancer in cultured human cells exposed to carcinogens.

Red Raspberries in Food. Red raspberries are increasingly being used by consumers and manufacturers due to their high concentrations of ellagic acid. They are also high in dietary fiber, which can reduce the risk of colon cancer and heart disease. They are sold in fresh, frozen, juice concentrations, and puree forms. The many forms in which red raspberries can be used offer manufacturers great flexibility in new product formulation.

For more information visit www.red-raspberry.org

Technical information contact: David Ropa, e-mail dropa@tipdc.com

General information contact: Henry Beirlink, phone 360/354-8767, e-mail WAredberry@aol.com