May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

The strong antioxidant content of raspberries may protect against cancer. In test-tube experiments on colon, prostate, breast, and oral (mouth) cancer cells, berry extracts, particularly red raspberries, inhibited and destroyed cancer cell growth. Red raspberry extract was demonstrated to destroy up to 90% of stomach, colon, and breast cancer cells in one test-tube investigation.

Another study in test tubes found that sanguiin H-6, an antioxidant contained in red raspberries, caused cell death in more than 40% of ovarian cancer cells. Animal experiments with raspberries show that they have cancer-fighting properties. In a 10-week study of mice with colitis, those fed a 5% red raspberryberry diet had reduced inflammation and a decreased risk of cancer than the control group. Another study found that red raspberry extract inhibited the formation of liver tumors in mice. Larger doses of raspberry extract reduced the likelihood of tumor growth. Before raspberries can be conclusively connected to cancer prevention or therapy, human trials are required.