They added extracts to the growing cancer cell cultures, incubated them for 48 hours, and then assessed the cells' metabolic activity by measuring the activity of enzymes involved in the cellular reactions for energy production. Extracts of Sweet Charlie strawberry were most effective in decreasing the growth of breast cancer cells, and it did so by 77 percent. Blueberry extract showed more growth inhibition of cervical cells than of breast cancer cells. Phytochemicals available from foods may affect production and early growth of tumors in humans by altering how cells respond to genetic damage or a carcinogenic agent. The study of fresh fruits for use in dietary prevention of, intervention in, and recovery from cancer is ongoing at ARS' Oxford lab and Clemson University.
Future studies lie in identifying specific phytochemicals active against each cell line.
These studies support information that phytochemicals from fruits in our diet may inhibit initiation and proliferation of some types of cancer. This research is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fund for Rural America Grant. 2001 Agricultural Research.