Eating Berries May Help Cure Cancer, According to a New Study
Anthocyanin pigments and associated flavonoids have demonstrated ability to fight cancer.
Eating berries may prevent cancer and could open new avenues for cancer treatment. According to a latest study published in Scientific Reports, the antioxidants present in the berries could have some strong cancer fighting properties too. The rich concentration of antioxidants in berries help improve digestive system, facilitate weight loss and fights signs of ageing. Berries naturally produce pigments that give them the red, blue and purple colour, known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanin pigments and associated flavonoids have demonstrated ability to fight cancer.
According to the study, these increase the function of the enzyme sirtuin 6 in cancer cells. Sirtuins or SIRT6 for short, are enzymes regulating the expression of genes that control the function of cells through key cellular signalling pathways. Ageing causes changes in sirtuin function and these changes contribute to the development of various diseases. The researchers also discovered a new cyanidin anthocyanin in berries, which can prove detrimental in cancer treatment. Lead author Minna Rahnasto-Rilla, from the varsity said, “The most interesting results of our study relate to cyanidin which is an anthocyanin found abundantly in wild bilberry, blackcurrant and lingonberry.” Scientists found that cyanidin increased SIRT6 enzyme levels in human colorectal cancer cells and decrease the expression of the Twist1 and GLUT1 cancer genes, while increasing the expression of the tumour suppressor FoXO3 gene in cells.
To understand the mechanism better, researchers designed a computer-based model to predict how different flavonoid compounds in plants can regulate the SIRT6 enzyme. Researchers noted in the report that anthocyanins may increase the activation of SIRT6, which may play a role in cancer pathogenesis. The study also in a way paves way for development of new drugs that regulate SIRT6 function, noted the researchers.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 09, 2018 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).