A high school student recently won her regional science fair by demonstrating that an extract from chokeberries, a long-used Native American plant, can target and kill cancer cells in-vitro. This rediscovery could potentially lead to a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment.
Destany “Sky” Pete was a high school student from the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho and Nevada,.
She became intrigued by the medicinal properties of chokeberries. A fruit still harvested and consumed in her community today.
Her journey began in 2017 after a conversation with one of her tribe’s elders. He pointed out that the increase in illness among their people was due to the decreased consumption of traditional foods, particularly chokeberry pudding.
This conversation sparked Pete’s decision to focus on the plant for her science fair project.
The Key Lies in the Seeds
To explore this, Pete sought help from her science teacher, Dietlinde Dann, who connected her with Dr. Ken Cornell, a biochemistry professor at Boise State University specializing in uterine sarcoma cancer cells. In the lab, Pete tested four different specimens of chokecherries, mixing them with uterine sarcoma cancer cells and incubating them for 24 hours. The results were striking: chokeberry pudding, which includes the crushed seeds of the fruit, exhibited cancer-inhibiting properties. Interestingly, the juice alone didn’t have the same effect.
“The traditional way of preparing chokeberry pudding involves crushing the seeds,” Pete explained. “These days, some people just juice the berries and discard the seeds, but maybe the seeds contain properties that help us stay healthy.”
Chokeberries, also known as aronia berries, are small red fruits native to North America.
The Health Benefits of Chokeberries
Chokeberries are packed with phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that chokeberry extracts can inhibit tumor cell growth, induce programmed cell death (apoptosis), and reduce harmful inflammation. These powerful antioxidants contribute to overall health, supporting cardiovascular wellness, aiding digestion, and promoting respiratory health. Chokeberries are also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Potential Anti-Cancer Benefits
Pete’s findings are not the first to highlight chokeberries’ potential in cancer treatment. Various studies have shown that anthocyanins in chokeberries may halt the growth of colon cancer cells and offer protection against breast cancer.
While we cannot definitively say that chokeberries fight cancer, we can affirm that they are a nutritious powerhouse that can improve overall health. Incorporating them into a healthy lifestyle may enhance the chances of living a long and healthy life.
