Boysenberry Found to Slow Mesothelioma

Rats fed food containing small amounts of boysenberries were more resistant to mesothelioma than rats fed regular food, a study of mesothelioma treatment conducted by a Japanese research group at Sagami Women’s University in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, found.

Head of the research group and assistant professor at the university, Shuichi Adachi, believes that it is the polyphenol in boysenberries that has the affect on mesothelioma.

The group will conduct further studies to help confirm the results.

The Study

In the study, 40 rats were injected with small amounts of asbestos and then divided into two groups. One of the groups received food containing 2 percent boysenberry powder, while the other group received regular rat food.

After one year, 14 rats from the group receiving ordinary food showed symptoms of mesothelioma, while only seven rats from the group that received food containing boysenberry did.

It seemed the boysenberries also delayed the onset of the symptoms. The group that received boysenberry powder and did develop mesothelioma did not show symptoms until about two months after the other rats did.

Why?

The researchers believe the antioxidant effects of the polyphenol in the boysenberries counteracted the disease. Raspberries and blueberries also contain these antioxidants, but in much lower concentrations.

At the very least, this study shows that those who suffer from mesothelioma would do well to eat boysenberries, or other foods high in antioxidants. This may lead to more research and the development of new effective mesothelioma treatments.

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