Unexpected property of strawberries caught scientists by surprise

An international team of scientists has established that strawberry extract can effectively suppress the growth of breast cancer cells. The results of the work are published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.

It has previously been proven that regular consumption of 10-15 strawberries per day helps reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. This berry is rich in polyphenols - natural substances with pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In the new study, specialists from Europe and Latin America examined the effect of "Alba" variety strawberry extract on aggressive breast cancer cells in laboratory conditions. In test tubes, cancer cells were treated with extract at different concentrations and for different periods - 24, 48, and 72 hours.

Scientists found that after three days of exposure, the concentrated extract significantly suppressed the activity of malignant cells. It blocked key mechanisms necessary for their division and spread. In addition, the extract reduced the activity of genes responsible for tumor aggressiveness and, conversely, enhanced the work of a gene that prevents metastasis.

The results were also confirmed in experiments on laboratory mice. The animals were divided into two groups: one received a regular diet, the other - a diet supplemented with strawberry extract (15% of the total diet). After a month, all mice were injected with aggressive breast cancer cells. Five weeks later, the tumors were removed and analyzed. In animals that received strawberry extract, the tumors were significantly smaller in size and less invasive - they did not affect neighboring tissues.

Although the results were encouraging, the authors emphasize that it is premature to talk about actual treatment of breast cancer in humans based on strawberries. Further research is needed.