Strawberry Fields Forever?

Abstract

On the basis of copious preclinical data supporting the preventive efficacy of small fruits such as berries and grapes, Chen and colleagues conducted a randomized (noncomparative) phase II trial evaluating two doses of strawberry powder (60 g/d or 30 g/d for six months) to prevent esophageal cancer in China (reported in this issue of the journal, beginning on page 41); 60 g/d reduced the histologic grade of dysplastic lesions and reduced localized biomarkers, whereas 30 g/d was not effective. Fundamental questions remain such as the best formulation of strawberry powder, the active components associated with powder, and the actual mechanism of action, and standardized preparations will be required to permit the widespread use of strawberry powder with a predicable outcome. Clearly, however, this work is a good example of proof-ofprinciple and highlights the important role of diet, nutrition, and natural products in cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 5(1); 30-33. Ó2012 AACR.

Inhibitors of DNA Methylation

“…Nevertheless, in a recent study, Penter et al did not observe any DNA methylation inhibition by nanaomycin A in four neuroblastoma cell lines, although they observed an interesting synergistic activity when used in combination with doxorubicin (Penter, 2015). To conclude, none of the natural products described to date clearly targets the DNMTs directly in cells and their mechanism of action is controversial , Medina-Franco, 2011, Suh, 2012.…”

Ginger: Is it Ready for Prime Time?

“…The agent: Ginger has been evaluated in preclinical studies when administered in the diet as a powder, an ethanol extract, or as individual components (especially [6]-gingerol and [6]-paradol). In our studies with black raspberries, the powder form has repeatedly been more effective than the ethanol/water extract in preventing cancer in animals, however, there are concerns regarding "standardization" of berry powders (37). These concerns also apply to ginger powder; therefore, it is probably not a viable candidate for routine chemoprevention.…”

Looking Forward to 2013—Saluting the Exceptional Year in 2012

“…One of the international primary articles and its companion Perspective addressed the challenge and promise of translating a natural product (lyophilized strawberry powder) into a clinical/translational trial in the setting of esophageal dysphagia in the poorest rural farming region of China (8,9).…”