Cranberries anti-cancer effect

Cranberries are proven to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, neuro, and cardioprotective properties, and recent studies have demonstrated cancer inhibition properties.

Its mechanisms of cancer inhibition include:

– Cellular death induction via apoptosis

– Necrosis

– Autophagy

– Reduction of cellular proliferation

– Alteration in reactive oxygen species

– Cell density and viability

– Adhesion 

– Migration

– Signal and transduction pathways

These effects are attributable to the berries’ rich phytonutrient composition, which includes three flavonoid classes: anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins.

Cranberries are a good source of Resveratol, which increases the cytotoxic effects of radiation treatment and drugs such as Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel in breast cancer; it also inhibits aromatase, which essential for reducing growth-stimulatory effects in estrogen-dependent breast cancer. And Resveratol has been shown to help protect against cisplatin-induced ovarian and uterine damage. 

Myricetin, also found in cranberries, has shown its effectiveness in triggering apoptosis in hormone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) breast cancer cells. 

Quercetin flavonol has been shown to increase the effect of Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel chemotherapy in multidrug-resistant ER+/PR+ breast cancer cells by eliminating cancer stem cells. It has also significantly inhibited a mouse model’s tumor progression, migration, and adhesion.

In vitro studies support that cranberries successfully inhibit three hallmarks of cancer: resisting cell death, sustaining proliferative signaling, and activating invasion and metastasis. 

The study of the use of cranberry in cancer prevention and treatment is in its early stages. More evidence and studies on its mechanism of action and its effect on tumor cells are needed to support its use in the battle against cancer.

Reference: American Institute for Cancer Research, AICR/WCRF. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective, 2018, Cranberries: Contain Phenolic Compounds, https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/cranberries/#:~:text=Some%20researchers%20consider%20these%20likely,and%20increase%20their%20self%2Ddestruction.