Camu camu fruits are rich in an anthocyanin that stops tumors from growing

01/08/2019 / By Michelle Simmons

An anthocyanin found in the fruit of camu camu may be the next cancer solution. A study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines revealed that chrysanthemin can stop the development of cancerous tumors.

In the study, researchers in China looked at the antitumor and apoptotic effects of chrysanthemin in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death due to cancer in the U.S. and many other Western countries.

For the study, the researchers used the MTT assay to evaluate the effects of chrysanthemin on cell viability or the number of healthy cells. They also used flow cytometry together with fluorescence microscopy to examine the apoptotic induction in the prostate cancer cells. In addition, they used the western blot assay to determine the effects of chrysanthemin.

Throughout the study, the researchers found that chrysanthemin prevented the growth of cancer cells. It also induced apoptosis (cell death) and enhanced the activity of all caspases, which play a role in apoptosis.

These results suggest that chrysanthemin has cancer-fighting properties, particularly in prostate cancer.

More on chrysanthemin

Chrysanthemin is also referred to as cyanidin 3-glucoside. As mentioned earlier, it belongs to the anthocyanin family of pigments that are odorless and may appear red, blue, or purple. Their pigments depend on the acidity of the plant tissues. (Related: Eat more berries: Anthocyanins suppress tumors, disrupt the expression of cancer genes.)

In addition to camu camu, chrysanthemin occurs naturally in blueberries, acai, and black soybean. Many studies have shown that it offers various health benefits. Here are some of them:

Chrysanthemin may aid in diabetes prevention: Studies have suggested that chrysanthemin is a promising supplement for diabetes prevention and treatment. Animal studies have shown that it reduced insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose, and fat tissue and cells. It also increased insulin secretion.
Chrysanthemin may protect against cardiovascular problems: Chrysanthemin has a cholesterol-lowering effect that could help prevent diseases such as clogged arteries, according to studies. It has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in mice. It also inhibited the processes that result in clogging in human blood platelets.
Chrysanthemin may improve metabolic syndrome: An animal study revealed that chrysanthemin reversed the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including high blood fat levels, increased belly fat, and elevated blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Chrysanthemin helps restore liver function: Chrysanthemin treatment reversed signs of liver damage by reducing inflammation and cell death, according to a study in mice with liver injury.
Chrysanthemin may help prevent inflammatory-related diseases: The ability of chrysanthemin to reduce inflammation can help protect against inflammatory-related diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Chrysanthemin may protect the brain: Chrysanthemin may protect the brain from conditions similar to stroke, where oxygen and glucose are insufficient. This is because it was found to increase the survival of mice brain cells under conditions similar to stroke.
Chrysanthemin may keep the bones strong: Chrysanthemin may play a role in bone growth and healing as well as in preventing bone destruction. This indicates that it may be helpful in the treatment of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.