Scientists from Université de Montréal have made an exciting discovery about the camu-camu berry, a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest. Already known for its health benefits, including protecting against obesity and diabetes, this small berry may also help in the fight against cancer.
The key ingredient is a natural compound called castalagin, which belongs to a group of plant chemicals known as polyphenols. These compounds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping the body stay healthy. But what makes castalagin special is its ability to support the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
Recent research suggests that castalagin can improve how the body responds to immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment. This is particularly important for cancers that don’t usually respond well to these treatments, such as lung cancer and melanoma.
Immunotherapy has changed the way doctors treat cancer, giving new hope to patients. It works by boosting the immune system’s ability to find and destroy cancer cells.
A specific type of immunotherapy, called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown life-saving results in some patients, but only a small percentage respond well to the treatment. Scientists have been looking for ways to make ICIs work for more people, and this is where camu-camu comes in.
One of the biggest factors affecting the success of immunotherapy is the gut microbiome—the community of bacteria and other tiny organisms living in the digestive system. A healthy gut microbiome strengthens the immune system, while an unhealthy one can reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
This study found that castalagin, when taken orally, helped modify the gut microbiome in mice, leading to a stronger immune response against cancer. Researchers believe this effect could make immunotherapy work better for more patients.
The next step is to test castalagin in humans. A clinical trial will soon begin with 45 patients who have lung cancer or melanoma. Scientists hope that combining castalagin with immunotherapy will improve patient outcomes.
If the results are positive, this discovery could lead to a new approach to cancer treatment, where natural compounds are used alongside existing therapies.
Camu-camu berries have long been valued for their high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. This new research suggests they may have even greater health benefits than previously thought. While it’s too early to say how widely castalagin will be used in cancer treatment, the findings offer hope for patients who don’t respond well to current therapies.
By exploring natural compounds like castalagin, scientists are combining the power of nature with modern medicine to create new possibilities for cancer treatment. This research, published in Cancer Discovery, marks an important step forward in the search for more effective and accessible cancer care.
If you care about cancer, please see recent studies about new way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors, and results showing new way to supercharge cancer-fighting T cells.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing that vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
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