The Acai Berry and Cancer
The açaí berry - pronounced ah-SAH-ee - has only been available as a product for about five years, but just now it is being touted as the ultimate antioxidant juice.
 If you read one of the articles listed on this web site, you will note that Dr. Steve Talcott at the University of Florida (now withTexas A & M University) had published a study on the acai berry earlier that investigated its effects on human leukemia cells.
"the study showed extracts from acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested," according to a press release issued by the university and posted on Talcott's Web site.
"He cautioned that the study, funded by University of Florida sources, was not intended to show whether compounds found in acai berries could prevent leukemia in people," the press release stated, and went on to say that Talcott didn't "want to give anyone false hope" about the berry's possible beneficial effects in humans.
“One reason so little is known about acai berries is that they’re perishable and are traditionally used immediately after picking,” he said. “Products made with processed acai berries have only been available for about five years, so researchers in many parts of the world have had little or no opportunity to study them.”
However, the university also said that another study, to be concluded at the end of this year, is looking into the effects of the little acai berry.
"A lot of claims are being made, but most of them haven't been tested scientifically," Talcott said of distributors, such as Mona Vie, which happens to quote Talcott's research in its promotional brochure.
This, apparently, has upset Talcott, who states on his Web site that he is not associated with, or ever been financed by MonaVie, and his research "does not indicate treatment or miraculous cures for leukemia or any other chronic illness."
Talcott said in the statement released by the university, that, "We are encouraged by the findings. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.
"We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the acai berry and its health-promoting effects."
As a side note, the Anheuser-Busch, well-known for its beer Budwiser, recently launched a berry energy drink known as 180 Blue, containing the acai berry.
On the pages of this web site you will find information that has been collected from many independent sources. Each article or news item offers a different point of view, but not necessary the view of the owner of this web site.
These articles are for general information only.
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