When faced with a life-threatening illness, the ups and downs caused by some medications can be like a never-ending rollercoaster — feeling OK, then weak and nauseated later. It’s no way to live, but for some, it’s the only way to keep living. This could change, if researchers can develop a natural treatment, such as concentrated black raspberries.

Never heard of a black raspberry? You can find them in the frozen food aisle of grocery stores. Black raspberries are smaller than blackberries and not as shiny. They’re hollow in the center, just like red raspberries. Scientists are interested in black raspberries because of their dark color. Anthocyanins are the compound that gives black raspberries their rich purple pigment and are believed to prevent disease.

Ehab Atallah, MD, a hematologist/oncologist at the Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital, is researching the consumption of black raspberries as an alternative treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is a rare blood disorder that affects the production of cells in the bone marrow and can progress to leukemia. The only cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, but few people are eligible due to individual health complications.

“The goal is to give patients with low-risk MDS a low-toxicity treatment,” Dr. Atallah said. “My ultimate dream is to prevent their disease from progressing, improve their quality of life and prolong their survival, by having them do something as simple as consume black raspberries.”

Several years ago, Dr. Atallah’s colleagues at the Medical College of Wisconsin studied the cancer-preventive properties of black raspberries, including their ability to reduce the growth rate of cancer cells. Laboratory studies found that highly concentrated doses of black raspberry powder could offer protection against colon, esophageal and skin cancers.

Lab tests also showed that black raspberries have hypomethylating properties — which is when Dr. Atallah became interested. The anthocyanins in the fruit modified the DNA and disrupted the production of unhealthy cells, naturally performing the same functions as the drugs used to treat MDS.

Dr. Atallah decided to find out if black raspberries have the same effect on people with low-risk MDS. He is leading a clinical trial at Froedtert Hospital to test the theory.

“These are people who have low blood counts, but may not need transfusions yet,” Dr. Atallah said. “We’re testing the black raspberries on them, hoping they will improve.”

A bowl of black raspberries a day is not the solution. A person would need to consume an enormous amount of the raw fruit to achieve the hypomethylating effect. For the clinical trial, the berries are freeze-dried and turned into powder. This ensures the participants receive the fruit in its most concentrated form. They are asked to consume the powder each day, however they choose. Many mix it into ice cream, cereal or a smoothie. Dr. Atallah will test their blood before and after the study and evaluate the methylation status of their DNA.

“If we show black raspberries have hypomethylating properties in the blood of patients, this would be amazing and may lead to some major advances in treatment plans,” Dr. Atallah said.

The anthocyanin compounds in black raspberries are found in many fruits and vegetables. More studies need to be done to explore all of their potential health benefits. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not specify any dietary recommendation, they encourage consuming anthocyanin-rich foods.

While it’s too early to tell what impact black raspberries will have on patients with MDS, the health benefits of the berries have piqued the interest of researchers worldwide who are interested in food-based treatments and cancer prevention.

Learn More About Froedtert & MCW Clinical Trials

Nicole Goguen

Are there any results from this study yet?

Froedtert & MCW

Hi Nicole – The results are still pending. Thanks for reaching out.

Tamara Larimore

Can this help with someone already diagnosed with msd?

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

Hi Tamara - Thank you for your interest. We have completed accrual to the study and are currently analyzing the data. As of now, we haven't solidified our conclusions.