In 2017, a remarkable discovery rocked the science community when high school student Destany “Sky” Pete won her regional science fair. Her groundbreaking research focused on chokeberry, a traditional Native American herb long known for its culinary use among the Shoshone and Paiute tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho and Nevada. This ingenious work by a young student revealed a promising breakthrough: an extract obtained from chokeberry showed a remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells in vitro, opening the door to a potential leap forward in the ongoing fight against cancer.
A high school student from a Native American culture learns that her culture’s traditional chokeberry pudding helps fight cancer.
Destany “Sky” Pete, a Shoshone and Paiute high school student from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho and Nevada, became interested in the therapeutic qualities of chokecherry while still in high school. Aronia is still harvested and consumed in her culture. She decided to focus her science fair project on it back in 2017. She decided to do so after speaking with an elder of her tribe. They said the reason their people got sick so often was because they ate less of the traditional foods. They claimed that the most important of these was chokeberry pudding.
It motivated her to research aronia and learn more about them. First
It is found in seeds
Pete would need help learning that. Dietlinde Dann, Pete’s high school science teacher, put her in touch with Dr. By Ken Cornell, a professor of biochemistry at Boise State University who studies cancer cells called uterine sarcomas. She and her partner examined four different chokecherry specimens in a university lab. She mixed them with uterine sarcoma cancer cells and incubated them for a day. The results were clear: chokeberry pudding had anti-cancer effects, which included eating the fruit’s seeds. The juice itself did not kill the cancer cells. (2)
“The traditional (Shoshone and Paiute) way to make chokeberry pudding involves crushing chokeberry seeds,” explained Pete. Some people these days simply juice the cherry and remove the stone completely. However, the seed may contain a medicine that could keep us healthy.”
While it will be years before we know whether these findings apply to humans, it’s a crucial first step. The implications of the study are strictly limited because it was conducted in vitro or in test tubes. Still, it’s an interesting look at the potential of a plant that grows widely in both the US and Canada.
How do chokeberries occur?
Native to North America, chokeberries are small red berries also known as arene berries. They taste like a cake and are often used as a filling for cakes or jams because they have a high concentration of pectin, which is useful for making jelly. In the Shoshone culture, it is traditionally eaten as a pudding.
What benefits does Aronia offer?
Studies have shown the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chokeberry extracts. They are rich in phytochemicals such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins. According to studies, chokeberry extracts can cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, reduce the formation of tumor cells, and reduce harmful inflammation in the body. Aronia is a health powerhouse thanks to these antioxidant phytochemicals that are naturally healing and preventative. (3)
Traditional uses of chokeberry include promoting cardiovascular health and providing protection against oxidative stress associated with aging and disease. They are also used as a digestive aid, liver tonic, and respiratory system support. Aronia is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E. They also provide significant amounts of minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
Special anti-cancer benefits
There are multiple studies that support Pete’s theory that chokeberries may have anti-cancer properties. Anthocyanins in chokeberry have been shown in numerous animal and test-tube experiments to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. Another study found that they offer protection against breast cancer.
(4, 5, 6).
Scientists don’t want to depress the public, even though all these experiments are promising. Much more research is needed to confirm these anticancer effects. Further research is then needed to determine if and how it could be used as a cancer treatment. While the answer to the question of whether chokeberries prevent cancer is still up for debate, one thing is certain: they are nutrient-dense superfoods that will improve your health. Your chances of living a long and healthy life will only increase if you incorporate them into your already nutritious diet and lifestyle.
Destany “Sky” Pete’s groundbreaking research into chokeberry’s anti-cancer potential represents a major milestone in both scientific discovery and the preservation of traditional Native American knowledge. Her dedication to researching the healing properties of this ancient medicine reflects a deep connection to her Shoshone and Paiute heritage. By rediscovering the therapeutic value of Aronia pudding, Pete not only won a regional science fair but also revealed a potential breakthrough in cancer research.
Her collaboration with Dr. by Ken Cornell and subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated the interesting anti-cancer effects of Aronia. While these findings are preliminary and require extensive further research, they offer compelling insight into the potential of this native fruit. Aronia’s rich history and cultural significance within Native American traditions have fueled a renewed interest in its medicinal properties.
Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chokeberries hold promise in fighting oxidative stress and promoting overall health. Studies indicate their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and show potential benefits in a variety of cancers, including colon and breast cancer. However, it is crucial to approach these findings with cautious optimism, as more rigorous studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness as a cancer treatment.
In addition to their potential anti-cancer effects, chokeberries boast a number of health benefits, serving as a nutrient-dense superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Whether chokecherry emerges as a definitive tool in cancer treatment or not, including it in a well-balanced diet can undoubtedly contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Destany “Sky” Pete’s commitment underscores the importance of preserving ancestral knowledge and exploring the potential of traditional medicines within modern scientific frameworks. Her research not only sheds light on chokeberry’s therapeutic potential but also honors and revives healing wisdom passed down through generations. As science delves deeper into the properties of this ancient fruit, there is hope that it may offer new avenues in the ongoing fight against cancer.