2007-02-14 07:23:32
ARS-USDA

Blueberries and grapes that contain a compound with the tongue-twisting name of pterostilbene (pronounced TARE-o-STILL-bean) might help the body combat a problematic protein, cytochrome P450. The protein is associated with increased risk of cancer.

In laboratory tests with liver cells from mice, pterostilbene suppressed a specific form of the protein ( Xenobiotica, volume 36, pages 269 to 285).

A pterostilbene expert at the Agricultural Research Service's Natural Products Utilization Research Laboratory, Oxford, Miss., collaborated in the cytochrome P450 work with medical researchers based in Poland.

Earlier tests directed by the U.S. team showed that pterostilbene can help lower cholesterol in laboratory animals, and that the compound is present in many types of berries.

For details, contact: Agnes M. Rimando, (662) 915-1037; USDA-ARS Natural Products Utilization Research Laboratory, Oxford, Miss.