New research by scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago shows a link between black raspberries and a reduction in the development of colon cancer in mice. The study appears in the November issue of Cancer Prevention Research.

Dr. Wancai Yang is one of the authors of the study which took place in his lab on UIC’s campus. He said mice aren’t the only species that could benefit from a diet supplemented with the berries. He hopes to secure funding to begin clinical trials on humans. The study worked with two different mouse models in the study based on the two major causes of tumor formation in the colon.

Yang said, based on what they found, the berries could be “good for everybody, even people with different backgrounds,” but added that patients who already showed signs of inflammation would benefit the most. Because they are 90 percent water when fresh, the berries are most effective when dried because they are smaller and easier to intake.

The new findings are the result of a two year collaboration between Dr. Yang and Dr. Greg Stoner of the Ohio State University. Previous studies in mice revealed that black raspberries were also effective in suppressing esophageal tumors. So far no funding has been secured for clinical trials in humans.