Scientists have discovered a surprising cancer fighter that may be as effective as powerful drugs such as chemotherapy – baked rhubarb crumble. Rhubarb that is baked for around 20 minutes develops powerful anti-cancer chemicals known as polyphenols, which stop cancer cells from growing, and even kills them off. Scientists at the Sheffield Hallam University are soon to test the crumble on a group of leukaemia patients.
Although rhubarb has been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine for thousands of years, it is the first time that British rhubarb has been tested under laboratory conditions for its medicinal value. The scientists believe their discovery could open the door to a new area of research into cancer agents that are less toxic.
(Source: Food Chemistry, 2010; 119: 758-64).