InterHealth Nutraceuticals' multiple berry extract, OptiBerry, possesses potent anti-angiogenic properties which may inhibit the growth of unwanted blood vessels involved in the formation of tumors and varicose veins, according to recent studies.
Angiogenesis has become a recent priority in tumor research. It is thought that shutting down the network of blood vessels needed by tumors, called angiogenesis, could be able to halt or even eradicate them. Recent clinical trials of an experimental drug, conducted at Duke University, also confirmed that cutting off a tumor's blood supply could improve cancer survival.
Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, Ohio), University of Kuopio (Kuopio, Finland), and Creighton University Medical Center (Omaha, Nebraska) have shown that OptiBerry significantly inhibits angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, thus offering potential benefit in the treatment of related disorders such as cancer and inflammation.
The studies were published in Free Radical Research and the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) Letters.
"The results of this study on OptiBerry, combined with the growing body of research that points to anti-angiogenesis as a potentially powerful weapon in the war against cancer, are truly exciting," said InterHealth Nutraceuticals' president and CEO William Seroy.
InterHealth claims it developed OptiBerry after evaluating key functional properties of numerous berry extracts, including wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry and strawberry, and exploring more than 20 extract combinations. The company said OptiBerry was found to be the most potent combination of all berry extract blends tested.
In addition to its anti-angiogenic benefits, OptiBerry's antioxidant properties are reported to promote brain function and mental clarity, healthy vision, cardiovascular health and healthy skin. It is also purported to help prevent the effects of premature aging and promotes urinary tract health, while providing blood sugar support.
InterHealth researches and develops specialty nutritional ingredients, which are sold worldwide to manufacturers of dietary supplements and nutraceutical food and beverage products. InterHealth is also the maker of Super CitriMax, ChromeMate, UC-II, Protykin, L-OptiZinc and Aller-7.