How Hawaii's Poha Berry Fights Inflammation and Cancer
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Hawaii grows a deceptively simple fruit known as the poha berry (Physalis peruviana), whose unassuming appearance belies an extraordinary scientific story. This golden berry, encased in a delicate papery husk, has transcended its traditional use as jam and snack food to become the focus of cutting-edge cancer research at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP). What researchers are discovering suggests this humble fruit contains some of the most promising natural compounds ever identified for fighting inflammation and cancer.
Across the globe, cancer remains one of humanity's most formidable health challenges, with the American Cancer Society estimating nearly 1.7 million new cases and 595,690 deaths in the United States alone in 2016 1 . In Hawaii, certain cancers—including melanoma, oral, uterus, and pancreatic cancers—affect residents at higher rates than other states 1 .
To understand why poha berry research is so exciting, we first need to understand the intimate relationship between cancer and inflammation. Scientists have discovered that chronic inflammation creates an environment in our bodies that can support cancer development and growth. Two key players in this process are molecular signaling pathways called NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) and STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) 1 .
A transcription factor that regulates immune responses, inflammation, and cell survival. When overactive, it can promote tumor development and resistance to treatment.
A signaling molecule that regulates cell growth and survival. Chronic activation contributes to inflammation-associated cancer development.
What makes these pathways particularly appealing as drug targets is that they're not usually hyperactive in healthy cells, which means treatments that block them might specifically attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue 1 .
Another critical molecule in this process is inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which produces nitric oxide (NO). While NO has beneficial effects in normal immune responses, excessive NO production driven by chronic inflammation can damage DNA and promote tumor formation 1 .
So what gives poha berry its potential health benefits? The answer lies in a group of complex molecules called withanolides—natural compounds that belong to the steroidal lactone family. These sophisticated chemical structures are characterized by their carbon skeletons and lactone rings (a cyclic ester), which are essential for their biological activity 6 .
| Compound Name | Plant Part | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Physaperuvin G | Aerial parts | Newly discovered compound |
| Physaperuvins I-J | Aerial parts | Newly discovered compound |
| 4β-hydroxywithanolide E (4HWE) | Aerial parts | Colon cancer growth inhibition |
| Withaperuvin C | Aerial parts | Known withanolide |
| Physalactone | Aerial parts | Known withanolide |
| Coagulin | Aerial parts | Known withanolide |
| Phyperunolide F | Fruits | Known compound |
| Withanolide S | Fruits | Known compound |
| Physaperuvin K | Fruits | Novel compound, highly bioactive |
Source: 1
One of the most compelling studies conducted at DKICP focused on a specific withanolide called 4β-hydroxywithanolide E (4HWE) and its effects on colon cancer cells 1 . Why colon cancer? Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, including Hawaii, making the search for effective treatments particularly urgent.
The research team designed a comprehensive series of experiments to investigate how 4HWE affects colon cancer cells. Here's how they approached it:
| Concentration | Effect on Cell Cycle | Effect on Viability | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low concentrations | Cell cycle arrest | Moderate reduction | Stopped cell division |
| Higher concentrations | Apoptosis induction | Significant reduction | Triggered programmed cell death |
Source: 1
At lower concentrations, 4HWE primarily caused cell cycle arrest—essentially putting cancer cells into a state of suspended animation where they could no longer divide and multiply. At higher concentrations, it triggered apoptosis, the body's natural system for eliminating damaged cells 1 .
Further investigation revealed that 4HWE achieved these effects by targeting specific molecular pathways. It downregulated Hsp90 client proteins (chaperone proteins that cancer cells rely on for survival) and modified histone patterns (epigenetic changes that affect gene expression) 1 .
Cutting-edge research like that conducted on poha berry requires sophisticated tools and techniques. Here's a look at some of the key methods and reagents that scientists use to unravel the berry's secrets:
| Tool/Reagent | Function | Application in Poha Research |
|---|---|---|
| RAW 264.7 cells | Murine macrophage cell line | Testing anti-inflammatory effects through NO production inhibition |
| LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) | Bacterial product that triggers inflammation | Activating cells to test compound efficacy |
| NF-κB reporter system | Engineered cells that light up when NF-κB is active | Screening compounds for NF-κB inhibition |
| UPLC-MS/MS | Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry | Identifying and quantifying bioactive compounds |
| X-ray crystallography | Determining atomic structure of molecules | Elucidating precise structure of new withanolides |
| siRNA technology | Gene silencing tool | Validating specific molecular targets |
| Animal models | In vivo testing of compound effects | Evaluating whole-organism responses and toxicity |
These tools have enabled researchers to move from basic observation ("poha extract seems to affect cancer cells") to mechanistic understanding ("4HWE inhibits NF-κB signaling by targeting specific phosphorylation events"). This level of detailed knowledge is essential for developing standardized extracts or purified compounds that could be used in clinical settings.
While cancer prevention has been a major focus of poha research, scientists have discovered that the berry's benefits extend to other areas of health:
Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases beyond cancer. Poha compounds have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in multiple experimental models. Specifically, withanolides from poha have shown potent nitric oxide inhibitory activity in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB activity 5 .
With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, finding new antimicrobial agents has become increasingly urgent. Recent research at DKICP has explored using silver nanoparticles synthesized with poha berry extract as antibacterial agents 2 . These nanoparticles demonstrated good antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and certain strains of Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus 2 .
Oxidative stress contributes to aging and numerous diseases. Poha berries are rich in antioxidants including vitamin C, carotenoids, and various phenolic compounds 6 . Research has shown that poha fruit juice can reduce oxidative stress and improve the cellular antioxidant defense system in animal models 6 .
The translation of laboratory findings into practical applications is already underway. The research at DKICP has led to the filing of three provisional patents with the University of Hawai'i Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development 1 . This protection of intellectual property is an important step toward developing commercial products that could benefit both human health and Hawaii's economy.
While cell and animal studies are promising, human trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety in people.
Researchers are exploring better ways to deliver active compounds, including nanotechnology approaches like the silver nanoparticles already being tested for antimicrobial applications 2 .
Improving cultivation methods to enhance bioactive compound content in poha berries.
Testing poha compounds alongside conventional cancer treatments to determine potential synergistic effects.
Exploring the potential benefits of poha for other conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and viral infections.
For consumers interested in incorporating poha into their diets now, the berry is available fresh in many markets and can be used in jams, pies, juices, and eaten raw 1 . While there's no definitive evidence yet on how much might be needed for therapeutic effects, adding poha to a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables may contribute to overall health.
The story of poha berry research exemplifies how traditional knowledge and modern science can converge to create exciting new possibilities for medicine and health. From its use in folk medicine to its current status as the subject of intense pharmaceutical research, this humble Hawaiian berry has come a long way.
The work being done at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy represents a perfect blend of respect for traditional knowledge and cutting-edge scientific innovation. As research continues to unravel the mysteries of poha's bioactive compounds, we move closer to realizing their potential in supporting human health.
As we look to the future, the golden berry of Hawaii stands as a shining example of nature's pharmacy—reminding us that sometimes the most powerful medicines can come from the most unexpected places. Whether through future pharmaceutical developments or simply as part of a healthy diet, the poha berry promises to remain a golden treasure in Hawaii's natural and scientific landscape.