Researchers from Italy studied blackthorn juice—a drink made from a wild plum-like fruit—to see if it could fight stomach cancer cells in the laboratory. The juice is packed with natural plant compounds called polyphenols that have protective properties. When scientists tested the juice on stomach cancer cells in dishes, it successfully killed the cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. The juice worked by triggering cancer cells to self-destruct through two different biological pathways. While these results are promising and exciting, it’s important to remember this was lab research only—not yet tested in people—so we can’t say it will cure stomach cancer in real patients yet.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether blackthorn juice from Italy could kill stomach cancer cells in laboratory dishes without harming normal, healthy cells
  • Who participated: This was laboratory research using cancer cells grown in dishes, not human volunteers. Scientists tested two types of stomach cancer cells and one type of normal stomach cell
  • Key finding: Blackthorn juice successfully killed stomach cancer cells while protecting healthy stomach cells, working through two different mechanisms that force cancer cells to die
  • What it means for you: This is early-stage research showing potential promise, but it’s only been tested in labs so far. Don’t expect blackthorn juice to cure stomach cancer today, but it may be worth studying further for future cancer prevention strategies

The Research Details

Scientists conducted laboratory experiments using blackthorn juice from the Marche region of central Italy. First, they analyzed exactly what compounds were in the juice, identifying natural protective substances called polyphenols. Then they grew stomach cancer cells in dishes and exposed them to the blackthorn juice to see what would happen. They compared how the juice affected cancer cells versus normal, healthy stomach cells to determine if it could selectively target cancer without harming good cells.

The researchers used advanced laboratory techniques to watch what happened inside the cells after exposure to the juice. They looked for specific signs that cancer cells were dying, including activation of proteins that trigger cell death and changes in the cell’s energy-producing structures called mitochondria. They also measured whether the juice activated a cellular cleanup process called autophagy, which is another way cells can be forced to die.

This type of laboratory research is an important first step in drug discovery. Before any new treatment can be tested in humans, scientists must first prove in lab dishes that it can actually affect cancer cells in the way they hope. This study shows that blackthorn juice has the right properties to move forward to more advanced testing. The fact that it selectively killed cancer cells while sparing healthy cells is particularly important because it suggests it might be safer than some cancer treatments that harm both good and bad cells.

This research was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The study used established laboratory methods and measured multiple biological markers to confirm results. However, this is laboratory research only—not human studies—so results may not translate directly to real patients. The sample size refers to cell cultures, not human participants. The researchers did not receive funding information disclosed, and the work appears to be original research with appropriate controls.

What the Results Show

When blackthorn juice was added to stomach cancer cells in laboratory dishes, it significantly reduced how many cancer cells survived and grew. The juice worked by activating a protein called Caspase-3, which acts like a trigger for cancer cells to self-destruct. The juice also changed the balance of other proteins inside cancer cells—increasing one called Bax that promotes cell death and decreasing one called Bcl-xL that normally protects cells from dying.

The juice also activated a second death pathway called autophagy, which is like a cellular recycling program that can destroy cancer cells. Scientists measured this by looking for increased levels of a protein called LC3B-II, which indicates autophagy is active. Additionally, the juice damaged the mitochondria—the cell’s power plant—by causing the loss of a protective molecule called cardiolipin and releasing cytochrome c, which further triggers cell death.

Crucially, when the same juice was tested on normal, healthy stomach cells, it did not harm them. This selectivity is important because it suggests the juice might be able to fight cancer without damaging the body’s good cells. The juice contains multiple protective compounds including neochlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-glucoside, rutin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillic acid—all of which appear to work together.

The chemical analysis revealed that blackthorn juice contains high levels of polyphenols, which are plant compounds known for their antioxidant and protective properties. The juice showed good absorption characteristics, meaning these beneficial compounds can be absorbed by the body relatively easily. The combination of multiple different polyphenols working together appeared to be more effective than any single compound alone, suggesting a synergistic effect where the compounds enhance each other’s benefits.

Previous research has shown that polyphenol-rich foods and juices have potential anti-cancer properties, but most studies have focused on other types of cancer or used different plant sources. This study is notable because it specifically examines blackthorn juice against stomach cancer and demonstrates multiple mechanisms of action. The findings align with existing knowledge that plant polyphenols can trigger cancer cell death, but the specific combination and effectiveness of blackthorn juice appears to be a new contribution to the research.

This research was conducted entirely in laboratory dishes using isolated cancer cells, not in living organisms or human patients. Results from lab studies often don’t translate directly to real-world effectiveness in people. The study did not test the juice in animals or humans, so we don’t know if the same effects would occur in a living body where digestion, metabolism, and the immune system would all play roles. The dose of juice used in lab dishes may not reflect realistic amounts someone could consume. Additionally, stomach cancer is complex and involves many factors beyond what was tested here. This research is a starting point, not proof that blackthorn juice can prevent or treat stomach cancer in people.

The Bottom Line

Based on this laboratory research alone, we cannot recommend blackthorn juice as a stomach cancer treatment or prevention strategy. The evidence is preliminary and limited to lab dishes. However, blackthorn juice is a natural food product that contains beneficial plant compounds, so consuming it as part of a healthy diet is unlikely to cause harm. If you have concerns about stomach cancer risk or have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, consult with your doctor about proven prevention and treatment strategies. This research suggests blackthorn juice warrants further investigation, but that investigation needs to happen before clinical recommendations can be made.

This research is most relevant to cancer researchers and pharmaceutical companies looking for new potential cancer treatments. People interested in functional foods and natural health may find it interesting as an example of how traditional foods are being scientifically studied. Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer or those at high risk might want to follow future research on this topic. However, this should not replace conventional medical screening and treatment for anyone with actual cancer.

This is very early-stage research. If blackthorn juice does eventually prove effective in humans, it would likely take 5-10 years or more of additional research before it could be considered for clinical use. Laboratory findings typically take years of animal testing and then human clinical trials before becoming standard medical recommendations. Don’t expect any changes to medical practice based on this single study.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily consumption of polyphenol-rich foods and beverages (including blackthorn juice if available) alongside general wellness markers like energy levels and digestive health. Record servings of colorful fruits, vegetables, and juices to monitor antioxidant intake
  • If interested in the potential benefits of polyphenol-rich foods, users could set a goal to include one serving of antioxidant-rich juice or whole fruit daily. This could be tracked within a nutrition app as part of overall dietary diversity without making specific health claims about cancer prevention
  • Monitor overall dietary patterns and antioxidant intake over months and years as part of general wellness tracking. Note any changes in digestive health or energy levels. This should complement, not replace, regular medical check-ups and cancer screening recommendations from healthcare providers

This research describes laboratory findings only and has not been tested in humans. Blackthorn juice should not be used as a treatment or prevention strategy for stomach cancer or any other disease. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or have concerns about cancer risk, please consult with your oncologist or healthcare provider about evidence-based treatment and prevention options. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always speak with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.