EAST WAREHAM, MA (September 15, 2003) Every 45 seconds, someone in America experiences a stroke. This week, researchers announced that compounds in cranberry may potentially offer a way to reduce stroke damage. A preliminary rat cell tissue study led by principal investigator Dr. Catherine Neto at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, who presented the findings at the American Chemical Society meeting in New York suggests that cranberry may protect against the brain cell damage that occurs during a stroke. According to the study, cranberry may reduce the stroke's severity via an antioxidant mechanism during the early stages of stroke, when the most damage occurs.

According to Dr. Martin Starr, Science Advisor to the Cranberry Institute, "These exciting new findings suggest that exposure to a concentration of cranberry extract equivalent to approximately half a cup of whole cranberries caused a 50 percent reduction in brain cell death." The study received funding from the Cranberry Institute, Wisconsin Cranberry Board and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Dr. Starr commented, "We are very encouraged by these preliminary trials and intend to sponsor additional research to confirm these findings and determine the implications for human health and nutrition."

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts. When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Stroke can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems. Stroke is the nation's third leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, according to statistics from the American Stroke Association.

Cranberry also has other health benefits, including powerful antioxidant capabilities that may help reduce the risks of heart disease and some cancers. Additionally, cranberry is well known f
'"/>

Contact: Lisa Kelly
lisa.kelly@publicis-usa.com
202-270-0729
Publicis Dialog
15-Sep-2003

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Cranberry juice may reduce risk of female urinary tract infections
2. Carrot component reduces cancer risk
3. Certain components of the brains executive functions are compromised early in abstinence
4. Studies show ACTOS(R) (pioglitazone HCl) has positive effects on various components of dyslipidemia
5. Incentive-based intervention with nutritional component improves health status of children in Mexico
6. Antioxidant component of green tea blocks new but not established arterial plaque in mice
7. Combination therapy w/ ACTOS (pioglitazone HCI) shown to improve components of diabetic dyslipidemia
8. Mayo Clinic researchers discover green tea component helps kill leukemia cells
9. Nutrition services are an essential component of school health programs
10. Comprehensive pituitary center at Cedars-Sinai brings together under one roof medical, surgical, research and other components
11. National Jewish researchers first to identify component in thymus that positively selects T cells