High School Student Wins Science Fair – Proves Native American Recipe Kills Cancer Cells IN VITRO

For centuries, indigenous communities have relied on traditional medicinal plants to treat various ailments, drawing upon the wealth of knowledge passed down from their ancestors. However, in the modern era of scientific inquiry, anecdotal evidence from these age-old practices is often dismissed as insufficient without empirical proof. Funding for research into natural remedies is scarce, as these cannot be patented, limiting corporate interest and sponsorships.

Nonetheless, the power of traditional wisdom can sometimes breakthrough in unexpected ways, offering definitive proof of a plant’s medicinal value. One such remarkable instance involves a high school student from the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes, who uncovered the cancer-fighting properties of a traditional recipe using chokecherry pudding.

A Student’s Discovery: Chokecherry Pudding and Its Cancer-Fighting Potential

According to reports from Indian Country Today, Destany “Sky” Pete, a member of the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho and Nevada, noticed a concerning link between her tribe’s current health issues and the lack of traditional foods in their diet. Her curiosity piqued when she learned about the forgotten recipe for toishabui, or chokecherry pudding, which was believed to possess cancer-fighting properties.

Determined to investigate these claims scientifically, Sky enlisted the help of Dr. Ken Cornell, a biochemistry professor at Boise State University specializing in cancer cell research. Together, they embarked on an experiment to test the effects of four different chokecherry specimens on uterine sarcoma cancer cells.

The results were remarkable: only one sample – the traditional chokecherry pudding – successfully inhibited the growth of cancer cells. Within just 24 hours, the cancer cells began to die. Sky discovered that the key to the pudding’s effectiveness lay in the inclusion of crushed chokecherry pits, a critical component of the traditional recipe.

This breakthrough was celebrated not only by Sky’s community but also by the scientific community, as it provided empirical evidence of another herb’s potential in treating cancer. Sky’s groundbreaking experiment earned her the First Grand Prize at the 2017 Elko County Science Fair in Nevada, surpassing over 440 other projects. Inspired by her success, she plans to continue her research by testing the effects of chokecherry pudding on other types of cancer cells over a longer period.

The Wisdom of Ancestors: Rediscovering Traditional Foods for Better Health

Sky’s discovery underscores the importance of traditional foods in maintaining good health, a belief echoed by many indigenous communities. “It was the traditional preparation of toishabui with the crushed seeds that had the results,” Sky explained. “I feel like our ancestors were really healthy. Nowadays, we’re prone to diabetes and other diseases. But back then, it was our food that made us healthy.”

Indeed, the chokecherry, a North American tree that produces small, antioxidant-rich fruits, has long been revered for its medicinal properties by Native American tribes. However, the cancer-fighting potential of the tiny pits within these fruits has been largely forgotten, as the most popular recipe for chokecherry, chokecherry jam, requires the pits to be discarded.

To revive the traditional medicinal use of the chokecherry, it is crucial to utilize the whole fruit, including the pits. One such traditional recipe is chokecherry pudding, which incorporates crushed chokecherry seeds.

Reviving the Traditional Chokecherry Pudding Recipe

Although the recipe for chokecherry pudding may vary among different tribes, the key factor is to use the entire chokecherry fruit, including the pits. It is essential to note that chokecherry is distinct from black cherry and other types of cherries, and attempting the recipe with a different fruit may result in different health benefits and potential risks.

According to Sky, the traditional approach to making chokecherry pudding involves crushing the seeds of the chokecherry. However, in modern times, some individuals extract the seeds while juicing the berry. Sky believes that the seed may have medicinal properties that contribute to overall well-being.

Here is a recipe from Idaho State University’s website:

1. Select fresh chokecherries from the tree.
2. Rinse the berries thoroughly and place them on a hard cutting surface, preferably stone (a stone mortar may be useful, and some people utilize a meat grinder to grind the pits).
3. Crush the pits and berries together.
4. Put the crushed mixture into a small pot of boiling water and boil until the water’s color changes.
5. Add flour to the pot until the mixture reaches the consistency of a runny pudding.
6. Add sugar according to taste and stir.
7. Remove from heat, allow it to cool, and enjoy.

Addressing Concerns: The Cyanide Content in Chokecherry Pudding

As with any medicinal material, it’s important to remember the age-old adage, “the dose makes the poison.” While chokecherry seeds do contain a small amount of a cyanide-like substance, they are safe to consume in small quantities. In fact, like apple seeds, they may even possess medicinal properties. However, ingesting excessive amounts could pose a health risk, so it’s always advisable to consult a naturopathic doctor if you have any concerns.

Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about cyanide in chokecherry pudding. As the pudding boils, the crushed chokecherry pits become completely safe, allowing you to enjoy the medicinal benefits of the fruit without any risk. And if you’re simply looking to savor the taste, you can always make fruit leather, jam, or juice, or even purchase chokecherry jelly online.

Conclusion

Sky Pete’s remarkable discovery serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable knowledge possessed by indigenous communities and the potential for traditional medicinal plants to provide vital insights into treating various ailments, including cancer. By rediscovering and reviving ancient recipes like chokecherry pudding, we can unlock the untapped potential of nature’s bounty and honor the wisdom of our ancestors.

As researchers continue to explore the medicinal properties of plants, it is crucial to support and fund these efforts, recognizing the immense value they hold for advancing our understanding of natural remedies and improving human health. Sky’s groundbreaking experiment is a testament to the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and encouraging scientific inquiry into the healing powers of nature.