High School Student Proves Native American Recipe Kills Cancer Cells InVitro

An inspiring story is unfolding from the heart of North America, where traditional knowledge meets modern scientific exploration. Destany “Sky” Pete, a young Native American student, set out to answer a fascinating question that intertwines her cultural heritage with cutting-edge science—could chokecherry pudding, a treasured dish in her community, offer more than just sustenance?

Her remarkable journey from a small reservation to an esteemed science fair has revealed more than academic accomplishment. It highlights the immense potential of traditional foods to play a role in healing while fostering a newfound respect for Indigenous practices and wisdom.

A Culinary Tradition with Healing Potential

For the Shoshone and Paiute tribes, chokecherry pudding, known as toishabui, is more than just food. It serves as a cultural touchstone, preserving traditions and community bonds while celebrating ancestral practices. This wholesome dish is traditionally prepared by crushing the entire berry, seeds included, resulting in a nutrient-dense delicacy.

However, modern tweaks to this recipe often discard the seeds, potentially losing key nutritional and medicinal benefits. Elders in the community have noticed a decline in the consumption of these traditional dishes, which they feel correlates with increasing health concerns. Their belief underscores the idea that ancestral diets rooted in unprocessed, natural ingredients could hold answers to today’s health challenges.

Chokecherry pudding not only nourishes the body but also symbolizes the importance of cultural preservation. By preparing and sharing this dish, generations pass down the wisdom and traditions of their ancestors, cementing a deeper connection to their heritage.

Exploring the Science

Destany “Sky” Pete’s exploration of chokecherry pudding’s medicinal potential began with a humble question inspired by her heritage. Collaborating with Dr. Ken Cornell, a biochemistry expert at Boise State University, Pete hypothesized that the traditional preparation of toishabui, including crushed seeds, might inhibit cancer cell growth.

Their experiment involved preparing four variations of chokecherry samples:

1. Traditional chokecherry pudding with crushed seeds.
2. Pudding without seeds.
3. Chokecherry juice.
4. Chokecherry extract.

When these samples were tested against uterine sarcoma cancer cells in a 24-hour incubation, only the traditionally prepared pudding with crushed seeds showed cancer-inhibiting properties. Pete emphasized, “It was the traditional preparation of toishabui with the crushed seeds that had the results.”

While the exact mechanisms behind this effect remain unknown, the results suggest that compounds within the crushed seeds may contribute to these benefits. This groundbreaking discovery has laid the foundation for further research into the bioactive components of chokecherry seeds and their potential therapeutic applications.

Pete’s exceptional work earned her the First Grand Prize at the 2017 Elko County Science Fair in Nevada, where she outperformed over 440 participants. Her achievement came with a $500 scholarship and accolades from prestigious organizations like the Navy and the Air Force. Additionally, her success secured a spot for her at the Intel International Science Fair in Los Angeles, where she joined approximately 1,800 students from over 75 countries.

Reflecting on her accomplishment, Pete remarked, “I’m proud to be Native American, and I want people to know that science and culture can be represented together.”

Nutritional Benefits of Chokecherries

Chokecherries are nutritionally rich and packed with health benefits. High in dietary fiber, they are excellent for digestion and gut health. They are also an abundant source of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, which promotes heart health, and vitamin K, crucial for bone health and proper blood clotting.

One of their standout features is the high levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which lend chokecherries their deep reddish-purple color. These antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, supporting cardiovascular health and combating oxidative stress—often linked to chronic diseases like cancer.

While chokecherry seeds naturally contain compounds that release cyanide when metabolized, traditional preparation methods neutralize this risk, making the dish safe to eat. Pete noted, “The traditional (Shoshone and Paiute) method of preparing chokecherry pudding includes the seed of the chokecherry, crushed up.”

Cancer-Fighting Properties of Chokecherries

Destany “Sky” Pete’s findings align with ongoing research into the anti-cancer properties of antioxidant-rich foods. Anthocyanins in particular, widely present in berries, have demonstrated promising results in combating cancer progression. Laboratory studies suggest that chokecherries are brimming with phenolic compounds like caffeic acid, known for their ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation.

While exciting, Pete’s work serves as a preliminary step. More research, especially clinical trials, will be vital in unlocking the therapeutic potential of chokecherries. Nevertheless, her study underscores the importance of exploring traditional food practices as a resource for modern health solutions.

Reviving Tradition Through Food

Chokecherry pudding, or toishabui, stands as a culinary and cultural icon for the Shoshone and Paiute tribes. The traditional recipe incorporates the entire chokecherry fruit, including seeds, which are crushed to release their essence.

Traditional Recipe for Chokecherry Pudding

1. Harvest Fresh Chokecherries – Select ripe berries directly from the tree.
2. Clean the Berries – Thoroughly rinse to remove any debris.
3. Crush the Berries and Seeds – Use a mortar, pestle, or meat grinder to crush the entire berry along with its seeds.
4. Boil the Mixture – Cook the berry and seed mixture in water until the liquid is infused with the chokecherry essence.
5. Thicken the Pudding – Gradually stir in flour until the mixture reaches a pudding-like consistency.
6. Sweeten to Taste – Add sugar if desired, and stir until it dissolves.
7. Cool and Serve – Allow the pudding to cool before serving.

This recipe highlights the inclusion of crushed seeds, possibly enhancing the dish’s nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, modern adaptations often omit this step, resulting in a less nutrient-rich version.

Preserving Heritage, Advancing Science

Destany “Sky” Pete’s scientific achievement is more than an experiment; it represents a bridge connecting traditional heritage with modern innovation. By demonstrating the potential of chokecherry pudding in inhibiting cancer cells, she has shone a light on the wisdom embedded in Indigenous practices.

Her work underscores the urgency of respecting and exploring the natural remedies passed down through generations, particularly those rooted in Indigenous cultures. This powerful narrative reminds us of the value of honoring traditions while seeking progressive solutions for today’s challenges.

By drawing on the knowledge of the past and combining it with the tools of modern science, Pete’s story inspires a future where tradition and innovation thrive together in harmony.