Nitrosamines are one of the main groups of compounds contained in tobacco smoke that have a carcinogenic effect.

The first studies showing the protective effect of haskap berry extract on lung cells damaged by nitrosamines come from 2020. Subsequent studies were conducted on animals in which nitrosamines were used to induce lung cancer. They were given powdered haskap berry extract containing 3.4% anthocyanins. It reduced the number and size of lung tumors by 65%, but did not affect their incidence. (Madumani et al., Molecules 2020).

Another group of researchers showed that treating lung cancer in animals with chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) in combination with haskap extract significantly slowed tumor growth and reduced its size and development compared to chemotherapy alone (Wu, Biomed Pharmacother. 2022).

These results are so interesting that work is currently underway to develop an inhalable, intranasal administered form containing haskap berry extract in the form of nanoparticles.

Haskap extract may be a promising dietary supplement for inhibiting the development of lung cancer in high-risk populations, such as smokers.


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