02/22/2026
A 2015 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry investigated the cancer-fighting potential of purple-fleshed potatoes, which are rich in anthocyanins.
Researchers found these potatoes killed colon cancer stem cells, inhibited cancer cell growth, and triggered cancer cell death in laboratory tests and in mice.
The mechanism involved blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and activating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, processes essential in controlling tumor progression.
Results were comparable to the cancer drug sulindac, suggesting that natural foods like purple potatoes could play a role in colon cancer prevention and supporting overall cellular health.
Bottom Fact: Anthocyanin-rich purple potatoes can suppress colon tumor formation by targeting cancer stem cells and regulating key cellular pathways.
Source: Charepalli, Reddivari, Radhakrishnan et al., The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2015
Disclaimer: Findings are from lab and animal studies; human clinical benefits are not yet confirmed.