Chemotherapy patients are being sought for a new trial seeking to better understand the taste alterations, known as dysgeusia, faced by cancer sufferers. The research, being conducted by NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University, is seeking to discover whether or not so-called 'miracle berries' can work as an effective treatment.
Taste alterations are experienced by many cancer patients and especially by those receiving chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy can damage tastebuds, and cause confusion in the taste processing centre in the brain. However, there have been reports that miracle berries - a fruit known for its ability to turn sour fruits sweet - can help. This is reportedly due to the berry's levels of taste modifier miraculin.
Now researchers at NICM are conducting a seven day study, hoping to learn whether the miracle berries help improve taste, poor appetite and nausea, as well as quality of life.
The trial will be recorded for an upcoming SBS documentary.
To find out more information or sign up for the trial, click here.
