Although researchers have considered the possibility that the bark of the White Birch tree might contain a compound, known as betulinol, with the ability to fight prostate cancer, until recently there was no way to test it because they did not know how to make the compound water-soluble.

Now that Weill Medical College of Cornell University researchers have solved that problem, laboratory tests on mice are showing it is indeed effective in killing prostate cancer cells.

"Years of research appear to have paid off, and now animal tests on this potential anti-cancer agent can finally proceed. Already, in mouse studies, we've found that our water-soluble compound - called Boc-lysinated-betulonic acid -- has achieved up to 92 percent inhibition of prostate tumor growth compared to controls," states lead researcher Dr. Brij Saxena.

While the study into the cancer-fighting properties of the White Birch tree might be new, the White Birch tree has a history of medicinal uses. According to the Living Memorials Project website White Birch tree information page, Native American Indians used the leaves and bark of the tree as a tea to treat fevers, stomach upset, and rheumatism. The bark was boiled to make poultices for minor wounds, and an oil made from the bark to treat bladder infections, rheumatism, gout and nerve pain. In Europe, the leaves were used to treat skin rashes, hair loss, rheumatic complaints, and to purify the blood. Birch tar oil was used to treat chronic skin diseases.

The Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases of United States Department of Agriculture includes information on betulin and betulinic acid as showing that it inhibits cancer, and the compound is also known to be anticarcinomic; anti-flu; anti-inflammatory; antiviral; and a prostaglandin-synthesis-inhibitor.