Anticancer Effects of Pomegranate

Phytochemicals in pomegranate may suppress aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen into estrogen and that has been implicated in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, researchers report.

Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole (Arimidex®), exemestane (Aromasin®) and letrozole (Femara®), are sometimes prescribed to postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Estrogen promotes the growth of these cancer cells, but aromatase inhibitors lower estrogen levels in the body.

Pomegranate is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and some early evidence suggests that it may have preventative effects against prostate cancer.

The researchers tested 10 ellagitannin-derived phytochemicals from pomegranates in cultured breast cancer cells. They found that all 10 compounds, particularly urolithin B, inhibited breast cancer cell growth.

Although promising, these findings are preliminary, and it is unclear if similar beneficial effects would be observed in animal or human trials. Patients are encouraged to talk with their healthcare providers before trying any new therapies.

Pomegranate juice is also commonly used to help prevent atherosclerosis; however, evidence of effectiveness is inconclusive in this area. Early research also suggests that pomegranate may be beneficial as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and high cholesterol. However, more data are needed before a conclusion can be made.

For more information about integrative therapies for cancer, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness database.

 

Comments

[pharmrs]

The result of this trial and other preliminary research seems really promising. Is it just as beneficial to drink pomegranate juice as it is to eat the seeds of the actual fruit? While the research is still in the preliminary phase, it’s really interesting to see an actual theory on how they can act to help prevent these types of cancers.

I have to say (for what seems like the billionth time) that my parents are right. They have been feeding (with force sometimes) my siblings and I pomegranate for the longest time. They’re actually pretty yummy, and if they have added health benefits, I’m all for them!

[Extremely Motivated]

Anytime I hear about a new fruit or vegetable with positive health effects, I am always curious to go out and try it immediately. I still remember the first time I tasted a pomegranate. It has a very distinct flavor and has a nice splash of tartness. It is a bit difficult to eat since the seeds are partitioned, but it has made its way into one of my top-5 favorite fruits.

I am interested to see how pomegranate works on breast cancer in vivo. Hopefully, this study will be the foundation that other researchers use as a spring board to start a more detailed and lengthier study for pomegranates use in those diagnosed with breast cancer.

[Anticancer Living]

Great post. Haven't read a lot on the anticancer effects of pomegranates before, but I'm definitely glad to hear it! I personally love pomegranates.

@Maria S: There are a lot of fantastic fruits and vegetables that have anticancer properties similar to pomegranates.

There are a number of articles at www.anticancerliving.org that may help you find what you're looking for!

[Maria S]

So chemicals in pomegranates could fight breast cancer? That’s great news! But EAP makes a good point about how much sugar is in pomegranate juice – not to mention how much it costs! And digging out the seeds is hard work. Would any other fruits have the same chemicals in them?

[EAP]

Does anyone know if there is a way to use pomegranate as a dietary supplement in doses necessary to exploit its health benefits (apart from caloric and sugary pomegranate juice)? The fruit itself is rather awkward and difficult to actually eat. How else can one serve it?

[Margy]

Pomegranate has gone so mainstream as the sign of a healthy lifestyle, like soy milk and whole-wheat pasta. Who in middle America had even seen a real pomegranate five years ago? Now, you can buy Wal-Mart-brand pomegranate juice, and there is even pomegranate vodka. Meanwhile, Pom Wonderful regularly has a booth at the American Heart Association conference. It will be great to see some of these health claims validated. Or will pomegranate go the way of bun-less burgers and heart-healthy margarine?

[John O'Malley]

Here’s how to find out if this works: look to see if massive body-builders are carrying their weight in pomegranate to the supermarket checkout. Men who abuse anabolic steroids take aromatase inhibitors to prevent their body from producing estrogen after their hormones are all out of order. Then they don’t get female characteristics (like gynecomastia) as a side effect. If pomegranate actually inhibits aromatase to a significant degree, it will certainly be abused.

[kate]

It is amazing that pomegranate showed such promise against cancer cells, especially breast cancer. Until now, there have not really been any great herbal remedies with anticancer properties, although many common anticancer drugs are derived from naturally occurring substances. One herbal remedy is Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), marketed under the trade name UkrainTM. This agent has consistently shown great anticancer benefits.

[rgorensh]

Ah, the pomegranate! I love it, so it is always exciting to see more evidence of its health effects. According to this article, phytochemicals in pomegranate may help prevent breast and prostate cancer. So, I guess both men and women can benefit from it.

With at least some evidence (albeit also inconclusive) that pomegranate may help prevent atherosclerosis and help treatment of erectile dysfunction and high cholesterol, I hope more research is done in all of these areas.

[KJ]

It is very interesting that the antioxidants in pomegranate would actually inhibit such a specific enzyme. From the study it is unclear, however, if the enzyme was actually inhibited or if the chemicals worked on the cells in a different way, perhaps by creating an acidic environment. It would be helpful to see a study done investigating rates of aromatase enzyme activity when exposed to the phytochemicals of pomegranate.