(NaturalHealth365)  Pomegranates, packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial tannins, are currently of great interest to researchers for their effects on cardiovascular health.  But this tasty fruit, scientifically known as Punica granatum, is no “one-trick pony” – it turns out that pomegranate may also have stunning chemoprotective effects.

A new study published in Nutrients underscores pomegranate’s ability to combat oxidative damage, inhibit enzymes, and exert antibacterial effects, while also demonstrating its impressive capacity to impede the proliferation of various cancer cells through apoptosis.

Pomegranate juice dramatically slows the growth of cancer cells

In a prior study, researchers were galvanized by the discovery that pomegranate juice had dramatic effects in slowing the development of prostate cancer – and their enthusiasm is justified.  After all, what cancer therapy could be simpler, cheaper, and less toxic than consuming a cup of luscious juice – one that features no adverse effects and is nutritious to boot?

But the good news about pomegranate’s power just keeps on coming: along with inhibiting prostate cancer, pomegranate is showing potential to treat and prevent breast and colon cancer as well.

First, let’s look at the striking results of the prostate cancer study.

Pomegranate juice offers benefits for prostate cancer

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF), prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer overall.  There were more than 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer in 2020.

In a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, men with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rates were given eight ounces of juice a day – and the results were astounding.  It took much longer for their mean PSA rates to double, with the time increasing from 15 months at baseline to 54 months into post-treatment.

Not only that, the participants experienced a 12 percent decrease in cell proliferation and a 17 percent increase in apoptosis – or cancer cell death.  Noting these effects – and the “statistically significant prolongation of PSA doubling time” – the team called for additional study to further explore pomegranate’s benefits.

Research shows pomegranate inhibits breast cancer and intestinal tumors

Pomegranate has also shown protective effects in chemically-induced breast cancer.  When given before and after exposure, pomegranate extract reduced the incidence, number, and size of breast tumors.

In a study published in Nutrition and Cancer, the research team noted a “striking reduction of mammary tumor incidence and total tumor burden” and expressed their belief that pomegranate could be developed as a drug to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Intestinal bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, substantially increase the risk of intestinal cancers.  In cases of experimentally-induced colitis, treatment with ellagic acid exhibited the potential to inhibit the progression of colitis, simultaneously deactivating signaling molecules that could otherwise stimulate cancer growth.

How pomegranate targets cancer cells with multiple methods of action

Three pomegranate polyphenols – luteolin, ellagic acid, and punicic acid – have demonstrated the ability to hinder metastasis, slow tumor growth, and impede the advancement of prostate cancer cells.

Ellagic acid and punicalagin, two polyphenols in pomegranate, can prevent DNA damage.  As mutations in genes set the stage for cancer, this is very good news.  Pomegranate extract also interferes with abnormal cell-proliferation cycles – preventing the out-of-control proliferation that characterizes cancer – and combats inflammation by targeting pro-inflammatory molecules.

In addition, pomegranate extracts stop tumors from forming by causing apoptosis.  They also inhibit angiogenesis – or the formation of new blood vessels to nourish the tumor.  And they help stop metastasis – the invasion of healthy tissue – by suppressing the production of the “protein-melting” enzymes and signaling molecules that give cancer its invasiveness.

Put pomegranate polyphenols to work for you

With such a full menu of cancer-fighting benefits, it only makes sense to avail yourself of the chemoprotective powers of pomegranate juice and extracts.  Although there is no established dosage for pomegranate extract, some herbalists and holistic physicians advise amounts ranging from 50 ml to 240 ml a day.

Note: As a point of reference: 1 cup = 236.588237 milliliters

Since pomegranate can interact with some medications, seek the advice of an experienced (holistic) healthcare provider or health coach before adding pomegranate to your diet.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
WCRF.org
Lifeextension.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov