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October 3, 2005

Can Pomegranates Prevent Prostate Cancer? A New Study Offers Promise

Topics: Medicine

Prostate cancer is the most common invasive malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among U.S. males, with a similar trend in many Western countries. One approach to control this malignancy is its prevention through the use of agents present in diet consumed by humans. Pomegranate from the tree Punica granatum possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The potent antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities of pomegranate juice are attributed to its polyphenols including punicalagin, the major fruit ellagitannin, and ellagic acid (EA).

Researchers at University of Wisconsin Medical School say that the juice of the pomegranate shows major promise to combat prostate cancer - the most common invasive cancer in American men.

With more than 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer expected to be diagnosed this year alone in the U.S. and the outlook poor for patients with metastatic disease, researchers are looking for new strategies to combat the disease. Earlier research at Wisconsin and elsewhere has shown that the pomegranate, a fruit native to the Middle East, is not only rich in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity but is also effective against tumors in mouse skin. In fact, pomegranate juice has higher anti-oxidant activity than do red wine and green tea, both of which appear promising as anti-cancer agents.

Interestingly, the bioactivity of pomegranate juice has been shown to be superior compared to its purified polyphenols, which illustrates multifactorial effects and chemical synergy of the action of multiple compounds in the juice, compared to single purified active ingredients.

Quick take home message - Pomegranate juice is good for your health!

Cross posted to New Hope Blog

Posted by Richard at October 3, 2005 1:59 PM

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