The pomegranate is a round shrub or small tree native to the Middle East and Asia that produces a pomegranate fruit characterized by a distinctive leathery outer rind and juicy seeds surrounded by white, spongy tissue. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, and in particular a prostate-friendly phytonutrient called ellagitannin.
Test-tube studies have shown that pomegranate extracts can slow the reproduction of prostate cancer cells and encourage the cells to commit suicide, a process called apoptosis. (Seeram 2005) Other test-tube and animal studies have indicated that pomegranate extracts called ellagitannins can hinder the growth of new blood vessels, which are necessary to nourish prostate tumors. (Sartippour 2008)
A University of California, Los Angeles study evaluated the effects of pomegranate in men who had had surgery or radiation for prostate cancer but whose PSA levels had risen, which indicated that the cancer may be returning. When the study began the men’s average PSA level doubled every 15 months. The men were then given 8 ounces of pomegranate juice to drink daily. By the end of the study, it was taking 54 months for the average PSA level to double, cancer cell apoptosis had increased by 17 percent, and proliferation of cancer cells had declined by 12 percent. These findings suggested that the disease progression had slowed, and that pomegranate was involved. (Pantuck 2006)
In a 2010 study from the University of Quebec, researchers exposed human prostate cancer cells to 13 compounds present in pomegranates and found that four—epigallocatechin gallate, delphinidin chloride, kaempferol, and punicic acid–inhibited cell growth stimulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In particular, punicic acid, the main constituent of pomegranate seed, inhibited cell growth. (Gasmi 2010)
As a side benefit, several studies provide evidence that pomegranate may have a role in treating erectile dysfunction. In one animal study, investigators compared pomegranate juice, red wine, green tea, and several berry juices and found that pomegranate juice showed the most antioxidant capacity. Long-term intake of pomegranate juice improved erectile function and prevented erectile tissue fibrosis. (Azadozoi) A study of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction found that pomegranate juice intake resulted in some improvement in erectile function, although the improvement was not significant. (Forest)
Fresh pomegranate is the best way to get all the nutrients from this fruit. Your alternatives include enjoying 100% pomegranate juice, which is available through several different manufacturers, including POM Wonderful, among others; or taking pomegranate supplements.
See also
Fourteen Benefits of Pomegranate
References
Seeram NP et al. In vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of punicalagin, ellagic acid and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination with other polyphenols as found in pomegranate juice. J Nutr Biochem 2005 Jun; 16(6):360-67.
Sartippour MR et al. Ellagitannin-rich pomegranate extract inhibits angiogenesis in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Intl J Oncol 2008; 32:475-80
Pantuck AJ, et al. Phase II study of pomegranate juice for men with rising prostate-specific antigen following surgery or radiation for prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:4018-26
Gasmi J, Sanderson JT. Growth inhibitory, antiandrogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects of punicic acid in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. J Agric Food Chem 2010 Nov 10
Azadzoi KM et al. Oxidative stress in arteriogenic erectile dysfunction: prophylactic role of antioxidants. J Urol 2005; 174:386-93
Forest CP et al. Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study. Intl J Impot Res 2007; doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901570
