Pomegranate Extract Protects Prostate
The findings of a recent study indicated that the potential ability of the antioxidant-rich pomegranate to protect against prostate cancer may be due to the way it directly interacts with genes. In the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, UCLA researchers report that extracts of the pomegranate fruit were associated with a two-fold suppression in the expression of genes linked to prostate cancer. This study just adds to the growing body of evidence showing the pomegranate contains compounds which may have protective effects against prostate cancer.
To understand this study, you need to know a couple of things about prostate cancer. In the early stages of a prostate tumor’s life, it’s dependent on the circulating testosterone levels in the blood but as the tumor continues to exist it becomes unaffected by the hormone. The cancer cells then can increase testosterone synthesis themselves, and this is linked to an over-expression of the so-called androgen receptor. To investigate the pomegranates effects on the expression of genes for key androgen-synthesizing enzymes and the androgen receptor, the UCLA researchers used androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines.
What they found is that the antioxidant compounds called polyphenols from pomegranate were capable of stopping the spread of both types of cancer, and that the compounds promoted programmed cell death in the cells.
These results are in line with previous studies done at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, which showed that pomegranate extract may inhibit cell growth of highly aggressive prostate cancer cells and that chronic pomegranate extract consumption may significantly inhibit tumor growth.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: If you’re concerned about the health of your prostate, start adding pomegranate to your diet. A standardized pomegranate extract may be the best way to ensure that you are getting beneficial levels of polyphenols.
