Pomegranates have increased in popularity in the US in the last few years, and for good reason. Not only are they delicious, but they seem to offer distinct heart, prostate, and joint-related health benefits. Pomegranates are a rich source of polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, most notably ellagic acid and other ellagitannin compounds. These appear to be the compounds behind pomegranate's potential health benefits.

New research out of UCLA's David Geffin School of Medicine adds to the growing body of evidence supporting pomegranate's prostate benefit.¹ And the new study lends some insight into pomegranate's potential anti-prostate cancer mechanism. It is reported that in the early stages of prostate cancer, tumor growth is dependent on testosterone circulation in the blood. These early-stage tumors are commonly treatable with surgery and radiation; recurrent tumors, however, are much less treatable. The recurrent tumors become "androgen independent," creating their own testosterone, speeding tumor growth, commonly leading to metastasis and death.

In the new study, the researchers tested the effects of high polyphenol content pomegranate extracts and whole juice extracts on androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancers cells. The researchers found that the extracts down-regulated the production of genes for important androgen-synthesizing enzymes and down-regulated the androgen receptors. This triggered apoptosis (cell death) in both types of cancer cells. The researchers concluded that "this study showed that pomegranate products and their polyphenols reduced tumor cell growth and induced apoptosis in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells."

This study is far from conclusive. Nonetheless, it provides valuable insight into the mechanism of action of pomegranates' potential prostate benefit. Additionally, it provides a better understanding of the development of prostate cancer. Much more research will need to be done before pomegranates can be recommended as a course of treatment to men with prostate cancer.

Learn more about the many benefits of Pomegranates and our PomeHealth™ Pomegranate & Resveratrol Blend here.

1. Hong, M. Y., N. P. Seeram, et al. (2008). "Pomegranate polyphenols down-regulate expression of androgen-synthesizing genes in human prostate cancer cells overexpressing the androgen receptor." J Nutr Biochem 19(12): 848-55.