Study: Pomegranate Juice Helps Treat Prostate Cancer

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin shows that pomegranate juice may help prevent prostate cancer and/or slow the growth of tumors once they develop. The results of the study were published in the most recent edition of the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition.'

The reason pomegranate juice is effective according to study leader Dr. Hasan Mukhtar, is that they contain polyphenolic compounds. These compounds serve as antioxidants.

The researchers incubated prostate cancer cells with low concentrations of pomegranate extract and a noticeable reduction in the spread of the tumors was noted.

Scientists also injected human prostate cancer cells into mice. When the mice were fed pomegranate extract, the appearance of tumors was delayed.

Dr. Mukhtar indicated he would recommend pomegranate juice to patients suffering from prostate cancer, even at this early part in the research process. 'Based on the data we have it's highly unlikely that it will produce any adverse effects and it is highly possible that it will produce useful effects,' he said.

He also said pomegranate juice could be used to treat other types of cancer as well.