Eat Pomegranates To Prevent Breast Cancer

Fruit anti-aromatase phytochemicals, such as grenades, contain the incidence of breast cancer hormone-dependent, according to a study published in the January issue of research on cancer prevention. The authors say that the grenade is enriched by a series of compounds known as ellagitannins that appear to be responsible for the anti-proliferative effect of the fruit.

"Phytochemicals suppress estrogen production by the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen responsive tumors songs," said lead researcher shiuan Chen, Ph.D., Director, Department of Cell Biology tumor and co-director of the Program for Research on Cancer to the City of Hope in Duarte, California

Previous research has shown that pomegranate juice - Punica granatum L - is rich in antioxidant activity, which is generally attributed to the fruit polyphenols. Ellagic acid in pomegranates inhibits aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. Aromatase plays a key role in mammary carcinogenesis, inhibiting the growth of breast cancer.

Chen, Lynn Adams, Ph.D., a researcher at the Beckman Research Institute City of Hope, and colleagues examined whether phytochemicals in pomegranates can suppress aromatase and ultimately inhibit cancer growth. After the detection and treatment of a panel of 10 compounds derived ellagic the grenades, the researchers found that these compounds have the potential of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer issue. Urolithin B, which is a metabolite produced from ellagic acid and related compounds, significantly inhibited cell growth.

"We were surprised by our results," said Chen. "We had other fruits such as grapes proved capable of inhibiting aromatase. But, pomegranates and grapes in phytochemicals are different."

According to Gary Stoner, Ph.D., professor of internal medicine at Ohio State University, additional studies will be required for the action of B chemopreventive against cancer Urolithin hormone-sensitive breast to confirm. "This is an in vitro study in which they were kept relatively high levels of ellagic compounds for antiproliferative effect on breast cancer cells in culture show," said Stoner, who is not associated with this study. "It is not clear that these levels can be achieved in animals or humans because the ellagitannins are not well absorbed into the bloodstream where they are in the diet."

Powel Brown, MD, Ph.D., medical oncologist and chairman of the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, agreed with the sentiments of Stoner and stated that these results are interesting . He recommended that future studies focus on testing pomegranate juice for the effect of estrogen, the symptoms of menopause, breast density or even how to prevent cancer.

"More research into individual components and the combination of chemicals needed for the potential risks and benefits of pomegranate juice or isolated compounds to the provision of health or prevention of cancer to understand," said Mr. Brown. " This study suggests that the ellagitannins from pomegranates studies should be pursued. "

Until then, Stoner said that people "might consider consuming more grenades to protect the development of breast cancer and possibly in other tissues and organs."