Prostate Cancer And Pomegranates

Pomegranates have long been utilized in conventional folk remedies to treat sore throats, inflammation, and rheumatism. And latest scientific research has suggested that they are also possibly responsive in both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

One study, carried out on human prostate cancer cells in lab dishes, at the University of Wisconsin, found that there were dose dependant improvements. One more study at the same facility took place wherein mice injected with human prostate cancer cells became the subject of study. These mice developed malignancies. Some mice were given plain water, while 2 other subject groups of mice were fed with fluidd mixed with varyingl concentrations of pomegranate extract.

Those mice that had water only developed tumours that grew much faster than the pomegranate and water groups. The quantities given to the mice were identical to that which people might get if they drink pomegranate juice on a daily basis. And although pomegranate juice hasn't yet been tested on humans with prostate cancer, the results are indeed encouraging.

The study failed to indicate what areas of pomegranate juice were responsible for slowing down prostate tumour growth. But the scientists involved did mention the antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, which are more responsive than green tea and red wine.

Pomegranate extract not only inhibited the development of cancer cells, it also worked in another way - apoptosis.

Apoptosis refers to a way that cells can die. Cancer growths are characterized by an uncontrolled development of cells that do not follow the normal procedures of cellular differentiation of regular healthy cells. Cellular differentiation means that the characteristics of a cell change and acquire the functions that a mature, healthy cell would. For example, liver cells have specialized liver functions, as do prostate, breast, kidney, and all other types of cells. This is right and healthy.

In tumour growths, although some cells fully differentiate, many just differentiate partially, and some not at all. And the tumors with more undifferentiated cells grow at a faster pace. So, stimulating cellular differentiation is one path towards cancer treatment. One more way being tried by medical specialists and researchers in treating cancer is thru annihilation of cancerous cells. They do this through apoptosis, mentioned above, and necrosis.

Generally, prostate cancer grows at very slow pace, although it is unpredictable and can grow and spread quickly.

By: Jamoel Myers

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Jamoel Myers is a professional writer and he writes mostly about cancer treatments info news. He's also interested in health and diet plans.