Pomegranates Prevent Breast Cancer?

Reported January 06, 2010

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers have linked fruits that contain anti-aromatase phytochemicals, such as pomegranates, to a reduced risk of hormone-dependent breast cancer.

“Phytochemicals suppress estrogen production that prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors," principal investigator Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., director of the Division of Tumor Cell Biology and co-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif., was quoted as saying.

Researchers screened and examined ellagitannin-derived compounds found in pomegranates and found those compounds can possibly prevent estrogen-responsive breast cancer.

“More research on the individual components and the combination of chemicals is needed to understand the potential risks and benefits of using pomegranate juice or isolated compounds for a health benefit or for cancer prevention," Powel Brown, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and chairman of the Clinical Cancer Prevention Department at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, was quoted as saying.

“This study does suggest that studies of the ellagitannins from pomegranates should be continued," concludes Dr. Brown.

SOURCE: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, February 2010