Pomegranates May Prevent Breast Cancer

The pomegranate fruit contains anti-aromatase phytochemicals and is rich in ellagitannins, and both compounds are associated with anti-cancer properties.    Shiuan Chen, from the Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope (California, USA), and colleagues evaluated whether phytochemicals in pomegranates can suppress aromatase and ultimately inhibit cancer growth.  After screening and examining a panel of 10 ellagitannin-derived compounds in pomegranates, the researchers found that those compounds have the potential to prevent estrogen-responsive breast cancers.  Specifically, Urolithin B, which is a metabolite produced from ellagic acid and related compounds, significantly inhibited cell growth.  Prompted by these findings, the team concluded that:  “These studies suggest that pomegranate [ellagitannin]-derived compounds have potential for the prevention of estrogen-responsive breast cancers.”