| Pomegranates have long been used in traditional folk | | | | cellular differentiation of regular, healthy cells. Cellular |
| remedies to treat sore throats, inflammation, and | | | | differentiation means that the characteristics of a cell |
| rheumatism. And recent scientific research has | | | | change and get the functions that a mature, healthy |
| suggested they are also potentially effective in both | | | | cell would. For example, liver cells have specialized |
| preventing and treating prostate cancer. | | | | liver functions, as do prostate, breast, kidney, and all |
| One study, conducted on human prostate cancer | | | | other types of cells. This is normal and healthy. |
| cells in lab dishes, at the University of Wisconsin, | | | | In tumour growths, although some cells fully |
| found that there were dose dependant | | | | differentiate, many only differentiate partially, and |
| improvements. Another study at the same facility | | | | some not at all. And the tumors which have more |
| injected mice with human prostate cancer cells. | | | | undifferentiated cells grow faster. So, inducing cellular |
| These mice developed malignancies. Some mice were | | | | differentiation is one approach to cancer treatment. |
| fed plain water, whilst two other groups of mice | | | | The other two ways that doctors and researchers |
| were given water mixed with different | | | | try to treat cancer is by causing the death of |
| concentrations of pomegranate extract. | | | | cancerous cells. They do this through apoptosis, |
| Those mice that had water only had tumors that | | | | mentioned above, and necrosis. |
| grew much faster than the pomegranate and water | | | | In apoptosis, cell death is programmed into the cell |
| groups. The quantities given to the mice were | | | | when it is 'born'. So the cell dies in a more natural |
| comparable to that which people might get if they | | | | way that is less destructive on its environment. By |
| drank pomegranate juice on a daily basis. And whilst | | | | this I mean it doesn't cause inflammation and the |
| pomegranate juice hasn't been tested on humans | | | | damage associated with it to neighboring cells that |
| with prostate cancer yet, the results are very good. | | | | may be healthy. Cells die either when they reach |
| The study did not indicate what aspects of | | | | cellular old age or when their death benefits the body |
| pomegranate juice were responsible for slowing | | | | as a whole. Necrosis, on the other hand, does cause |
| down prostate tumour growth. But the scientists | | | | inflammation. |
| involved did mention the antioxidant polyphenolic | | | | Generally, prostate cancer grows very slowly, |
| compounds, which are more effective than green tea | | | | although it is unpredictable and can grow quickly and |
| and red wine. | | | | spread. |
| Pomegranate extract not only inhibited the growth of | | | | References: |
| cancer cells, it also worked by another means - | | | | 1. John Boik, Cancer and Natural Medicine (Oregon |
| apoptosis. | | | | Medical Press, 1996) |
| Apoptosis refers to a way that cells can die. Cancer | | | | 2. Australian Healthy Food, March, 2006 |
| growths are characterized by an uncontrolled growth | | | | 3. nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=62811 |
| of cells that do not follow the normal processes of | | | | 4. nutraingredientsusa.com/news/ng.asp? |