A combination of ingredients in pomegranate juice, including antioxidants called polyphenols that are known cancer fighters, may be useful in delaying PSA doubling time in men with prostate cancer who have undergone surgery or radiation.

UCLA Study

Based on a recently completed two-and-a-half year study at UCLA of 48 men with prostate cancer, some doctors are now suggesting that a daily glass of pomegranate juice may retard the growth of prostate cancer. The trial looked at men with recurrent prostate cancer after surgery or radiation and with PSA ranging from 0.2 to 5, and a Gleason score of 7 or less. Each man drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice a day. About 30% of the patients experienced a decreased PSA level, and about 35% experienced a lengthening of PSA doubling time from a mean of 15 months at baseline to 54 months, indicating that disease progression had probably slowed. Since the sampling was so small, the study is far from conclusive, but a larger trial is already in progress and the results should be available in another two years. (The initial study was funded by the makers of POM brand pomegranate juice.)

For an excellent detailed summary of the study, go to Jacqueline Strax’s web site, PSA-Rising.

A Long History

Pomegranates have a long history of medicinal use. For centuries in the Middle East and India, they have been used to treat different types of inflammation, including sore throats. In more contemporary times, mice studies have suggested that the juice may combat hardening of the arteries and related coronary diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. And prior to the UCLA study, the effects of pomegranate juice on prostate cancer were studied in both mice and with cultured human prostate cells. The results suggested that the juice slowed the growth of the cancer cells as well as in some instances killed the cells themselves.

Where to Buy It

Pomegranate juice can be found in the refrigerator section of the produce department in many supermarkets and convenience stores. Since it tends to be expensive, I sometimes buy the concentrated juice and dissolve a couple of tablespoons in a glass of water or fruit juice or in a fruit smoothie. The bottled concentrate can be found in health food stores, specialty food shops that carry Middle Eastern ingredients, and the international food section of some supermarkets. I buy the Cortas brand from Lebanon, which comes in a 10 ounce and 18.25 ounce bottle.

My final thought? Since there no adverse side effects from drinking pomegranate juice, why not drink a glass a day.