Prostate Cancer Research Info

By Jason Myers

Pomegranates have long been used in traditional folk remedies to heal sore throats, inflammation, and rheumatism. And recent scientific research has suggested that they are also potentially responsive in both preventing and treating prostate cancer.

One study, carried out on human prostate cancer cells in lab dishes, at the University of Wisconsin, revealed that there existed dosage dependant improvements. One more study at the same facility occurred wherein mice injected with human prostate cancer cells became the subject of study. These mice acquired malignancies. Some mice were given plain water, while 2 other subject groups of mice were given water blended with different concentration level of pomegranate extract.

Those mice that had water only had tumours that grew much faster than the pomegranate and water groups. The quantities accorded to the mice were identical to that which individuals might take in if they consume pomegranate juice each day. And whilst pomegranate juice hasn't yet been tested on humans with prostate cancer, the results are very good.

The study did not identify what areas of pomegranate juice were responsible for addressing prostate tumour growth. But the scientists involved did mention the antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, which are more effective than green tea and red wine.

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

Apoptosis relates to a way that cells can break down. Cancer growths are characterized by an uncontrolled development of cells without following the the normal processes of cellular differentiation of regular healthy cells. Cellular differentiation means that the features of a cell change and acquire the functions inherent to 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 normal and healthy.

In tumour growths, although some cells tend fully differentiate, many just differentiate partially, and some not at all. And the tumors which have greater undifferentiated cells grow at a faster pace. So, stimulating cellular differentiation is one approach to cancer treatment. One more way being tried by medical specialists and researchers in treating cancer is by causing the death of cancerous cells. They do this through apoptosis, as stated above, and necrosis.

Generally, prostate cancer grows at very slow pace, though it is unpredictable and can advance and spread quickly. - 30533

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