Natural chemicals found in pomegranates may help protect against certain forms of breast cancer, according to a new study. The study focused on ellagitannin, a type of phytochemical plentiful in pomegranate fruit.
In laboratory experiments, scientists found that a byproduct of ellagic acid (a compound derived from ellagitannin) significantly inhibited cell growth. According to the study's authors, this finding suggests that ellagitannin-derived compounds have the potential to prevent hormone-dependent breast cancer.
It's too soon to tell whether eating pomegranate could have cancer-fighting effect in humans, the study's authors note. However, past research shows that drinking pomegranate juice may provide other health benefits, such as keeping blood pressure in check.
Previously published preliminary research suggests that other natural substances (such as curcumin, resveratrol, and green tea may also help guard against breast cancer.
In tests at the Mumbai Cancer Center it was found that some polyphenols such as curcumin, resveratrol and pomegranate work synergistically against cancer. The clinicians at this institution have worked with Biotivia, a US company, to produce an all in one supplement, Bio Span which is specifically designed to leverage this synergy.
I’ve been interested in integrative type of healing – integrating conventional and alternative means – since 2004 although I am not in the medical profession. It was my daughter’s asthma that made me seek other means to alleviate her attacks. Fast forward to 2009…my Dad who is 82 today, was diagnosed with stage 2b lung cancer. His oncologist advised him to undergo radiation. He did and really suffered from the side effects. He got pneumonia which according to the doctor is normal. My Dad decided to stop radiation and try herbs like ganoderma lucidum and spirulina instead. He said he’s 82…he can try anything because he has nothing to lose. He had an X-ray last month and his doctor was surprised to see that the tumor stayed the same size since his diagnosis. He never got sick with pneumonia again. We never told the doctor about the herbs. Maybe we should have. : ) This is just to share our experience.