| POMEGRANATE SIDE EFFECTS, supplements, juice, fruit benefits and extracts ZHION.COM updated on July 17, 2011 |
POMEGRANATE HEALTH BENEFITS
Pomegranates [Punica granatum], which are native to the Middle East, are packed with
healthy anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The potent antioxidant and anti-
atherosclerotic activities of PJ are attributed to its polyphenols including punicalagin, the
major fruit ellagitannin, and ellagic acid. It is also a good source of ascorbic acid. [11]
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITES
Oxidative damage is related to the development of several chronic diseases, such as age-
related neurodegeneration, carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis. Pomegranate packed
with multiple potent antioxidants may have benefits against these chronic diseases. [2]
The health benefits attributed to the consumption of Pomegranate and its extracts are
related to their antioxidant activity. Studies have shown the inverse relationship between
the intake of Pomegranate extracts (or its juice) and cardiovascular diseases. And, this
could be related to pomegranate polyphenols' ability to inhibit low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) oxidation, macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. [3,6]
Two possible pathways may be involved in the LDL oxidation inhibition: (1) a direct
interaction of the polyphenols with the lipoprotein or/and (2) an indirect effect through
accumulation of polyphenols in arterial macrophages.
Pomegranate juice was shown to mediate suppression of oxidized LDL degradation and
of cholesterol biosynthesis in macrophages can lead to reduce cellular cholesterol
accumulation and foam cell formation. [6] Consequently, dietary supplementation of
polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice to atherosclerotic mice significantly inhibited the
development of atherosclerotic lesions and this may be attributed to the protection of LDL
against oxidation. [3]
A recent research study has also shown that long-term oral administration of pomegranate
flower extract (500 mg kg(-1)) reduces cardiac triglyceride content and decreases plasma
levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Pomegranate
flower extract exerts this effect probably via inhibition of increased cardiac FA uptake and
oxidation in the diabetic condition. [8]
CORONARY HEART DISEASES AND BLOOD PRESSURE
As discussed in previous sections, pomegranate juice or its extracts contain antioxidants
such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins and may have benefits on
atherosclerosis. Pomegranate juice is rich in tannins, possesses anti-atherosclerotic
properties, has anti-aging effects, and potent anti-oxidative characteristics. As some
antioxidants have been shown to reduce blood pressure. Pomegranate juice consumption
may reduce systolic blood pressure, inhibits serum ACE activity, and is convincingly a
heart-healthy fruit. [Stowe CB., Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 May;17(2):113-5.] Daily
consumption of pomegranate juice may have benefits in patients who have coronary heart
diseases.
In a double-blind study, researchers supplied pomegranate juice daily to 45 patients
suffered from coronary heart disease and myocardial ishemia for 3 months. Based on the
data of tomographic scintigraphy, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, weight, or blood
pressure, the researchers concluded that pomegranate juice decreased the extent of
stress-induced ischemia. [5]
As discussed, pomegranate juice can offer benefits against cardiovascular diseases via
its anti-oxidant activities. Researchers further found that pomegranate juice consumption
could also reduce the systolic blood pressure of hypertensive patients. This effect is in a
dose-dependent fashion and related to a change of angiotensin converting enzyme
activity. [12]
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES
Researchers have previously reported anticancer effects of pomegranate extracts in
human breast cancer cells in vitro and also anti-cancer activity of pomegranate fermented
juice polyphenols in a mouse mammary organ culture. [13]
Colon Cancer
In a recent study, at 100 microg/ml, pomegranate juice, ellagic acid, punicalagin and total
pomegranate tannin were found to be able to induce apoptosis in HT-29 colon cells.
However, in the HCT116 colon cells, ellagic acid, punicalagin and total pomegranate
tannin but not pomegranate juice induced apoptosis. [7]
Breast Cancer
Roughly, 70% of breast cancer will be estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) positive. The
presence of ER-α is associated with better prognosis and is able to determine if tumors
will respond to the estrogen-blocking/ER-antagonist drug Tamoxifen. However, a
significant fraction of ER-positive tumors respond with minimal or no response to
Tamoxifen. Researchers found Pomegranate fruit extracts enhance the Tamoxifen action
in both sensitive and Tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells through the inhibition of cell viability
(regular or estrogen-induced) by inducing cell-death machinery. [Banerjee S, et al, J Cell
Commun Signal. 2011 Jun 27.]
Prostate Cancer
Pomegranate juice was also shown in a clinical trial to inhibit progression of prostate
cancer. In addition to causing cell death of hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells,
Pomegranate juice also increases cell adhesion and decreases cell migration of the cells
that do not die. [Wang L, et al, Integr Biol (Camb). 2011 Jul 1;3(7):742-54]
Skin Cancer
Pomegranate fruit extract and diallyl sulfide alone delayed onset and tumor incidence by
55% and 45%, respectively, while their combination at low doses synergistically
decreased tumor incidence more potentially (84%, p<0.01). Mechanistic studies revealed
that this inhibition was associated with decreased expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2,
JNK1 and activated NF-κB/p65, IKKα, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation in skin
tissue/tumor. [George J, et al, Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Jul;49(7):1511-20]
Combinational Use of Pomegranate Extract and An Anti-cancer Drug
Cisplatin, one of the most active cytotoxic agents against cancer, has adverse side
effects, such as nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Pomegranate seed extract significantly
attenuated these side effects of cisplatin by the way of its antioxidant, radical-scavenging,
and antiapoptotic effects. [Cayır K etl, J Med Food. 2011 May 6.]
ANTI-BACTERIA ACTIVITIES
Pomegranate extracts may have benefits on prevention of certain diseases induced by
bbacterial diseases. Low dose of pomegranate extract concentration was found to delay
Staphylococcus aureus growth, while high doses even eliminated Staphylococcus aureus
growth. [9]
In addition, methanolic pomegranate extracts has been shown to dramatically enhance the
activity of certain antibiotics tested. Researchers evaluated the synergic activity between
pomegranate extracts and antibiotics against 30 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.They detected
the synergic activities between pomegranate extracts and the 5 antibiotics tested,
chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and oxacillin, ranging from 38% to
73%. Pomegranate extracts increased the post-antibiotic effect of ampicillin from 3 to 7 h.
[4]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH
YOUR DOCTOR. DO NOT COPY OR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEB-SITE OR OTHER TYPE OF
PUBLICATION. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2011.
REFERENCE
[1] Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Early Edition September 26, 2005. [2] Blomhoff R
Antioxidants and oxidative stress Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2004 Jun 17;124(12):1643-5. [3] Aviram M et al,
Pomegranate juice flavonoids inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation and cardiovascular diseases: studies in
atherosclerotic mice and in humans. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2002;28(2-3):49-62. [4] Braga LC et al, Synergic
interaction between pomegranate extract and antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus. Can J Microbiol. 2005
Jul;51(7):541-7. [5] Sumner MD et al, Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on myocardial perfusion in
patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol. 2005 Sep 15;96(6):810-4. [6] Fuhrman B et al,
Pomegranate juice inhibits oxidized LDL uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis in macrophages. J Nutr Biochem.
2005 Sep;16(9):570-6. [7] Seeram NP et al, In vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of
punicalagin, ellagic acid and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination with other
polyphenols as found in pomegranate juice. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Jun;16(6):360-7. [8] Huang TH et al,
Pomegranate flower improves cardiac lipid metabolism in a diabetic rat model: role of lowering circulating
lipids. Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Jul;145(6):767-74. [9] raga LC et al, Pomegranate extract inhibits
Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent enterotoxin production. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1-2):
335-9. [10] Igea JM et al, Adverse reaction to pomegranate ingestion. Allergy. 1991 Aug;46(6):472-4. [11]
Perez-Vicente A et al, In vitro gastrointestinal digestion study of pomegranate juice phenolic compounds,
anthocyanins, and vitamin C. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Apr 10;50(8):2308-12. [12] Aviram M et al,
Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic
blood pressure. Atherosclerosis. 2001 Sep;158(1):195-8. [13] Mehta R et al, Breast cancer chemopreventive
properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit extracts in a mouse mammary organ culture Eur J Cancer
Prev. 2004 Aug;13(4):345-8.
Pomegranates [Punica granatum], which are native to the Middle East, are packed with
healthy anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The potent antioxidant and anti-
atherosclerotic activities of PJ are attributed to its polyphenols including punicalagin, the
major fruit ellagitannin, and ellagic acid. It is also a good source of ascorbic acid. [11]
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITES
Oxidative damage is related to the development of several chronic diseases, such as age-
related neurodegeneration, carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis. Pomegranate packed
with multiple potent antioxidants may have benefits against these chronic diseases. [2]
The health benefits attributed to the consumption of Pomegranate and its extracts are
related to their antioxidant activity. Studies have shown the inverse relationship between
the intake of Pomegranate extracts (or its juice) and cardiovascular diseases. And, this
could be related to pomegranate polyphenols' ability to inhibit low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) oxidation, macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. [3,6]
Two possible pathways may be involved in the LDL oxidation inhibition: (1) a direct
interaction of the polyphenols with the lipoprotein or/and (2) an indirect effect through
accumulation of polyphenols in arterial macrophages.
Pomegranate juice was shown to mediate suppression of oxidized LDL degradation and
of cholesterol biosynthesis in macrophages can lead to reduce cellular cholesterol
accumulation and foam cell formation. [6] Consequently, dietary supplementation of
polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice to atherosclerotic mice significantly inhibited the
development of atherosclerotic lesions and this may be attributed to the protection of LDL
against oxidation. [3]
A recent research study has also shown that long-term oral administration of pomegranate
flower extract (500 mg kg(-1)) reduces cardiac triglyceride content and decreases plasma
levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Pomegranate
flower extract exerts this effect probably via inhibition of increased cardiac FA uptake and
oxidation in the diabetic condition. [8]
CORONARY HEART DISEASES AND BLOOD PRESSURE
As discussed in previous sections, pomegranate juice or its extracts contain antioxidants
such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins and may have benefits on
atherosclerosis. Pomegranate juice is rich in tannins, possesses anti-atherosclerotic
properties, has anti-aging effects, and potent anti-oxidative characteristics. As some
antioxidants have been shown to reduce blood pressure. Pomegranate juice consumption
may reduce systolic blood pressure, inhibits serum ACE activity, and is convincingly a
heart-healthy fruit. [Stowe CB., Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 May;17(2):113-5.] Daily
consumption of pomegranate juice may have benefits in patients who have coronary heart
diseases.
In a double-blind study, researchers supplied pomegranate juice daily to 45 patients
suffered from coronary heart disease and myocardial ishemia for 3 months. Based on the
data of tomographic scintigraphy, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, weight, or blood
pressure, the researchers concluded that pomegranate juice decreased the extent of
stress-induced ischemia. [5]
As discussed, pomegranate juice can offer benefits against cardiovascular diseases via
its anti-oxidant activities. Researchers further found that pomegranate juice consumption
could also reduce the systolic blood pressure of hypertensive patients. This effect is in a
dose-dependent fashion and related to a change of angiotensin converting enzyme
activity. [12]
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES
Researchers have previously reported anticancer effects of pomegranate extracts in
human breast cancer cells in vitro and also anti-cancer activity of pomegranate fermented
juice polyphenols in a mouse mammary organ culture. [13]
Colon Cancer
In a recent study, at 100 microg/ml, pomegranate juice, ellagic acid, punicalagin and total
pomegranate tannin were found to be able to induce apoptosis in HT-29 colon cells.
However, in the HCT116 colon cells, ellagic acid, punicalagin and total pomegranate
tannin but not pomegranate juice induced apoptosis. [7]
Breast Cancer
Roughly, 70% of breast cancer will be estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) positive. The
presence of ER-α is associated with better prognosis and is able to determine if tumors
will respond to the estrogen-blocking/ER-antagonist drug Tamoxifen. However, a
significant fraction of ER-positive tumors respond with minimal or no response to
Tamoxifen. Researchers found Pomegranate fruit extracts enhance the Tamoxifen action
in both sensitive and Tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells through the inhibition of cell viability
(regular or estrogen-induced) by inducing cell-death machinery. [Banerjee S, et al, J Cell
Commun Signal. 2011 Jun 27.]
Prostate Cancer
Pomegranate juice was also shown in a clinical trial to inhibit progression of prostate
cancer. In addition to causing cell death of hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells,
Pomegranate juice also increases cell adhesion and decreases cell migration of the cells
that do not die. [Wang L, et al, Integr Biol (Camb). 2011 Jul 1;3(7):742-54]
Skin Cancer
Pomegranate fruit extract and diallyl sulfide alone delayed onset and tumor incidence by
55% and 45%, respectively, while their combination at low doses synergistically
decreased tumor incidence more potentially (84%, p<0.01). Mechanistic studies revealed
that this inhibition was associated with decreased expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2,
JNK1 and activated NF-κB/p65, IKKα, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation in skin
tissue/tumor. [George J, et al, Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Jul;49(7):1511-20]
Combinational Use of Pomegranate Extract and An Anti-cancer Drug
Cisplatin, one of the most active cytotoxic agents against cancer, has adverse side
effects, such as nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Pomegranate seed extract significantly
attenuated these side effects of cisplatin by the way of its antioxidant, radical-scavenging,
and antiapoptotic effects. [Cayır K etl, J Med Food. 2011 May 6.]
ANTI-BACTERIA ACTIVITIES
Pomegranate extracts may have benefits on prevention of certain diseases induced by
bbacterial diseases. Low dose of pomegranate extract concentration was found to delay
Staphylococcus aureus growth, while high doses even eliminated Staphylococcus aureus
growth. [9]
In addition, methanolic pomegranate extracts has been shown to dramatically enhance the
activity of certain antibiotics tested. Researchers evaluated the synergic activity between
pomegranate extracts and antibiotics against 30 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.They detected
the synergic activities between pomegranate extracts and the 5 antibiotics tested,
chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and oxacillin, ranging from 38% to
73%. Pomegranate extracts increased the post-antibiotic effect of ampicillin from 3 to 7 h.
[4]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH
YOUR DOCTOR. DO NOT COPY OR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEB-SITE OR OTHER TYPE OF
PUBLICATION. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2011.
REFERENCE
[1] Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Early Edition September 26, 2005. [2] Blomhoff R
Antioxidants and oxidative stress Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2004 Jun 17;124(12):1643-5. [3] Aviram M et al,
Pomegranate juice flavonoids inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation and cardiovascular diseases: studies in
atherosclerotic mice and in humans. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2002;28(2-3):49-62. [4] Braga LC et al, Synergic
interaction between pomegranate extract and antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus. Can J Microbiol. 2005
Jul;51(7):541-7. [5] Sumner MD et al, Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on myocardial perfusion in
patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol. 2005 Sep 15;96(6):810-4. [6] Fuhrman B et al,
Pomegranate juice inhibits oxidized LDL uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis in macrophages. J Nutr Biochem.
2005 Sep;16(9):570-6. [7] Seeram NP et al, In vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of
punicalagin, ellagic acid and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination with other
polyphenols as found in pomegranate juice. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Jun;16(6):360-7. [8] Huang TH et al,
Pomegranate flower improves cardiac lipid metabolism in a diabetic rat model: role of lowering circulating
lipids. Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Jul;145(6):767-74. [9] raga LC et al, Pomegranate extract inhibits
Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent enterotoxin production. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1-2):
335-9. [10] Igea JM et al, Adverse reaction to pomegranate ingestion. Allergy. 1991 Aug;46(6):472-4. [11]
Perez-Vicente A et al, In vitro gastrointestinal digestion study of pomegranate juice phenolic compounds,
anthocyanins, and vitamin C. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Apr 10;50(8):2308-12. [12] Aviram M et al,
Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic
blood pressure. Atherosclerosis. 2001 Sep;158(1):195-8. [13] Mehta R et al, Breast cancer chemopreventive
properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit extracts in a mouse mammary organ culture Eur J Cancer
Prev. 2004 Aug;13(4):345-8.
Pomegranate is a delicious fruit and it may provide us many health benefits. Pomegranate
may have anti-viral, anti-tumor activities and it may also benefit people at risk of high
cholesterol, osteoarthritis and prostate issues. Many people are interested by its potential
anti-cancer activities. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin found pomegranate juice
might ward off prostate cancer in a cell-culture study. Pomegranate extracts killed the
cancer cells in a dose-dependent way. The higher the dose of pomegranate juice, the more
cancer cells died. In another study, cancer progression was significantly slowed in animals
receiving the higher pomegranate dose. Their blood also contained decreased levels of
prostate-specific antigen, a marker commonly used to monitor prostate cancer. [1]
In general, pomegranate may be safe. However, side effect or adverse event of
pomegranate did happen in the past. For instance, Spanish care-providers presented a
non-atopic 85-year-old woman, with a late-onset recidivant tongue angio-edema due to
pomegranate intake. [10]
Pomegranate is available as a fruit; as fruit juice, extracts, jams, wine and some other
forms. Most fruit juice contains high calories, some users prefer supplement extracts. Most
pomegranate extracts contain 40% of ellagic acid or higher.
may have anti-viral, anti-tumor activities and it may also benefit people at risk of high
cholesterol, osteoarthritis and prostate issues. Many people are interested by its potential
anti-cancer activities. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin found pomegranate juice
might ward off prostate cancer in a cell-culture study. Pomegranate extracts killed the
cancer cells in a dose-dependent way. The higher the dose of pomegranate juice, the more
cancer cells died. In another study, cancer progression was significantly slowed in animals
receiving the higher pomegranate dose. Their blood also contained decreased levels of
prostate-specific antigen, a marker commonly used to monitor prostate cancer. [1]
In general, pomegranate may be safe. However, side effect or adverse event of
pomegranate did happen in the past. For instance, Spanish care-providers presented a
non-atopic 85-year-old woman, with a late-onset recidivant tongue angio-edema due to
pomegranate intake. [10]
Pomegranate is available as a fruit; as fruit juice, extracts, jams, wine and some other
forms. Most fruit juice contains high calories, some users prefer supplement extracts. Most
pomegranate extracts contain 40% of ellagic acid or higher.
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