Insights & Discussion
Pomegranate juice consumption slightly decreases estrone and testosterone levels in normal weight postmenopausal women.
In this study, 64 healthy postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 8 ounces of either 100% commercial pomegranate juice or apple juice daily for a period of 3 weeks. The aim was to observe the effect of pomegranate juice intake on the serum levels of various sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin.
Despite no significant alterations observed in the serum sex hormones or SHBG overall, a subgroup analysis of 38 normal weight participants indicated a significant reduction in estrone and testosterone levels for those who consumed pomegranate juice compared to the control group. The decrease was seen only in this subgroup, and not in the total group of participants. Hence, the direct effect of pomegranate juice on hormonal levels may be more apparent in normal weight postmenopausal women.
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Pomegranate extract could potentially benefit women's reproductive health, enhance fertility, regulate menstrual cycles, support pregnancy, and help treat polycystic ovary syndrome.
2024 Life Therapeutic Potential of Pomegranate Extract for Women’s Reproductive Health and Breast Cancer Jang JY, Kim D, Im E, Kim ND
Breast Cancer PCOS Pomegranate
In establishing the potential benefits of pomegranate extract in women's reproductive health, a wide array of methods was employed. Primarily, these included in vitro studies, animal modeling and certain clinical trials. Analyses of the antioxidant properties of the extract were done to ascertain its effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress and consequently, improving fertility. The influence of pomegranate extract on hormonal imbalances and menstrual regulation was also studied.
Discussions on the results emphasized the potential of pomegranate extract in supporting women's reproductive health. The extract was found beneficial in enhancing fertility, regulating menstruation and supporting pregnancy. Further, it could help in polycystic ovary syndrome therapy by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative damage. Its rich nutrient composition was appreciated for potentially fostering placental development and fetal growth, thus possibly mitigating the risk of early birth. Apart from reproductive health, some studies pointed towards pomegranate extract's potential anticancer properties, primarily against breast cancer.
Pomegranate polyphenols have shown strong potential in preventing and treating breast cancer through various anti-cancer effects.
2021 Molecules Pharmacological and Therapeutic Properties of Punica granatum Phytochemicals: Possible Roles in Breast Cancer Moga MA, Dimienescu OG, Bălan A, Dima L, Toma SI, Bîgiu NF, et al.
Clinical Study Breast Cancer Pomegranate
The researchers conducted a systematic review of scientific literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar, that included articles written in English over the past two decades. They focused on the original research articles examining the potential role of pomegranate and its polyphenols in breast cancer prevention and treatment. In total, they selected 28 papers for review, including both clinical and preclinical studies.
The research revealed that pomegranate polyphenols display potent anti-cancer properties through several mechanisms on breast cancer cells. These mechanisms include anti-estrogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic effects. Additionally, pomegranate extracts could induce cell cycle arrest, cytotoxicity, and inhibit invasion in breast cancer cells. However, findings from two small clinical trials were contradicting. Overall, pomegranate was recognised as a promising natural strategy for managing breast cancer.