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Pomegranate and breast cancer: possible mechanisms of prevention

Susan R Sturgeon1, Alayne G Ronnenberg

  • 1Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA. ssturgeon@schoolph.umass.edu

Nutrition Reviews
|February 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pomegranate juice may reduce breast cancer risk by inhibiting key enzymes and exhibiting antiestrogenic activity. Further human studies are needed to confirm effects on hormone levels and diet

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Mechanistic studies suggest pomegranate juice (PJ) may influence breast cancer risk.
  • Pomegranate constituents show potential estrogen receptor-mediated and non-estrogen receptor-mediated effects.
  • In vitro and animal models indicate inhibition of key enzymes like aromatase by pomegranate compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential benefits of pomegranate juice in relation to breast cancer risk.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of pomegranate constituents on hormone levels.
  • To identify the need for further human clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing mechanistic studies in cell culture and mouse models.
  • Analysis of research on pomegranate constituents' enzymatic and antiestrogenic activities.
  • Identification of gaps in current human research regarding serum hormone level changes.

Main Results:

  • Pomegranate constituents inhibit aromatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes.
  • Evidence suggests antiestrogenic activity of compounds found in pomegranates.
  • Current research is primarily based on preclinical models, lacking robust human data.

Conclusions:

  • Pomegranate juice constituents possess properties that may lower breast cancer risk.
  • Further large-scale, well-controlled human studies are essential.
  • Understanding pomegranate's impact on hormone levels is crucial for consumer guidance and dietary recommendations in cancer prevention.

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