Pomegranates are effective chemotherapeutics with no toxic side effects

Eating fruits is considered one of the ways to obtain the nutrients needed for optimal health and protection from diseases, including cancer. A review published in the journal Pharmacological Research looks into the merits of pomegranates (Punica granatum) in cancer therapy.

• Pomegranates contain many bioactive components and phytochemicals that possess anticancer effects.
• Because of its nutritional profile, pomegranates have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-invasive, and anti-metastatic properties. It can also induce apoptosis.
• The phytochemicals in pomegranate downregulate various signaling pathways, such as NF-kappa-B, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt. It also suppresses the expression of genes that contribute to the growth and development of tumors. These include genes with anti-apoptotic effects, as well as MMPs, VEGF, c-met, cyclins, Cdks, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The review concluded that including pomegranate in one’s diet can help protect against cancer without the risk of any toxic side effect.

Discover how pomegranates help protect against diseases at Fruits.news.

Journal Reference:

Khwairakpam A-D, Bordoloi D, Thakur K-K, Monisha J, Arfuso F, Sethi G, Mishra S, Kumar A, Kunnumakkara A. POSSIBLE USE OF PUNICA GRANATUM (POMEGRANATE) IN CANCER THERAPY. Pharmacological Research. July 2018;133:53-64. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.04.021