Pomegranate and Lung Cancer

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lifeextension(Life Extension)

 

http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2007/2007_04_13.htm

 

Pomegranate extract slows lung tumor growth

 

A report published in the April 1, 2007 issue of the journal Cancer

Research described the finding of researchers at the University of

Wisconsin-Madison that an extract of pomegranate fruit inhibited the

growth of primary lung tumors in mice.

Hasan Mukhtar, of the University of Wisconsin & rsquo;s Medical Sciences

Center & rsquo;s department of dermatology, and his associates gave half

of a group of 48 mice drinking water supplemented with 0.2 percent

pomegranate fruit extract. The animals & rsquo; dose was selected to

equate the amount of pomegranate juice that a typical human might be

persuaded to consume (equal to the juice of two fruits). After a week of

treatment, 12 of the mice that received pomegranate extract and 12 that

did not were given a carcinogen known to induce lung tumors

[benzo(a)pyrene suspended in cottonseed oil]. Twelve animals received

cottonseed oil alone and served as controls.

 

On the 84th day after administration of the carcinogen, mice treated

with pomegranate had a 53.9 percent reduction in the number of their

lung tumors compared with animals that received only the carcinogen. At

140 days, amount was 61.6 percent lower.

 

In a similar experiment utilizing NTCU, a carcinogen known to induce

lung squamous cell carcinoma, there was a 65.9 percent reduction in

tumors among animals that received pomegranate extract 240 days after

administration of the carcinogen compared with mice that received only

NTCU. The researchers found that pomegranate inhibited the activation of

nuclear factor kappa beta as well as influencing other factors.

& ldquo;Lung cancer is increasing worldwide, & rdquo; the authors observed.

& ldquo;The development of alternative approaches, such as

chemoprevention, is needed to control this epidemic in addition to

continuing our efforts to strengthen the fundamental strategy of

avoiding exposure to carcinogens. & rdquo;

& ldquo;The present study suggests that pomegranate fruit extract

inhibits lung tumorigenesis by targeting multiple signaling pathways and

associated events and, therefore, strongly supports its development as

chemopreventive agent against human lung cancer, & rdquo; they conclude.

 

Health Concern:

Lung cancer

 

Novel approaches are urgently needed that reverse, suppress, or prevent

lung cancer development (van Zandwijk N 2005). Early detection offers

the best chance for long-term survival (Saba NF et al 2005). The

conventional choices of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, and

radiotherapy and depend on the type and stage of the cancer (European

Lung Cancer Working Party 2006). Irrespective of the treatment method

used, complementary therapy, such as nutritional supplementation and the

use of bioresponse modifiers, is an important addition to traditional

treatment that could help control symptoms, enhance quality of life, and

improve overall survival (Jatoi A et al 2005b).

 

Smokers, ex-smokers, and people who have never smoked should all consume

five or more servings of colorful vegetables (including raw, darkly

colored, and root vegetables) and fruits daily to achieve serum levels

of micronutrients associated with the lowest risk of lung cancer. A diet

rich in tomatoes, tomato-based products (containing lycopene), citrus

fruits, and carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and

retinol) reduces the risk of lung cancer (Holick CN et al 2002). Egg

yolk is a bioavailable source of lutein and zeaxanthin (Johnson EJ

2002). Good food sources of carotenoids are spinach, kale, carrots,

cantaloupes, cherries, and sweet potatoes.

 

Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) from food sources are associated with a

decrease in the risk of lung cancer in both current smokers and people

who never smoked, but less so in former smokers. Food phytoestrogens

include isoflavones, phytosterols, and lignans. High intake of the

lignans enterolactone and enterodiol and use of hormone therapy are

associated with a 50 percent reduction in the risk of lung cancer

(Schabath MB et al 2005). The soy isoflavone genistein significantly

prevented lung tumor formation and cancer metastasis in mice (Menon LG

et al 1998). Phytoestrogens are also available as nutritional

supplements.

 

http://www.lef.org/protocols/cancer/lung_cancer_01.htm