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Effect of pomegranate seed oil

jagger — 2005-04-02T10:50:00Z

Dietary pomegranate seed oil rich in 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA alleviates hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation in obese, hyperlipidemic OLETF rats. The mechanism of this effect could not be attributed to the regulation of enzyme activity related to fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation. However, suppression of delta-9 desaturation by dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA may be, at least in part, involved this effect.

Abstract

Conjugated fatty acid, the general term of positional and geometric isomers of polyunsaturated fatty acids with conjugated double bonds, has attracted considerable attention because of its potentially beneficial biological effects. In the present study, dietary effect of pomegranate seed oil rich in punicic acid (9cis, 11trans, 13cis-conjugated linolenic acid; 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA) on lipid metabolism was investigated in obese, hyperlipidemic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. After 2 weeks feeding period, OLETF rats revealed obesity and hyperlipidemia compared with their progenitor LETO rats. Feeding of the diet supplemented with 9% safflower oil and 1% pomegranate seed oil (9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet) did not affect abdominal white adipose tissue weights and serum lipid levels compared with the diet supplemented with 10% safflower oil (control diet) in OLETF rats. However, the accumulated hepatic triacylglycerol was markedly decreased by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet in OLETF rats. Activities of hepatic enzymes related to fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation were not altered by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet. Levels of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), major storage form of fatty acid, in serum triacylglycerol were markedly higher in obese, hyperlipidemic OLETF rats than in lean LETO rats. In addition, 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet significantly decreased MUFA levels in OLETF rats. This is the first study showing that 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA suppresses delta-9 desaturation in vivo, and we suggest that the alleviation of hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet was, at least in part, attributable to the suppression of delta-9 desaturation in OLETF rats.

Background

Conjugated fatty acid (CFA) is the general term of positional and geometric isomers of polyunsaturated fatty acids with conjugated double bonds. It has been reported that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), the CFA form of linoleic acid, has favorable physiological effects, such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-obesity, anti-tumor, and anti-hypertension [1-9]. There are also other types of CFA in some plant seed oils. Punicic acid (9cis, 11trans, 13cis-conjugated linolenic acid; 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA) is contained about 72% in pomegranate seed oil [10]. α-Eleostearic acid (9cis, 11trans, 13trans-CLNA) is contained in bitter gourd oil and tung seed oil about 60% and 70%, respectively [10,11]. Catalpa seed oil also contains catalpic acid (9trans, 11trans, 13cis-CLNA) about 31% and pot marigold seed oil contains calendic acid (8trans, 10trans, 12cis-CLNA) about 33% [10]. There are some studies showing that mixtures of CLNA isomers, prepared by alkaline isomerization of α-linolenic acid or plant seed oil, have some physiological functions including body fat reduction and anti-tumor activity [12,13]. In addition, purified α-eleostearic acid (9c, 11t, 13t-CLNA) and α-eleostearic acid rich bitter gourd seed oil also reveal anti-carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo [10,11,14,15]. However, there are few studies evaluated the physiological function of punicic acid (9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA) [10,16]. Previously, we reported the hypolipidemic effect of purified punicic acid in human liver derived HepG2 cells [17].

In the present study, we investigated the effects of pomegranate seed oil rich in 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on lipid metabolism in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats. OLETF rats develop a syndrome with multiple metabolic and hormonal disorders that shares many features with human obesity [18-21]. OLETF rats have hyperphagia, because they lack receptors for cholecystokinin, and become obese, developing hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension. To clarify the physiological function of 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA, we measured hepatic enzyme activities in relation to lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition in plasma of these obese, hyperlipidemic rats.

Results and Discussion

In comparison with their progenitor Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats, OLETF rats had increased body weight gain with enhanced food intake during 2 weeks feeding period (Table 1). In OLETF rats, food intake was not different between the groups. There was also no significant difference between groups in the relative liver weights of LETO and OLETF rats. Food efficiency, however, was higher in 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA group than in other two groups. Chin et al. previously reported that CLA is a growth factor for rats as shown by enhanced weight gain and improved feed efficiency [22]. Thus, we consider that 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA may have some growth promotional function.

The effect of dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on the accumulation of abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) was investigated (Figure 1). After 2 weeks feeding period, OLETF rats developed marked abdominal obesity. Compared with LETO rats, the control diet increased perirenal, epididymal, and omental WAT weights of OLETF rats to 2.6-, 1.5-, and 2.1-fold, respectively. There was no significant effect of 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on the accumulation of abdominal WAT in OLETF rats. However, 2 weeks feeding of the diet supplemented with 5% pomegranate seed oil resulted in a significant reduction of omental WAT weight (by 27%) compared with the feeding of control diet in OLETF rats (unpublished data). These results suggested that 2 weeks feeding of 1% pomegranate seed oil diet might not be enough to reveal anti-obese effect of 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA.

After the 2 weeks feeding period, OLETF rats revealed hyperlipidemia. Serum triacylglycerol, phospholipids, and cholesterol levels of OLETF rats fed the control diet were significantly higher than those of LETO rats fed the control diet (Figure 2). However, feeding of 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA did not affect to serum lipid levels in OLETF rats. Although the present results showing that dietary 1% pomegranate seed oil rich in 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA could not alleviate hyperlipidemia in OLETF rats, our previous report indicated that purified 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA suppressed the secretion of apolipoprotein B100 from human liver derived HepG2 cells [17]. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of purified 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia in OLETF rats.

Next, we investigated the effect of dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on the distribution of lipids to the liver. There was no significant difference in relative liver weight between control and 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA group in OLETF rats. Previous reports indicated that CLA feeding resulted in the development of hepatomegaly and fatty liver in mice [23-25], and a mixture of CLNA also induced hepatic lipid accumulation in rat [13]. In the present study, the triacylglycerol concentration in OLETF rats was significantly higher than that in LETO rats, and the triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver of OLETF rats was markedly alleviated by the 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet (Figure 3). There was no significant difference in liver phospholipids and cholesterol levels among groups in LETO and OLETF rats. These results suggest that 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA has a preventive effect against the triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver.

To further investigate the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, we analyzed the effect of dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on the activities of enzymes related to fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation. As shown in Figure 4A, the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and malic enzyme (ME), key enzymes of NADPH production, and fatty acid synthase (FAS), a key enzyme of fatty acid synthesis, were markedly increased in OLETF rats fed the control diet compared with LETO rats. There was no significant effect of dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on these enzyme activities in OLETF rats. The activities of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT), a key enzyme of fatty acid β-oxidation, and peroxisomal β-oxidation were not different between OLETF and LETO rats, and 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet did not affect on these activities in OLETF rats (Figure 4B). Koba et al. previously reported that a mixture of CLNA isomers, prepared by alkaline isomerization, enhanced hepatic mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation compared with linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and CLA [13]. Thus, we consider that the effect of 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on the fatty acid β-oxidation is weak compared with those of other CLNA isomers. In addition, the alleviation of hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA could not be attributed to the regulation of enzyme activities related to the fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation.

To gain insight into the effect of dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA on lipid metabolism, we analyzed fatty acid composition in serum triacylglycerol. As shown in Table 2, saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels were lower and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels were higher in OLETF rats fed the control diet than those in LETO rats. Feeding of 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA significantly reduced MUFA levels in plasma triacylglycerol of OLETF rats. It has been recognized that MUFAs are the major fatty acid form in fat depots [26]. Alterations in the ratio of SFA to MUFA have been implicated in various disease states including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes [27-29]. Therefore, the ratio of SFA to MUFA is of physiological importance in normal and disease states. A key enzyme involved in the cellular synthesis of MUFA from SFA is the membrane-bound stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), which inserts a cis-double bond in the delta-9 position of fatty acid substrates. Previous reports indicated that 10t, 12c-CLA, an active isomer of anti-obese effect of CLA, suppresses delta-9 desaturation and SCD activity in vitro and in vivo [30-32]. In the present study, the index of delta-9 desaturation, ratio of oleic acid (18:1) versus stearic acid (18:0), was higher in obese, hyperlipidemic OLETF rats compared with in lean LETO rats, and it was significantly decreased by dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA in OLETF rats. As far as we know, this is the first study showing that 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA also suppresses delta-9 desaturation in vivo. We suggest that the alleviation of hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation by dietary 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA was, at least in part, attributable to the suppression of delta-9 desaturation in OLETF rats.

Materials and Methods

Animals and diets

All aspects of the experiment were conducted according to the guidelines provided by the ethical committee of experimental animal care at Saga University. Five weeks old male OLETF rats and LETO rats, the progenitor of OLETF rats, were provided by Tokusima Research Institute (Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Tokushima, Japan). Rats were housed individually in metal cages in temperature-controlled room (24°C) under a 12-hour light/dark cycle. After a 1-week adaptation period, OLETF rats were assigned to two groups (six rats each) that were fed with a semisynthetic diet supplemented with 10% safflower oil (the control group) or a semisynthetic diet supplemented with 9% safflower oil and 1% pomegranate seed oil rich in 9cis, 11trans, 13cis-CLNA (the 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA group). LETO rats were fed the same diet as the OLETF rats in the control group. The pomegranate seed oil rich in 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA (69.0%) was prepared by Kaneka Co. (Hyogo, Japan). The semisynthetic diet were prepared according to recommendations of the AIN-76 [33] and contained (in weight %): casein, 20; fat, 10; cornstarch, 15; vitamin mixture (AIN-76), 1; mineral mixture (AIN-76), 3.5; DL-methionine, 0.3; choline bitartrate, 0.2; cellulose, 5; and sucrose, 45. The rats received different diets for 2 weeks and were killed by aortic exsanguinations under diethyl ether anesthesia. Liver and abdominal (perirenal, epididymal, and omental) WATs were also excised for analysis.

Analysis of lipids

Serum was separated by centrifuging the blood. Triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and phospholipids in serum were measured using enzyme assay kits from Wako Pure Chemicals (Tokyo, Japan). Liver lipids were extracted and purified according to the method of Folch et al [34]. The concentrations of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and phospholipids were measured according to the methods of Fletcher [35], Sperry and Webb [36], and Bartlett [37]. Measurement of fatty acid composition in plasma was carried out as previously described [38,39].

Preparation of liver subcellular fractions

A piece of liver was homogenized in 6 volumes of a 0.25 M sucrose solution that contained 1 mM EDTA in a 10 mM tris Tris-HCL buffer (pH 7.4). Fractions of mitochondria, microsomes, and cytosol were obtained as previously described[40]. The protein concentration was determined according to the method of Lowry et al [41], with bovine serum albumin used as the standard.

Assays of enzyme activity

The enzyme activities of ME (EC 1.1.1.40) [42], G6PDH (EC1.1.1.49) [43], FAS (EC 2.3.1.85) [44] in the liver cytosol fraction, mitochondrial CPT (EC2.3.1.23) [45] and peroxisomal β-oxidation [46] were determined as described.

Statistical analysis

All values are expressed as means ± SE. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and all differences were inspected by Duncan's new multiple-range test [47]. Differences were considered to be significant at P<0.05.

List of abbreviations

CFA, conjugated fatty acid; CLA, conjugated linoleic acid; CLNA, conjugated linolenic acid; OLETF rat, Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rat; LETO rat, Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka rat; WAT, white adipose tissue; G6PDH, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; ME, malic enzyme; FAS, fatty acid synthase; CPT, carnitine palmitoyltransferase; SFA, saturated fatty acid; MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acid; SCD, stearoyl-CoA desaturase

Acknowledgement

We thank Satoko Ikegami and Masanori Ushijima for technical assistance. This work was supported by a research grant from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.

Keisuke Arao , Yu-Ming Wang , Nao Inoue , Junichi Hirata , Jae-Young Cha , Koji Nagao and Teruyoshi Yanagita
Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan
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Pomegranate

UK's first pomegranate green tea launched

jagger — 2005-04-02T07:47:00Z

Granatapfeltee Info:

POMEGRANATE GREEN TEA THE DRINK TO BE SEEN WITH THIS SUMMER

J-LOS FAVOURITE LAUNCHES IN THE UK ON MAY 1

Drink producer AriZona has combined the incredible health enhancing powers of the pomegranate and green tea to make this summers ultimate taste sensation.

The antioxidant properties are known to protect the body against heart disease, certain types of cancer, Alzheimers and ageing.

AriZonas Pomegranate Green Tea is all natural, has no preservatives, no artificial flavours or colours and is made by brewing the finest green tea leaves and blending with pomegranate juice.

The drink, the latest from AriZona, will be launched in the UK on May 1.

It is already a huge hit in the United States with devotees including Jennifer Lopez.

J-Lo even had her supply of AriZona flown into the UK during her last visit.

Fellow A-list celebrities Madonna and Julia Roberts are huge fans of pomegranate juice.

The AriZona green tea range already boasts Asia Plum, Mandarin Orange and Ginseng and Honey.

Each one comes in eye-catching, Oriental-style glass bottles.

AriZona drinks are best enjoyed chilled and are perfect for lazy summer picnics.

AriZona is available for home delivery via www.arizona.uk.com or by calling 0870 351 1718.

The entire range is available in 12-bottle cases, priced £20.28 plus £4.95 delivery. Delivery takes two to three days.

The teas, which sell individually from £1.99, can also be purchased at UK airports, John Lewis restaurants, Moto stores and many restaurants, delis and farm shops around the UK.

GREEN TEA FACTS

· Green Tea is rich in catechin polyphenols and particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful anti-oxidant;
· Unlike other teas, Green Tea leaves are steamed rather than fermented, preventing the EGCG compound from being oxidized;
· A cup of green tea contains more antioxidants than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots or strawberries;
· The Green Teas are rich in Vitamin C, an important detox vitamin;
· Green tea has been used as a Chinese medicine for over 4000 years;

POMEGRANATE FACTS

· A daily glass of pomegranate juice reduces risk of heart disease and lowers blood pressure;
· Because of its many seeds the pomegranate has long stood as a symbol of fertility;
· The medicinal powers of the pomegranate are mentioned in Greek mythology. The Chinese mention pomegranate juice as a longevity drug;
· One pomegranate provides most of the bodys daily potassium and vitamin C needs;
· Dutch scientists are testing pure pomegranate seed oil on breast cancer patients;

http://www.responsesource.com

Pomegranate Ancient Fruit of Life Yields Modern Promise

jagger — 2005-04-02T07:42:00Z

By Stephen Laifer

In the ongoing quest to find new supplements to help us lead longer, healthier lives, science often returns to things that have been used regularly for thousands of years. A case in point is the pomegranate, whose yellowish-pink, seedy fruit has been a staple of Asian diets since ancient times.

Appropriately, in ancient Greek myth, the pomegranate represents life and regeneration.1 Its herbal use dates back more than 3,000 years, but contemporary science has rediscovered the pomegranates effectiveness in preventing a variety of potentially deadly diseases.2

Dozens of recent studies reveal the pomegranates surprising array of benefits. Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants that appear to inhibit the onset of atherosclerosis, reduce the risk of heart disease, and mediate high blood pressure. Pomegranate extract also has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties that are effective in suppressing a variety of cancers, including skin, breast, and colon cancers. The pomegranate has even shown effectiveness in alleviating depression in a mouse model of menopause.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a hardy, long-lived subtropical shrub originating in semi-arid regions of Asia.3 It has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole of the Mediter-ranean region since ancient times. Pomegranates are mentioned in Egyptian papyrus scrolls dating back to 1550 BC, and pomegranate branches form part of the decorative motif on the pillars of King Solomons temple.

Spanish settlers introduced pomegranates to California in 1769.4 In the US today, they are typically cultivated in the drier parts of California and Arizona.
Reining in Free Radicals

Free radicalsthe oxygen-reactive byproducts of normal cellular metabolism that attack healthy cellshave been implicated in the acceleration of the bodys natural aging processes. Free radicals can also be formed by external environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and other forms of air pollution.5 Damage by unchecked free-radical compounds can manifest as serious illnesses; for example, cancer is now known to be associated with free-radical damage to healthy cellular DNA.

More than a decade ago, pomegranate peel extracts were shown to possess significant antioxidant activity in various in-vitro models.6 An extract of pomegranate peel was fed to rats, which were then exposed to carbon tetrachloride, a toxic chemical. The pretreatment with pomegranate extract protected levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the rats. The pomegranate extract also helped to protect the rats livers from the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride.6

Another more recent study focused on the antioxidant effectiveness of plant pigments called bioflavonoids, commonly found in berries, cherries, grapes, and citrus. Pomegranate juice was found to exhibit three times more antioxidant activity than red wine or green tea.7 The active constituent that appears to be responsible is ellagic acid, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound in pomegranates.
Unclogging Arteries

Numerous studies of atherosclerosis suggest that the disease is at least partly caused by free-radical reactions involving diet-derived lipids that induce harmful changes in the arterial walls.8

A recent study by the Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel, explored dietary supplementation with polyphenolic antioxidants in animals. The researchers noted that pomegranate juice was associated with the inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and with slowing the development of atherosclerosis.9

The Israeli researchers further ascertained the effects of pomegranate juice consumption by atherosclerotic patients with carotid artery stenosis (a narrowing of the carotid artery walls). Ten patients supplemented with the juice for one year. In the pomegranate-supplemented group, carotid intima-media thickness, an indicator of atherosclerosis progression, was reduced by up to 30%. By contrast, in a control group that did not consume pomegranate juice, carotid intima-media thickness increased by 9% over 12 months. Moreover, in the pomegranate-supplemented patients, serum LDL levels were also significantly reduced while serum total antioxidant status increased by 130% after one year.9
Reducing Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects an estimated 50 million Americans and augments the risk for stroke, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and kidney disease. Pomegranates may be of benefit in modulating this often silent yet potentially lethal risk factor for heart disease.

In the Israeli study, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 21% after one year of pomegranate juice consumption.9 This effect is believed to be related to the particularly potent antioxidant properties of pomegranate polyphenols.

A similar study at the same research facility examined consumption of pomegranate juice to ascertain its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. Researchers studied the effect on hypertensive patients of daily consumption of 50 ml of pomegranate juice. After two weeks, a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure was noted, along with a 36% decrease in serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity.10 Reduc-tion in serum ACE activity has previously been shown to attenuate atherosclerosis, independent of its effects on blood pressure. The study authors concluded, Pomegranate juice can offer wide protection against cardiovascular diseases, which could be related to its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and on serum ACE activity.
Improving Lipid Profiles

A recent Iranian study examined the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice on lipid profiles of type II diabetes patients with elevated blood lipids, or hyperlipidemia. The patients supplemented with pomegranate juice for eight weeks. The study participants saw significant reductions in their total cholesterol, LDL, LDL:HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio, and total cholesterol:HDL ratio. Serum HDL and triglycerides did not change significantly. The study authors concluded that consumption of concentrated pomegranate extract may modify heart-disease risk factors in patients with high cholesterol.11 Further research is needed to determine whether pomegranate helps lower blood lipid levels in non-diabetic individuals.
Anti-Tumor-Promoting Effects

In recent years, chemoprevention has received as much attention as chemotherapy in the fight against cancer. The search for new ways to stop cancer before its onset has led investigators to examine a wide variety of natural agents. A recent study at the University of Wisconsin argues that agents capable of intervening at more than one critical pathway in the process of carcinogenesis will have greater advantage over other single-target agents.12

The Wisconsin researchers found that pomegranate fruit extract possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract was evaluated for anti-tumor-promoting effects, specifically involving topical application against skin tumors. The researchers concluded that animals pretreated with pomegranate fruit extract showed 70% less tumor incidence compared to animals that did not receive it. The study authors believe that their results provide clear evidence that [pomegranate fruit extract] possesses anti-skin-tumor-promoting effects, and may possess chemopreventive activity in a wide range of tumor models.12

These findings support the promising results of a pair of 2003 studies in South Dakota and Japan that explored pomegranate seed oil as a safe and effective agent against skin cancer and colon cancer tumors, respectively.13,14 In a 2002 study, pomegranate seed oil inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cells up to 90%, while fermented pomegranate juice polyphenols inhibited 47% of cancerous lesion formation in mammary gland cells from mice.15 Ellagic acid, a polyphenol derived from pomegranate, has been identified to have potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-atherosclerotic properties.16
No Known Toxicity

A variety of recent studies have demonstrated that pomegranate, in various forms, can be included as part of a healthy lifestyle with no risk of toxic reactions. A Cuban study, for example, found that two doses of pomegranate extract (0.4 and 1.2 mg per kilogram of body weight, respectively) given to rats produced no toxic effects in terms of food intake, weight gain, or behavioral or biochemical factors.17

Another study took these results further, examining still higher doses of pomegranate extract administered orally to rats for 37 days.18 No significant differences in toxicity were found in the treated rats in any of the blood parameters analyzed, a finding corroborated by analyses of both the liver and kidney.

Until recently, adding the benefits of pomegranate to the diet has presented something of a challenge. The fruit itself is messy and rather difficult to prepare due to its large number of seeds. Prepackaged pomegranate juice, either pure or in concentrate, remains relatively scarce in Western supermarkets and health food stores. Encapsulated or powdered forms of pomegranate extract are becoming much more widely available, making it easier to control the daily dosage. Most packaging lists the ellagic acid content by percentage. The good news for members of the Life Extension Foundation is that a standardized pomegranate extract containing 32% ellagic acid has just been added to the popular Life Extension Mix formula.
Conclusion

The pomegranate, an ancient fruit whose regenerative properties have been celebrated for thousands of years, has come under growing scrutiny by medical researchers seeking natural agents for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases.

In numerous recent experiments, pomegranates have been shown to contain powerful antioxidant compounds that scientists believe may inhibit atherosclerosis, cut the risk of heart disease, and help to modulate high blood pressure. Pomegranate extract also has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties that appear to suppress skin, breast, colon, and other cancers.

These varied and very promising disease-promoting effects are likely to make the pomegranate the focus of modern medical research for some time to come.
References

1. New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. London: Hamly; 1983.

2. Brown D. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley; 1995.

3. Morton J. Fruits of warm climates. Creative Resource Systems, Inc.; 1987:352-5.

4. Butterfield HM. A history of subtropical fruits and nuts in California. University of California, Agricultural Experiment Station. 1963.

5. Langseth L. Oxidants, antioxidants and disease prevention. International Life Science Institute, Belgium; 1996.

6. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayaprakasha GK, Singh RP. Studies on antioxidant activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract using in vivo models. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 14;50(17):4791-5.

7. Gil MI, Tomas-Barberan FA, Hess-Pierce B, Holcroft DM, Kader AA. Antioxidant activitiy of pomegranate juice and its relationship with phenolic composition and processing. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Oct;48(10):4581-9.

8. Harman D. Role of free radicals in aging and disease. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1992 Dec 26; 673:126-41.

9. Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Gaitini D, et al. Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33.

10. Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis. 2001 Sep;158(1):195-8.

11. Esmaillzadeh A, Tahbaz F, Gaieni I, Alavi- Majd H, Azadbakht L. Concentrated pomegranate juice improves lipid profiles in diabetic patients with hyperlipi- demia. J Med Food. 2004 Fall;7(3):305-8.

12. Afaq F, Saleem M, Krueger CG, Reed JD, Mukhtar H. Anthocyanin-and hydrolyzable tannin-rich pomegranate fruit extract modulates MAPK and NF-kappaB path- ways and inhibits skin tumorigenesis in CD-1 mice. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 28.

13. Hora JJ, Maydew ER, Lansky EP, Dwivedi C. Chemopreventive effects of pomegranate seed oil on skin tumor development in CD1 mice. J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):157- 61.

http://www.lef.org
pomegrante news

Archeology Pomegranate antiquity turns out to be a fake

jagger — 2005-03-24T08:07:00Z

The item in question is a thumb-sized piece of ivory carved into the shape of a pomegranate. It was thought to have been the top of a sceptre carried by the high priest of the Temple. Proof of this belief came from an inscription on it in ancient Hebrew lettering, reading: Belonging to the Temple of the Lord (Yahweh), holy to the priests. However, a recent analysis by a team of experts had revealed that the inscription is a recent addition, and that the pomegranate is in fact a Bronze Age artifact, dating to 1,400 BC, long before the building of Solomon's Temple.

Until being denounced as a fake, the pomegranate was a vital piece of evidence for the existence of the so-called First Temple, which has yet to be archaeologically proved. The temple is said to have been built some time early in the 1st millennium BC, and to have been situated somewhere near, or under, the Muslim Dome of the Rock. This temple, called Solomon's Temple, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC and no trace of it has ever been discovered.

Pomegranate Juice Cuts Cardiovascular Risks

jagger — 2005-03-23T08:08:00Z

By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- A large glass of pomegranate juice a day may help keep the heart doctor away.

Italian and American scientists report that pomegranate juice helped keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls in mice, and kept human heart cells healthier.

"Mice that drank pomegranate juice were able to significantly reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, [by] at least 30 percent," said study co-author Dr. Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples School of Medicine in Italy.

The findings appear in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Pomegranates, a native Middle Eastern fruit, are finding their way into more and more homes in the United States. The fruit contains crunchy seeds surrounded by juicy pulp and is a good source of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

"Pomegranates are fun to eat, but messy," noted Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. For that reason, she said, "juice may be a better option."

Napoli and his colleagues tested the effects of pomegranate juice in mice that were bred to have high cholesterol and on human heart cells in culture.

Previous studies, according to Napoli, have suggested the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice might reduce plaque buildup on artery walls and reduce oxidative stress on endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels. These cells produce nitric oxide, a substance that helps the blood vessels relax.

The researchers found that heart cells treated with pomegranate juice had a 50 percent increase in nitric oxide production, and that mice given pomegranate juice reduced the rate of plaque buildup by about 30 percent.

"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli noted.

The researchers don't know the exact reason why pomegranate juice appears to protect artery walls from fatty deposits, but they suspect that the increased nitric oxide production may play a role, and that polyphenols -- powerful antioxidants contained in pomegranates and other foods -- may directly protect the arteries by reducing oxidative stress.

Other fruits and juices that contain polyphenols include blueberries, cranberries, oranges and grapes. Red wine also contains polyphenols, Napoli said.

Heller pointed out that while pomegranates are very healthy and high in antioxidants, they can be expensive and aren't always easy to find. Plus, she said, "all fruits and vegetables are just packed with healthy phytochemicals." Examples she cited as being high in antioxidants include berries, beans, apples, pecans and artichokes, just to name a few.

Heller also noted that the study was done primarily on mice and that data from mice don't always extrapolate to humans. But, she added, "the phytochemicals in pomegranates, which are also present in other fruits and vegetables, are really very good for us, and do help prevent certain chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer."

Napoli said that while it is hard to extrapolate data from mice to humans, an equivalent amount of pomegranate juice for humans would be the equivalent of about 16 ounces daily.

http://www.forbes.com

Pomegranate Juice Fights Heart Disease, Study Says

jagger — 2005-03-23T08:05:00Z

Stefan Lovgren
for National Geographic News

In the mythology of ancient Babylonia, pomegranate was considered an agent of resurrection. Now there is scientific evidence for the fruit's restorative powers.

According to a new study, antioxidants contained in pomegranate juice may help reduce the formation of fatty deposits on artery walls. Antioxidants are compounds that limit cell damage.

Scientists have tested the juice in mice and found that it combats hardening of the arteries (atherogenesis) and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.

"In this experimental study, we have established that polyphenols [antioxidant chemicals] and other natural compounds contained in the pomegranate juice may retard atherogenesis," said Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples, Italy.

The research is published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Legendary Powers

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is native to a region ranging from Iran to the Himalaya. It later spread to the Mediterranean area and now grows in most of the United States.

The apple-size fruit, which grows on rounded plants 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) tall, contains a sack of seeds and a juicy pulp.

In ancient Greece pomegranate was known as the fruit of the dead. In Hebrew tradition pomegranates adorned the vestments of the high priest. Ancient Persians believed that pomegranate seeds made their warriors invincible. In China the fruit symbolized longevity.

Scientists have long known about health benefits of pomegranates. The latest study, in particular, shows that the juice limits the genetic tendency toward hardening of the arteries.

"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli said.

The study was done at the University of Naples, Italy, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

The researchers used mice to test the health effects of pomegranate juice. The fruit juice is rich in natural polyphenols, including tannins and anthocyanins, which have protective effects on the arterial wall.

"Although it is difficult to extrapolate human indications from experimental data, it is conceivable that 500 milliliters [1 pint] of pomegranate juice may exert some beneficial effects in patients with early stages of atherosclerotic diseases," Napoli said.

Other Juices

The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was found to be higher than that in other natural juices, such as blueberry, cranberry, and orange juices, as well as red wine.

Scientists have found that polyphenols from red wine can reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Black tea consumption also reverses endothelial dysfunction (damage to the cell structure of the arteries) in patients with chronic heart disease.

Similarly, the polyphenols contained in purple grape juice have also been found to have beneficial effects on patients with coronary heart disease.

Napoli points out that not every antioxidant study has confirmed that the chemicals can help prevent heart attacks. "Certain large clinical trials employing different antioxidants have failed to show any beneficial effects in the prevention of major cardiovascular events," He said.

He said the models employed in experimental studies may not precisely reflect the disease in humans.

"We need to study the effects of these substances in patients with early stages of atherosclerotic diseases," Napoli said. "Aged patients with advanced stages of atherosclerosis are not the best candidates to this therapeutic approach."

http://news.nationalgeographic.com

Antioxidants in Pomegranate Juice May Fight Hardening of the Arteries

jagger — 2005-03-22T07:45:22Z

Pomegranate Juice May Clear Clogged Arteries

March 21, 2005 -- Forget the coffee or orange juice: A new study shows that pomegranate juice should be the beverage of choice to fight hardening of the arteries.

Researchers found that pomegranate juice not only appears to prevent hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, but the antioxidant-rich juice may also reverse the progression of this disease.

Hardening of the arteries, known medically as atherosclerosis, refers to the build up of plaque in the walls of arteries. This causes decreased blood flow that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Pomegranate Juice Soothes Stressed Arteries

In the study, researchers tested the effects of pomegranate juice on samples of human cells that line blood vessels. The cells were exposed to excessive physical stress, such as might occur with high blood pressure.

Cells that were treated with pomegranate juice had less evidence of damage from the stress.

In addition, tests on mice showed that pomegranate juice significantly slowed hardening of the arteries that developed from high cholesterol.

If further studies show those results in humans, researchers say pomegranate juice may be useful in both prevention and treatment of heart disease.

Pomegranate Tops Other Juices

The tests showed that pomegranate juice reduced the effects of stress on human blood vessel cells by stimulating the production of nitric oxide. This chemical is thought to help keep arteries open and keep blood flowing.

Researchers say the beneficial effects of pomegranate juice on hardening of the arteries are likely largely due to its high antioxidant content. The study showed that the antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was higher than that found in other fruit juices, including blueberry, cranberry, orange, and even red wine.

Previous studies on red wine, black tea, and purple grape juice have already indicated these antioxidant-rich beverages can protect arteries from damage by improving blood flow. However, large clinical trials using different antioxidants have yet to show that antioxidants can prevent heart attacks and other major heart-related events.

The results of this study appear in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News
http://my.webmd.com

Fisch mit Granatapfel- und Walnussfülle

jagger — 2005-02-16T17:44:10Z

Rezept-Vorschlag für vier Personen
Zutaten

4 ganze kleine Fische
4 EL Öl
150 g fein gehackte Zwiebel
125 g gehackte Walnusskerne
eine halbe Tasse fein gehackte Petersilie
3 EL frische Granatapfel-Kerne
Zubereitung

Den Backofen auf 200 Grad Celsius vorheizen. Die Fische unter fließendem kaltem Wasser waschen. Die Fische mit Küchenpapier trocken tupfen und innen und außenmit Salz einreiben. Fische in eine flache Backform legen und mit zwei Esslöffeln Öl bestreichen. Im restlichen Öl Zwiebel goldbraun garen. Die Walnüsse dazu geben und drei Minuten braten. Petersilie, Granatapfelkerne, Salz und Pfeffer hinzu fügen. Die Fische mit der Masse füllen und die Öffnung mit Zahnstochern schließen. Im Backrohr 40 bis 50 Minuten backen. Mit dem sich ansammelnden Saft öfter übergießen. Die Fische sind gar, wenn sie sich bei leichtem Fingerdruck fest anfühlen.

von:
http://www.wien.gv.at/ma38/nahr/fruechte/rezepte/granatapfel.htm

Pomegranates have a long history; they're even in Bible

jagger — 2005-01-21T10:20:00Z

http://www.sun-sentinel.com

I held a huge pomegranate in my hand last night and, before I tore the leathery skin off to get at the seeds inside, I couldn't help admire the ruby-tinged globe. Every time I bite into a pomegranate, I feel like I'm eating something larger than just a fruit.

After all, this fruit has been around forever. The Old Testament makes numerous references to the pomegranate. Egyptians placed them in their tombs to ensure safe passage to the next world. The Chinese use them as wedding gifts, and Jewish cultures include pomegranates in their New Years celebrations.

Folklore medicinal references aside, modern researchers are finding amazing health benefits from the high-quality antioxidants in this fruit. Pomegranate juice can be found in most supermarkets and natural-food stores. It makes a great shake or smoothie. One of my all-time favorite ingredients, pomegranate molasses, is available as well.

Pomegranates have a popularity challenge. Part of the problem is, most Americans don't really know what to do with them. To compound the challenge of pomegranate acceptance, we also seem to have "seed aversion." I love cracking open a pomegranate and admiring the seeds. Each of the beauties is surrounded by intensely colored red flesh (these are called arils). Pomegranate seeds can be eaten out of hand or used in dishes.

I combine the seeds with toasted walnuts as a garnish for salads. Last night I served ice cream for dessert sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. I throw them in my son's cereal as well.

My fascination with pomegranates led me to the bookstore where I found a recently published paperback cookbook called Pomegranates (Ten Speed, 2004, $14.95) by Ann Kleinberg. I've tried a couple of the simple recipes and found one, the Pomegranate Guacamole, is fabulous. Try this recipe with ripe Haas avocados and a big juicy pomegranate. I serve it with pita bread or crispy flatbreads.

Steve Petusevsky is the owner of Chef Steve's, 2221 N. Commerce Parkway, Weston, 954-385-5600, and the author of The Whole Foods Market Cookbook (Clarkson Potter, 2002). If you have questions for him, write Vegetarian Today, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33301-2293. Or send an e-mail with your full name, address and telephone number to dhartz@sun-sentinel.com with "Vegetarian Today" in the subject line. Personal replies are not possible.

Pomegranate juice: Miracle in a bottle?

jagger — 2005-01-21T10:16:11Z

http://daily.stanford.edu
By Jillian Wong
Thursday, January 20, 2005

Ever heard a beverage referred to as intriguing? A super power? The newly popular POM Wonderful brand of pomegranate juice would have you believe its product is all this and more.

According to the companys web site, the juice contains more antioxidant power than any other drink. But what does this mean? And more importantly, is it true of the increasingly pricey pomegranate juice, or is it nothing more than a passing craze?

Squeezed from the reddish-purple pomegranate fruit, the juice has been advertised as a tasty defender against disease, not to mention free radicals unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells and lead to a litany of major health problems: Alzheimers, heart disease, rapid aging, high cholesterol and some cancers.

The human body is exposed to free radicals, also known as oxidants, every day. Cigarette smoke, for example, releases concentrated amounts of free radicals that are then inhaled. On top of external sources, every cell in the body generates tens of thousands of oxidants every day.

A study conducted at UC-Davis found that pomegranate juice contains nearly three times as many antioxidants as other top free-radical blockers, including blueberry juice and red wine.

Pomegranates also contain tannins, anthocyanins and polyphenols, which fight disease, according to a study conducted at the Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel.

Freshman Sommer Panage not only enjoys the health benefits of pomegranate juice, but also its taste.

I drank pomegranate juice knowing that it contains vitamin C and potassium, and that it helps to prevent cancer, she said. I personally really loved the sweet taste of the juice, but I know that its one of those things where you might like it, but the person next to you doesnt.

But POM doesnt have everyone running to the supermarket. Many remain skeptical of the juices trendy image.

For one thing, the pomegranates popularity has turned it into quite the delicacy. Its no mystery why the ubiquitous advertisements never mention the price. According to the POM Wonderful website, the average price for a medium-sized bottle of the juice is $5, pretty steep compared to $1 bottles of Dasani water available in campus vending machines.

Students looking to integrate pomegranate juice into their diets without making a dent in their spending money might consider mixing the drink with tonic water for a tangy cocktail or orange juice for a breakfast boost.

But even though some advertisements brag that the beverage will fulfill ones wildest antioxidant dreams, experts say it is far from being a nutritional silver bullet.

Vaden nutritionist Vivian Crisman, for one, doesnt buy into the all too recent hype surrounding pomegranate juice.

Yes, it is very high in antioxidants, and thus being touted as having significant health benefits, she said. But is it a miracle drink? No, I dont view any one food as a miracle food. It can be part of a well-rounded diet, high in fruits and vegetables.

Yet even if one wants to sport a cute bottle of POM around campus, he or she will have to find a ride to Safeway, since the drink is not distributed on campus.

This does not mean, however, that there arent many ways to meet ones antioxidant quota during the day. Easily accessible sources including gingko biloba, green tea, orange juice and vegetables with distinct colors like tomatoes, broccoli and corn are all available in dorm dining halls, and might go a little easier on your wallet.

Pomegranate Extract Blocks Skin Tumors in Mice

jagger — 2005-01-21T10:14:18Z

http://www.reuters.com

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) can block skin tumor formation in mice exposed to a cancer-causing agent, according to a report in the International Journal of Cancer.

Dr. Hasan Mukhtar and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin at Madison conducted a variety of experiments to test the anti-cancer effects of PFE, a chemical with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In mice, putting PFE on the skin before exposure to the cancer-causing substance TPA inhibited the skin swelling and excessive cell growth that typically occurs. Moreover, mice treated with PFE developed fewer skin tumors than untreated mice.

Further studies are needed to determine if PFE affects other cancers and whether the findings apply to humans.

SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, January 20, 2005.

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