The Role of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Cancer Prevention and Treatment - Modulating Signaling Pathways From Inflammation to Metastasis

Sep 23, 2026

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is presented as a traditional medicinal agent with evidence that its extracts modulate multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. Reported effects span inflammation, angiogenesis, hyperproliferation, cellular transformation, and tumorigenesis, contributing to reduced advanced metastasis and tumorigenic processes. The review links activity to the high polyphenol content of pomegranate extracts and highlights their inhibitory actions on signaling cascades associated with cancer. Cancer is emphasized as a leading global cause of death, motivating dietary strategies and nutritional supplement use.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Food Science & Nutrition REVIEW OPEN ACCESS The Role of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Modulating Signaling Pathways From Inflammation to Metastasis Abdur Rauf1 | Ahmed Olatunde2 | Zuneera Akram3 | Hassan A. Hemeg4 | Abdullah S. M. Aljohani5 | Waleed Al Abdulmonem6 | Ahood Khalid7 | Anees Ahmed Khalil7 | Md. Rezaul Islam8 | Rekha Thiruvengadam9 | Seung-Hyun Kim10 | Muthu Thiruvengadam10 1Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan | 2Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | 3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan | 4Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Medinah, Al-Monawara, Saudi Arabia | 5Department of Medical Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia | 6Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia | 7University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan | 8Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh | 9Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India | 10Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Correspondence: Md. Rezaul Islam ([rezaul29-1301@diu.edu.bd](rezaul29-1301@diu.edu.bd)) | Muthu Thiruvengadam ([thiruv30@gmail.com](thiruv30@gmail.com)) Received: 12 September 2024 | Revised: 27 November 2024 | Accepted: 30 November 2024 Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work. Keywords: angiogenesis | apoptosis | metastasis | neoplastic | pomegranate ABSTRACT Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, is a traditional medicinal agent owing to its antiquity. The scientific literature has shown that pomegranate extracts exhibit favorable modulation of diverse signaling pathways. These pathways encompass those implicated in inflammation, angiogenesis, hyperproliferation, cellular transformation, tumorigenesis initiation, and ultimately, a reduction in advanced metastasis and tumorigenesis. Pomegranate extracts in this context can be attributed to their high polyphenol content, which has been observed to possess inhibitory properties toward specific signaling pathways associated with cancer. As a formidable pathology, cancer is the most significant cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease. The annual incidence of cancer-related mortality has increased progressively. Modifying one's dietary patterns, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining an optimal body mass index are three straightforward measures that an individual may undertake to mitigate their susceptibility to cancer. Incorporating diverse vegetables and fruits into one's dietary regimen exhibits promising potential for preventing a minimum of 20% cancer incidence and approximately 200,000 cancerrelated mortalities annually. Vegetables and fruits contain high levels of minerals and phytochemicals, which help alleviate and prevent the harmful effects of cancer. These substances are safe and exhibit minimal toxicity in biological systems. Furthermore, they exhibit antioxidant properties and have garnered extensive approval for their use as nutritional supplements. Pomegranates are used in ancient cultures to prevent and treat various diseases. Extensive research on pomegranate extract, fruit, oil, and juice has revealed promising findings regarding their potential anti-proliferative, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory properties through the modification of various signaling pathways related to cancer, thus demonstrating their potential as dr

FAQs

What are the main cancer-related pathways that pomegranate is reported to modulate?

Pomegranate extracts are reported to modulate pathways involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, hyperproliferation, cellular transformation, and tumorigenesis, ultimately reducing advanced metastasis.

What active component is associated with the anti-cancer signaling effects?

The review attributes the effects largely to pomegranate’s high polyphenol content, which shows inhibitory properties toward specific signaling pathways linked to cancer.

How does the document frame lifestyle or dietary approaches for cancer risk reduction?

It emphasizes modifying dietary patterns, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining an optimal body mass index, alongside incorporating fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals and minerals.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Emma Wilson