08/04/2026
Pomegranate is one of the more genuinely interesting fruits in cancer research, because the story does not stop at the lab bench. In laboratory studies, pomegranate compounds slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells. Then, in an early clinical trial at UCLA, men whose PSA was rising after prostate cancer treatment drank pomegranate juice daily, and their PSA doubling time, essentially how fast the marker was climbing, slowed significantly, suggesting the cancer's activity may have slowed too.
That said, context is important. This was a small, early, single-group trial, and larger, more rigorous follow-up studies have had mixed results, some showing benefit and others showing no clear advantage over placebo. So this does not prove pomegranate treats prostate cancer, and it is not a substitute for medical care.
What is not in doubt is that pomegranate is a nutritious, antioxidant-rich fruit worth enjoying as part of a healthy diet, and the prostate findings remain a promising lead that researchers continue to explore.
This is general information, not medical advice. Men with prostate cancer or a rising PSA should always work with their doctor.
Source: Pantuck AJ et al. Clinical Cancer Research, (UCLA pomegranate juice trial).