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Pomegranate Extract and Uterine Contractions
January 28, 2010New animal evidence suggests that pomegranate seed extract may stimulate uterine contractions.
The researchers first evaluated the constituents of pomegranate seeds and determined that beta-sitosterol was the main constituent. The authors then compared the effects of beta-sitosterol and pomegranate seed extract on uterus muscle samples from rats.
"Previous study has suggested that the pomegranate's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have a positive impact on health. We wanted to understand its effect on uterine contractions to help us explore new ways of treating women who may experience difficult labors. Currently, the only available drug to treat women with a poorly contracting uterus is oxytocin, a hormone which only works approximately 50% of the time," said Sue Wray, a physiology professor from the University of Liverpool and one of the study authors.
The researchers found that the pomegranate extract significantly increased spontaneous uterine contractions in a dose-dependent manner. Beta-sitosterol produced similar results.
However, these results are preliminary, and additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.
For more information about pomegranate, please visit Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
Promprom W, Kupittayanant P, Indrapichate K, et al. The Effects of Pomegranate Seed Extract and B-Sitosterol on Rat Uterine Contractions. Reprod Sci. 2009 Dec 4.
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