The ruby red juice from the pomegranate fruit, shown to stem the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice, may lead to a breakthrough in human prostate treatment.
Research by the University of Wisconsin has found that the tough-skinned Middle Eastern fruit contains anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which may dramatically decrease the growth of cancer cells.
Lead researcher Professor Hasan Mukhtar, told the BBC: "Our study, while early, adds to growing evidence that pomegranates contain very powerful agents against cancer, particularly prostate cancer."
The scientists discovered the power of the pomegranate juice against cancer by injecting mice with prostate cancer cells and then giving one group water and the other pomegranate-supplemented water.
The progression of the cancer was found to slow in the mice receiving the water with the dose of pomegranate juice.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 30,000 individuals diagnosed with the disease every year, 10,000 of whom die.
Research by scientists earlier this month showed that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day is beneficial to those suffering from coronary heart disease and can prevent cardiovascular diseases from developing.