A journal of the American Association for Cancer Research published a study in Cancer Prevention Research revealed that the fruit as pomegranates contain a naturally occurring chemical, known as a phytochemical, called Ellagic acid, which prevents cancer cells from developing.

The study claims that the new drug blocks the production of estrogen, which can fuel the growth of cancer cells, thereby preventing cancer. The study has supported to warrant further studies with pomegranates.

According to Professor Gary Stoner from the Department of Internal Medicine at Ohio State University, the results are promising enough to warrant more experiments with pomegranate in animals and humans.

However, experts said that it is unclear about the dose required to have an effect in humans and it would not be possible to gain enough from diet alone.

Prof Stoner added that people "might consider consuming more pomegranates to protect against cancer development in the breast and perhaps in other tissues and organs".

However, further research is needed to analyze the individual components and the combination of the chemicals to comprehend the related potential risks and benefits of using pomegranate juice or isolated compounds for a health benefit or for cancer prevention, claimed Dr Powel Brown, medical oncologist and chairman of the Clinical Cancer Prevention Department at the University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Centre.