The team identified beta-sitosterol - a steroid that can inhibit
the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine - as the main constituent of
pomegranate seed extract. The research suggests that pomegranate extract could
be used as a natural stimulant to encourage the uterus to contract during
labour.
Pomegranate juice is thought to have a number of health benefits, from
lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to protecting against some cancers, but
until now there has been no evidence to demonstrate its effects on the uterus.
Researchers investigated pomegranate seed extract - more highly concentrated
than pomegranate juice - and its effect on uterine smooth muscle samples.
Professor Sue Wray, from the University's Department of Physiology, said:
'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 labours. 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.
'It is important for us to investigate how the uterus works and what happens
when it does not contract normally so that women experiencing problems during
labour do not have to undergo major surgery to deliver a healthy baby.'
Dr Sajeera Kupittayanant, from Suranaree's Institute of Science, explains:
'We found that beta-sitosterol was the main constituent of pomegranate extract,
a steroid present in many plant species, but particularly rich in pomegranate
seed. We added the extract to uterus tissue samples from animals and found that
the muscle cells increased their activity. Our work suggests that the increase
is due to a rise in calcium, which is necessary in order for any muscle to
contract, but is usually affected by hormones, nerve impulses and some drug
treatments.
'The next step is to investigate how beta-sitosterol in pomegranate extract
could increase calcium, but it could prove to be a significant step forward in
identifying new ways of treating dysfunctional labour.'
The research, published in Reproductive Sciences, will support work being
conducted at a new centre dedicated to improving experiences in pregnancy and
childbirth for women across the world. The Centre for Better Births will bring
together researchers and clinicians to improve understanding in areas such as
premature labour, recurrent miscarriage and prolonged labour.
Source:
University of Liverpool