Based on a new long-term study, researchers believe pomegranate juice may slow the progression of post-treatment prostate cancer recurrence.

The clinical trial has followed 48 participants during the last six years. The men had a rising PSA after surgery or radiotherapy and were asked to drink eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily.

In the sixth year of the treatment, the scientists found that active patients who remain on the study are experiencing a significantly slower PSA doubling time compared to those who no longer participate.

“This study suggests that pomegranate juice may effectively slow the progression of prostate cancer after unsuccessful treatment,” says Dr. Christopher Amling, a spokesman for the American Urological Association (AUA).

“This finding and other ongoing research might one day reveal that pomegranate juice is an effective prostate cancer preventative agent as well,” he adds.

The results of the study were recently presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of AUA, and phase three of this study is currently underway to evaluate the benefits of pomegranate juice in a placebo-controlled manner.