The birth of a child is painless

Scientists at the University of Liverpool and Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, have discovered a group of naturally occurring compounds of steroids produced in pomegranate seeds that can be used to stimulate infertility. supply.

The team has identified the substance Beta-sitosterol - a steroid that can inhibit absorption of intestinal cholesterol - the main component of pomegranate seed extract. Research shows that pomegranate extract can be used as a natural stimulant for the uterus during labor in pregnant women.

Pomegranate juice is believed to have a number of health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, to its ability to fight some cancers; but so far there is no evidence of its effect on the uterus. Scientists have studied pomegranate extract - which has a much higher concentration of substances than pomegranate juice - and its effect on smooth muscle uterus.

Professor Sue Wray, University of Physiology, said: "Previous studies have shown that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances in pomegranates have a positive impact on health. We want to find out. its effect on uterine contractions to help find new ways to help women who are difficult to give birth, currently Oxytocin is the only drug to treat this condition, but this hormone only works in about 50 cases'.

'We need to understand the mechanism of uterine activity and find out what happens when the uterus does not contract as usual. Since then, it can help women who are difficult to give birth without having to undergo surgery to have a healthy baby. '

Dr. Sajeera Kupittayanant, Suranaree Institute of Science, explained: "We have discovered that the Beta-sitosterol is a major component of pomegranate extract, which is a steroid present in many plants, but most in We gave this extract to the animal uterine tissue sample and found that muscle cells increased activity, our study showed that this increase in activity was due to the increase in calcium - a It is essential for the activity of any muscle, but this increase in calcium is often affected by some hormones, nerve impulses and some medications ".

"The next step is to find out how Beta-sitosterol in pomegranate extract can increase calcium; however, this finding may be an important step in finding new ways to treat the condition. difficult to give birth ".

This study, published in Reproductive Sciences, will support a program being conducted in a center for improving experience during pregnancy and childbirth for products. Worldwide. The Center for Better Births will bring researchers and doctors to improve understanding for pregnant women in areas such as premature birth, miscarriage and difficult birth.

However, more research is needed on whether or not eating or drinking pomegranate juice affects the uterus.