Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Pomella Pomegranate Extract

Q: Is pomegranate extract safe?

Pomegranate extract is generally safe, but individuals should consult healthcare providers, especially if they are on medications or have underlying health conditions.

Q: When should I take pomegranate extract?

There is no specific timing recommended, but taking the supplement with meals may enhance bioavailability.

Q: What results can I expect from taking pomegranate extract?

Users can expect reductions in inflammatory markers, improvements in skin health, and potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Q: Is pomegranate extract beneficial for all metabolic diseases?

No, it is a misconception that pomegranate extract has universal benefits; its effects are more specific to certain conditions like PCOS, T2DM, and NAFLD.

Also known as: Punica granatum, Pomegranate, Pomella Pomegranate Extract

Overview

Pomegranate (*Punica granatum* L.) extract is derived from the fruit, which is rich in phytochemicals such as ellagitannins, gallotannins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily used to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. The extract is often standardized to punicalagins, the key bioactive compounds responsible for many of its health benefits. Research on pomegranate extract is moderately advanced, with numerous studies evaluating its effects on various health outcomes. The available evidence includes high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, although some variability in outcomes and populations studied exists. Pomegranate extract is available in various forms, including capsules and dietary supplements, and is generally considered safe for consumption.

Benefits

Pomegranate extract offers several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis showed significant reductions in inflammatory markers like hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health. Specifically, hs-CRP was reduced by -6.57 mg/L, IL-6 by -1.68 pg/mL, and TNF-α by -2.37 pg/mL (p < 0.001). Additionally, a study found that 250 mg of Pomella pomegranate extract daily for four weeks improved skin health by reducing facial wrinkle severity and improving transepidermal water loss. It also alters the gut microbiome. Furthermore, pomegranate extract has shown promise in improving insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels in patients with PCOS, T2DM, and NAFLD. These benefits make pomegranate extract a valuable supplement for individuals looking to support cardiovascular, skin, and metabolic health.

How it works

Pomegranate extract primarily works through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive compounds in the extract, such as punicalagins, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. This modulation of inflammatory pathways benefits the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function and reducing vascular inflammation. Additionally, pomegranate extract interacts with the skin and gut microbiome, leading to improvements in skin health. At the molecular level, it targets pathways like NF-κB, involved in inflammation, and mTOR and PI3K, which are involved in cell proliferation and survival.

Side effects

Pomegranate extract is generally considered safe, with no common adverse reactions reported in the reviewed studies. There are no commonly reported side effects (>5%) associated with its supplementation. Uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have not been identified in the reviewed studies. However, limited evidence exists regarding drug interactions, so consulting healthcare providers is advisable, especially for individuals on medications for cardiovascular diseases or other conditions. No specific contraindications have been identified, but caution should be exercised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of comprehensive studies in these populations. Patients with metabolic diseases (e.g., T2DM, NAFLD, PCOS) should be monitored for potential effects on insulin resistance and sensitivity.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of pomegranate extract is not well-defined, but studies have used doses ranging from 150 to 300 mg per day, standardized to punicalagins. The optimal dosage range appears to be between 150 to 300 mg per day, with 250 mg daily being a commonly used dose. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses up to 300 mg per day have been used without adverse effects. While no specific timing recommendations are available, it is generally advised to take the supplement with meals to enhance bioavailability. The extract can be taken in various forms, including capsules or as part of a dietary supplement. Standardization to punicalagins is recommended for consistency in bioactive content.

FAQs

Is pomegranate extract safe?

Pomegranate extract is generally safe, but individuals should consult healthcare providers, especially if they are on medications or have underlying health conditions.

When should I take pomegranate extract?

There is no specific timing recommended, but taking the supplement with meals may enhance bioavailability.

What results can I expect from taking pomegranate extract?

Users can expect reductions in inflammatory markers, improvements in skin health, and potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Is pomegranate extract beneficial for all metabolic diseases?

No, it is a misconception that pomegranate extract has universal benefits; its effects are more specific to certain conditions like PCOS, T2DM, and NAFLD.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32147056/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (572 subjects) found that pomegranate supplementation significantly reduced hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, indicating a reduction in inflammation. However, it showed no significant effects on CRP, E-selectin, ICAM, VCAM, or MDA. The study was assessed as high-quality with a low risk of bias.
https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/pomella-pomegranate-extract-promotes-healthy-skin-and-gut-microbiome-study-shows – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 18 subjects showed that oral supplementation with Pomella pomegranate extract (250 mg daily) for four weeks improved facial wrinkle severity, shifted the skin microbiome, and improved transepidermal water loss. The study suggests benefits for skin health and overall well-being. It was a well-designed RCT with a proper control group and statistical significance.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499092/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (673 participants) found that pomegranate extract improved HOMA-IR and FI levels only in patients with PCOS, T2DM, and NAFLD. It showed no significant effects in other metabolic diseases. The studies were assessed as high-quality with a low risk of bias.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/4/1570 – This article discusses the molecular mechanisms of pomegranate extract, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It explains how the bioactive compounds in pomegranate extract target various molecular pathways, including the NF-κB pathway involved in inflammation, and the mTOR and PI3K pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival.
https://vs-corp.com/pomella/ – This is a commercial website providing information about Pomella pomegranate extract. It highlights the standardization to punicalagins and its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The website serves as a source of information on the specific formulation and its intended uses.