Latest Euromed study shows pomegranate’s ability to slow age-related frailty

29 Feb 2024 --- Pomanox, the signature pomegranate extract in Euromed’s portfolio, can reverse the loss of motor coordination and prevent oxidative stress, according to an independent mouse study conducted by the University of Valencia, Spain.

The extract prevented frailty, improved motor skills and reduced oxidative stress in the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for coordination. The researchers analyzed factors associated with balance and stance controlled by the cerebellum because bone fractures from falling are a significant health risk for older people.

“Pomanox is already well known to provide benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health, satiety, sports performance, mood, skin and cognitive health. The novelty of this work focuses on the fact that the pomegranate extract could be used to help prevent deterioration associated with normal aging,” Andrea Zangara, head of scientific communication and medical affairs at Euromed, explains.

The researchers are convinced that Pomanox can provide practical nutritional support for frailty. Another recent study they conducted showed that pomegranate polyphenol punicalagin — one of the most potent natural antioxidants — is the active molecule that effectively improved neuroinflammation, learning and memory deficit in natural aging in a 12-month-old mice model and in a D-galactose-induced brain aging model.

Cerebellum controlled coordination
The study, which was published in MDPI, observed consistent antioxidant levels in elderly mice after four months of supplementation, an effect that is closely linked to cerebral function. The cerebellum is also responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, motor learning and cognitive tasks. Many of these functions deteriorate as one ages, which leads to falls and other accidents.

Zangara explains: “The authors of this independently conducted study have observed for the first time that the cerebellum is the area where aging is first noticed in a model without pathology. As Pomanox acted efficiently here, it could be a helpful tool to reduce the risk of falls so common in aging and other functional impairments.” 

Pomegranate’s health benefits come from punicalagins. Pomanox, a well-researched botanical ingredient from Euromed’s Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extracts range, comprises roughly 30% punicalagins. 

Cumulative oxidative damage occurs as the body ages, which can lead to mitochondrial oxidative stress and even cell death. Free radicals act as powerful oxidizing agents damaging by combining with molecules such as DNA and proteins. 

Extract influences gene expression
According to the researchers, the standardized pomegranate extract influenced gene expression related to the apoptosis pathway, which suggests support for healthy aging. No effects in grip strength and endurance were observed, but supplementation with the extract did show improved motor skills in coordination and neuromuscular function and helped stave off age-related weight loss.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by slow gait, difficulty getting up, spontaneous weight loss and feeling unwell. It is a precursor of disability. The research group uses the Valencia test that extrapolates the changes observed in the tests used in humans to animals. As a result, their previous research allowed them to quantify age-associated frailty in laboratory mice.

In addition, US-based researchers found that pomegranate extract can improve biophysical properties of the skin, including the reduction of facial sebum production and transepidermal water loss. Additionally, smoothening of wrinkles and shifts in the skin microbiome were observed with oral supplementation of the extract. They conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using Verdure Science’s patented pomegranate extract dubbed Pomella.

By Inga de Jong