New research shows pomegranate extract’s ability to fight obesity and liver disease

25 Jun 2024 --- A recent preclinical study reveals the impact of pomegranate extract in addressing health issues arising from high fructose consumption. The researchers found that Pomanox, the signature pomegranate extract in Euromed’s portfolio, could counteract fat buildup, dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the bloodstream) and fatty liver disease.

The study suggests that pomegranate extract supplementation could complement pharmacological treatments for obesity, liver steatosis and metabolic syndrome.

Andrea Zangara, head of scientific communication and medical affairs at Euromed, says that fruit sugar consumption has increased in recent decades despite regulatory efforts to raise awareness of the health risks associated with consistent sugar intake. “Metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic diseases are just a few examples of fructose-induced health problems.”

“The current study is part of a comprehensive investigation into the efficacy of punicalagin-rich pomegranate extract in mitigating the adverse metabolic effects associated with various ailments, including diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cardiovascular diseases.”

Zangara states that the research did not receive any funding from Euromed.

Pomegranate extract and metabolic disorders
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity are widespread health conditions with high mortality rates globally. Dietary sugar, especially sugar from fruits and honey, is one well-known cause of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, the underlying effects of sustained fructose consumption need more research.

Therefore, the study aimed to examine the pathophysiological processes associated with fructose intake and the role of Euromed’s Pomanox as a nutritional supplement in mitigating metabolic disorders. The research found that two components in pomegranate extract — punicalagin and ellagic acid — could counteract the harm caused by obesity and liver damage.

In the study, one group of rats consumed water with 30% fructose, and the second group drank the same fructose solution with an added 0.2% Pomanox for ten weeks. The researchers compared the results with those of a third control group drinking plain water. They showed that the rats consuming fructose in drinking water had increased fat depots, hepatic fat content, glycoxidative stress and inflammatory and immunological responses.

In contrast, the rats that consumed Pomanox and fructose had reduced fat depots and improved markers of liver injury, including steatosis.

A previous independent mouse study conducted by the University of Valencia, Spain, revealed that Pomanox can reverse the loss of motor coordination and prevent oxidative stress.

The extract prevented frailty, improved motor skills and reduced oxidative stress in 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.