Verdure Sciences pomegranate extract improves microbiome and SCFA production, study finds
03 Jan 2024 --- A recent human clinical study of 18 women and the effect of Pomella pomegranate extract from Verdure Sciences showed significant improvements in gut and mitochondrial health markers. According to the multi-disciplinary research team, Pomella supplementation augments circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through modulation of the gut microbiome as one of the mechanisms.
The findings further suggest that consumption of the extract supports a healthier gut–body communication. Study participants who took 250 mg of pomegranate extract daily for four weeks experienced significant benefits in gut microbiome composition, circulating SCFAs and gut-derived ellagitannin metabolites like urolithins. The findings were published in MDPI.
“The support for the gut microbiome, SCFAs, metabolic health, mitochondrial and cellular support are all areas we have seen previous data support. This study helps bolster an already interesting story, making it much more compelling,” says Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager for Verdure Sciences.
Gut microbial species proliferate
The researchers used whole-genome sequencing to analyze study samples. While there were no significant changes in the placebo group, there was a substantial change in the treatment group’s SCFA profiles, including a 162% increase in the propionate level and a 38% increase in the acetate level.
Pomegranate fruit has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat various ailments. The fruit is considered a superfood because of its antioxidant properties and is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, sugars, organic acids, fatty acids and phytonutrients.
“Oral supplementation of Pomella leads to significant shifts in the gut microbiota, increases the circulating plasma levels of short-chain fatty acids such as propionate and acetate and increases the plasma levels of urolithin A levels,” the study authors state.
The researchers also observed an increase in gut microbial species such as Coprococcus eutectus, Roseburia faecis, Roseburia inullnivorans, Ruminococcus bicirculans, Ruminococcus calidus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Methanobrevibacter smithii and Collinsella aerofaciens.
These bacteria are believed to have modulated the short-chain fatty acids, secondary metabolites and urolithin A synthesis within the treatment group.
“Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the abundance of multiple short-chain producing bacteria in the gut microbiome of the pomegranate extract group along with an increase in the circulating acetate and propionate levels,” the researchers say.
Researchers have linked pomegranate extract supplementation to improved gut-body communication.
The findings suggest that Pomella supplementation is not limited to microbiome shifts but also shifts the activity of specific microbes. Furthermore, the shifts are not limited to bacteria and also involve fungi.
Augmenting genetic expression
The study results show that Pomella supplementation augmented genetic expression for the synthesis of several key amino acids and supported a catabolic state for what is known as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
The TCA cycle is a major energy-yielding metabolic pathway in cells that produces adenosine triphosphate, potentially impacting mitochondrial and cellular health. It may also be the mechanism by which Pomella improves markers of cardio-metabolic health, as seen in prior studies.
The expression of the genes for the L-isoleucine synthesis pathway suggests that the gut bacteria were stimulated to a state that indicates readiness to synthesize isoleucine. This branched-chain amino acid is an essential amino acid that contributes to muscle growth and enhanced glucose control when taken in moderation.
“Tremendous interest continues to build for gut and digestive health, skin support and beauty-from-within as well as specific gut and skin microbiota. Pomella is well poised to tackle this category’s needs,” says Marshall.
The researchers suggest similar studies with larger cohorts over a longer duration.
In another industry development, natural ingredients supplier Euromed unveiled Pomanox, a pomegranate fruit extract for healthy aging benefits, showcased at Vitafoods Asia in Thailand.
By Inga de Jong
