Both patents, numbers 7,897,791 and 7,919,636 refer to the “purifications of pomegranate ellagitannins and their uses thereof”.
"The new patents mark a significant milestone for the Pomella brand, and we are proud to see our efforts validated by further patent protections," said Sonya Cropper, VP marketing for Verdure Sciences. “The Pomella brand continues to set industry standards in pomegranate bioavailability, quality, and punicalagin content.”
Verdure’s extract was developed by the University of California.
Super fruit
Pomegranate, a rich source of antioxidants, has been linked to improved heart health, but a growing body of science indicates the fruit protect against prostate cancer. Studies have also reported a role in joint health by slowing cartilage loss in arthritis.
It is these antioxidants, and particularly ellagitannin compounds like punicalagins and punicalins, which accounts for about half of the fruit's antioxidant ability, that are reportedly behind the proposed health benefits.