Pomegranate extracts show joint and skin health potential

Pomegranate extracts show joint and skin health potential
Punicalagins from pomegranate may offer benefits for joint and skin health by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break collagen, according to data from cell and animal studies.

Scientists from the University of Rhode Island report that punicalagins inhibited select matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which degrade collagen. The compounds may also reduce inflammation.

Among the MMPs, MMP-13 is believed to have a greater catalytic efficiency toward type II collagen, which is a key process in cartilage destruction and the development of conditions like arthritis.

New data published in Chemico-Biological Interactions​, punicalagin isolated from a commercial pomegranate fruit extract (Pomella, provided by Verdure Sciences) was found to inhibit MMP-13 in cell studies, and to reduce inflammation in the paws of rats with arthritis when given via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 14 days.

“While the administration of punicalagin in the current study was delivered via the intraperitoneal route, future studies whereby punicalagin is administered orally are warranted,”​ wrote the researchers, led by Navindra Seeram, PhD. “The oral route of administration is common for botanical dietary supplements and is a more physiologically-relevant delivery route that would also account for first-pass metabolic transformation of punicalagin into potentially active metabolites.”

The study was welcomed by Blake Ebersole, Technical Director at Verdure Sciences, which provided the Pomella pomegranate extract used in the study. “This study adds to scores of previous studies showing punicalagins to be the primary active components in pomegranate extracts and juices,”​ said Ebersole. “The finding that punicalagins protect collagen in multiple ways is a very interesting and unique finding, and shows promise for application in both joint and skincare products.”

Source: Chemico-Biological Interactions
Volume 205, Issue 2, Pages 90-99, doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.06.018
“Inhibitory effects of polyphenol punicalagin on type-II collagen degradation in vitro and inflammation in vivo”
Authors: D. Jean-Gilles, L. Li, V.G. Vaidyanathan, R. King, B. Cho, D.R. Worthen, C.O. Chichester III, N.P. Seeram

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Your Product Innovation Begins Here: Booth 4055

Your Product Innovation Begins Here: Booth 4055

Content provided by Effepharm Ltd | 22-Oct-2024 | Product Brochure

EffePharm will showcase innovative anti-aging solutions, featuring UthPeak™, world’s first self-GRAS approved NMNH, which boosts NAD+ levels by 10X. UthPeak™...

New Study: Proven Anti-Dark Spot Treatment

New Study: Proven Anti-Dark Spot Treatment

Content provided by Activ'Inside | 15-Oct-2024 | Product Brochure

Hyperpigmentation : Asian skin is especially prone to hyperpigmentation, but it can also affect Caucasian skin: nearly 50% of the population experience...

Fueling Athletes with Nature for Peak Performance

Fueling Athletes with Nature for Peak Performance

Content provided by SEPPIC INC | 07-Oct-2024 | White Paper

For many years, pine bark extracts have been harnessed for their potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, delivering a wide array of health...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars