Research
Pomegranate
60 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of pomegranate consumption on lipid profile.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of pomegranate consumption on plasma lipid profiles by synthesizing data from 37 RCTs with 2695 participants. Pomegranate intake significantly increased HDL-C levels, particularly in NAFLD patients and interventions lasting ≥8 weeks, while no significant changes were observed in TC, LDL-C, or TG.
Impacts of supplementation with pomegranate on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 53 RCTs with 2306 participants assessed the impacts of pomegranate supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors. Pomegranate supplementation significantly reduced body weight, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, BMI, fasting blood glucose, and total cholesterol while increasing HDL levels. No significant changes were observed in other metabolic markers.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) as an adjunctive therapy in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review.
Systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies on pomegranate supplementation in rheumatic diseases. Pomegranate showed significant reductions in inflammatory markers and improvements in joint health scores in RA and OA. Preclinical models confirmed anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence quality was low to very low due to small sample sizes and heterogeneous interventions.
Effects of Pomegranate on Vascular Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials investigating the effect of pomegranate on vascular endothelial function markers. Pomegranate was found to significantly reduce IL-6 and ICAM-1, but not VCAM-1.
Bioactive Compounds From Pomegranate: A Systematic Review of Mechanistic Insights for the Management of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.
Systematic review analyzing the molecular pathways of pomegranate bioactive components in improving cardiometabolic risk markers. The review highlights the hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and antiobesity potential of pomegranate through pathways like PI3K/AKT and SREBP, suggesting synergistic actions for treating metabolic alterations.
Pomegranate Extracts as Dual Regulators of Angiogenesis: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence in Cancer and Chronic Wound Healing.
Systematic review of 14 preclinical studies on pomegranate extracts as dual regulators of angiogenesis in cancer and chronic wound healing. PG extracts reduced VEGF expression and endothelial tube formation in cancer models, while enhancing VEGF expression and wound closure in chronic wound healing models.
Lack of Efficacy of Pomegranate Supplementation on Insulin Resistance and Sensitivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 RCTs with 673 participants assessing the impact of pomegranate supplements on insulin resistance and sensitivity. Pomegranate extract showed no significant impact on improving HOMA-IR levels or fasting insulin in general, but subgroup analysis indicated improvements in PCOS patients and FI levels in T2DM and NAFLD patients.
The effects of pomegranate consumption on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 RCTs assessing the effects of pomegranate consumption on blood pressure in adults. The meta-analysis showed that pomegranate consumption significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with greater reductions in individuals with higher baseline systolic blood pressure.
The effects of pomegranate consumption on glycemic indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 RCTs evaluating the effects of pomegranate consumption on glycemic indices in adults. Pomegranate consumption significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR, indicating benefits for glycemic control.
The effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review of in vivo interventional studies.
Systematic review of 19 interventional studies (16 animal and 3 human) examining the effects of pomegranate supplementation on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The review suggests potential beneficial effects of pomegranate on NAFLD, but highlights the need for more human clinical trials.
Pomegranate effects on the health aspects of women during peri- and postmenopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the effects of pomegranate on women's health during and after menopause. Pomegranate can significantly improve hot flashes severity and menopause symptoms, decrease FSH, and improve high-density lipoprotein, but not low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, and weight. Results are inconclusive due to small sample sizes and lack of blinding and randomization.
The effects of pomegranate consumption on liver function enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs evaluating pomegranate consumption on liver function enzymes. Pomegranate intake significantly lowered AST, ALT, and GGT levels, particularly in long-term interventions and in individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders. Results suggest potential benefits for liver enzyme amelioration, though heterogeneity and publication bias were noted.
The effects of pomegranate consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 RCTs evaluating the effects of pomegranate consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults. Pomegranate significantly reduced CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels, and increased total antioxidant capacity, indicating beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammation.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and its phytochemicals as anxiolytic; an underreported effect with therapeutic potential: A systematic review.
Systematic review of 59 studies exploring the anxiolytic-like effect of pomegranate and its phytochemicals. The review suggests mechanisms involving GABAergic receptor inhibition, NMDA, CaMKII/CREB pathway, and reduction of oxidative stress, among others. Pomegranate could be a novel alternative for treating pathological anxiety.
Reporting of adverse effects of pomegranate in clinical studies: a systematic review.
This systematic review explored the adverse effects of pomegranate reported in clinical studies. It included 66 clinical articles, with 11 reporting side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, flu-like symptoms, and urinary issues. Seven case report studies noted allergic reactions as significant side effects. Overall, pomegranate and its extract appear to be safe, but more controlled trials are needed.
The effect of pomegranate consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review of clinical trials.
Systematic review of clinical trials assessing the effects of pomegranate on cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients. The review found that pomegranate may have antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and improve lipid profiles by decreasing triglycerides and increasing HDL-C.
Pomegranate and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review.
Systematic review evaluating the association between pomegranate treatment and cognitive function. The review included 24 articles (20 animal and 4 RCT studies) and found that pomegranate treatment was positively associated with improving specific domains of cognitive function.
Is Consumption of Pomegranate Supplementation Effective on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Including MDA, ox-LDL, POX 1, GPX, TAC, and TBRAS? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of pomegranate extract on oxidative stress biomarkers. Pomegranate supplementation showed a non-significant decrease in oxidative stress markers like MDA and ox-LDL, but significantly increased GPX and TAC, and reduced TBRAS. The study primarily evaluated data from Eastern countries and suggests pomegranate may modify oxidative stress, though evidence is low and further studies are needed.
Pomegranate (L.) and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors and Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.
Systematic review of clinical studies evaluating the effects of pomegranate on metabolic syndrome risk factors. The review suggests pomegranate may reduce body weight, blood pressure, glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol and improving insulin resistance.
Pomegranate bioactive constituents target multiple oncogenic and oncosuppressive signaling for cancer prevention and intervention.
This systematic review examines the potential of pomegranate-derived products for cancer prevention and intervention. It discusses the chemical constituents of pomegranate and the results of preclinical and clinical studies on its anticancer effects, including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-invasive, antimigratory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects. The review also addresses the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety of pomegranate constituents.
Does pomegranate consumption improve oxidative stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 RCTs assessing pomegranate consumption on oxidative stress biomarkers. Pomegranate consumption was associated with significant improvements in TAC and SOD levels and a reduction in MDA levels, indicating positive effects on oxidative stress.
Potential effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review.
Systematic review of 12 studies examining the effects of pomegranate on rheumatoid arthritis. The review found beneficial effects of pomegranate on clinical symptoms, inflammatory and oxidative factors in RA, suggesting its potential to manage RA complications by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
The effects of pomegranate supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effect of pomegranate juice on biomarkers of inflammation and vascular dysfunction. It included 16 RCTs with 572 subjects and found that pomegranate supplementation significantly reduced hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, but had no significant effect on CRP, E-selectin, ICAM, VCAM, or MDA.
The effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) supplementation on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of seven RCTs with 350 participants assessing the effect of pomegranate supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes. The meta-analysis found no significant effects of pomegranate on metabolic parameters or oxidative stress biomarkers.
Effects of pomegranate on lipid profiles: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
Systematic review of 17 randomized controlled trials with 763 subjects examining the effects of pomegranate on lipid profiles. Meta-analyses did not show significant effects on lipid levels, and the quality of evidence was low due to imprecision and inconsistency.
Does pomegranate consumption affect weight and body composition? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials with 513 participants assessing the effect of pomegranate consumption on weight loss. The analysis found no significant reduction in bodyweight, body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage after pomegranate consumption.
The effect of pomegranate on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 RCTs with 484 participants investigating the effect of pomegranate on oxidative stress parameters. The meta-analysis did not find convincing evidence of a significant effect of pomegranate intake on TAC, Gpx, paraxonase, or Malondialdehyde levels.
Effects of Pomegranate Extract on Inflammatory Markers and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults Aged 55-70 Years: A Randomised Controlled Parallel Trial.
A two-arm double-blind parallel trial with 76 participants aged 55-70 years examined the effects of pomegranate extract (740 mg daily) on inflammatory markers and cardiometabolic risk factors over 12 weeks. The pomegranate extract group showed significant decreases in IL-6 and IL1-β levels, and a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, suggesting potential benefits for reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.
Effects of Pomegranate Extract on IGF-1 Levels and Telomere Length in Older Adults (55-70 Years): Findings from a Randomised Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.
RCT investigating the effects of pomegranate extract on telomere length and serum IGF-1 levels in older adults aged 55-70 years. Pomegranate extract significantly increased IGF-1 levels at week 12, suggesting a positive role on vascular ageing, but no significant effects on telomere length were noted.
The effect of pomegranate supplementation on symptom severity and quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomised controlled trial.
RCT conducted in Turkey with 60 women with PMS, comparing pomegranate extract supplementation to no intervention over 2 cycles. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in PMS symptoms and improved social quality of life compared to the control group.
Does pomegranate extract supplementation improve the clinical symptoms of patients with allergic asthma? A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of pomegranate extract supplementation on clinical symptoms and immune cell counts in 64 patients with mild to moderate allergic asthma. The intervention group showed improved clinical symptoms and significant reductions in eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts compared to the control group.
Combination of Chemically Characterized Pomegranate Extract and Hydrophilic Vitamins against Prolonged Fatigue: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
RCT of 58 subjects assessing the efficacy of a food supplement containing pomegranate extract and hydrophilic vitamins against prolonged fatigue. The supplement significantly reduced fatigue severity scale scores after two months, though it did not significantly affect biochemical markers or SF-12 survey scores.
Effects of pomegranate supplement on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.
A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 78 menopausal women to assess the effects of pomegranate supplementation on menopausal symptoms and quality of life. The study found that a 4-week treatment with pomegranate significantly improved menopausal symptoms and quality of life compared to placebo, with effects persisting even after 4 weeks without treatment.
Quantification of Local Vessel Wall and Plaque Volume Change for Assessment of Effects of Therapies on Carotid Atherosclerosis Based on 3-D Ultrasound Imaging.
The study developed a new method to measure vessel-wall-plus-plaque volume changes using 3-D ultrasound imaging. It found that pomegranate juice/extract significantly affected carotid atherosclerosis compared to placebo, with increased sensitivity in detecting changes using the new biomarker.
Three-dimensional ultrasound assessment of effects of therapies on carotid atherosclerosis using vessel wall thickness maps.
RCT assessing the effects of pomegranate juice/extract versus placebo on carotid atherosclerosis in 120 patients. Using three-dimensional ultrasound, the study found a significant difference in vessel-wall-plus-plaque thickness change between the pomegranate and placebo groups.
Pharmacological Therapy Determines the Gut Microbiota Modulation by a Pomegranate Extract Nutraceutical in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover trial in 50 poly-medicated metabolic syndrome patients examined the effects of a pomegranate extract nutraceutical on gut microbiota. The study found that the prebiotic effect of the extract depends on the medication, particularly anti-hypertensive treatments, with varying effects on gut bacteria and inflammatory markers.
Rapid and Visible Efficacy of a Dermocosmetic in Acne Patients With Fair Skin Phototypes: Results of a Randomized Split-Face Study.
This randomized split-face study assessed the efficacy of a dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis in 16 subjects with mild to moderate acne. The study found significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts and improved skin appearance over 15 days.
Pomegranate extract in polyphosphate-fluoride mouthwash reduces enamel demineralization.
This double-blind crossover study evaluated the anti-demineralizing effect of a mouthwash containing pomegranate peel extract, sodium trimetaphosphate, and fluoride in 12 volunteers using enamel blocks. The formulation with pomegranate extract was most effective in preventing demineralization and showed higher concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in enamel and biofilm, with lower extracellular polysaccharides. It also had a lower irritation potential compared to a commercial mouthwash.
Effectiveness of the pomegranate extract in improving hepatokines and serum biomarkers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double blind clinical trial.
Double-blind randomized clinical trial of 44 NAFLD patients comparing pomegranate extract tablets to placebo over 12 weeks. Pomegranate extract reduced ALT, AST, GGT, fetuin-A, FGF-21, and IL-6 levels, and increased total antioxidant capacity, but had no effect on ALP.
Evaluation of a Dietary Supplementation Combining Protein and a Pomegranate Extract in Older People: A Safety Study.
This study evaluated the safety of a combination of protein and pomegranate extract in 30 healthy older adults over a 21-day period. No serious adverse events were reported, and changes in physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters were equivalent between the test and control groups, except for a decrease in GPT and prealbumin in the test group. The findings support the safety of this combination in elderly people.
The effect of pomegranate extract on anthropometric indices, serum lipids, glycemic indicators, and blood pressure in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
RCT of 44 NAFLD patients comparing pomegranate extract to placebo for 12 weeks. Pomegranate extract reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, fasting blood sugar, insulin resistance, diastolic blood pressure, weight, BMI, and waist circumference, and increased HDL-C.
Modulation of Endothelial Glycocalyx and Microcirculation in Healthy Young Men during High-Intensity Sprint Interval Cycling-Exercise by Supplementation with Pomegranate Extract. A Randomized Controlled Trial.
RCT with 18 healthy young men examining the effects of pomegranate extract supplementation on endothelial glycocalyx and microcirculation during high-intensity sprint interval cycling exercise. No significant differences were found in microcirculation or glycocalyx, but an unexplained rise in blood lactate concentration was observed in the experimental group.
Pomegranate Juice and Extract Consumption Increases the Resistance to UVB-induced Erythema and Changes the Skin Microbiome in Healthy Women: a Randomized Controlled Trial
RCT with 74 female participants comparing 1000 mg pomegranate extract, 8 oz pomegranate juice, and placebo for 12 weeks. Pomegranate consumption increased resistance to UVB-induced erythema and altered skin microbiota composition, suggesting enhanced protection from UV photodamage.
Identification of Novel Urolithin Metabolites in Human Feces and Urine after the Intake of a Pomegranate Extract.
The study identified four novel urolithin metabolites in human feces and urine after intake of a pomegranate extract. These metabolites were found in 19% of subjects and required a bacterial 3-dehydroxylase activity for their production, indicating a novel metabolic feature.
Effects of Pomegranate and Spearmint Syrup on Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
RCT evaluating the efficacy of pomegranate and spearmint syrup on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) in 74 pregnant women. The syrup group showed a significant reduction in PUQE-24 scores compared to the control group receiving only vitamin B6, confirming the effectiveness of the syrup in reducing NVP.
Bone health nutraceuticals alter microarray mRNA gene expression: A randomized, parallel, open-label clinical study.
Open-label RCT in post-menopausal women using plant extract combinations standardized to polyphenol content. The AR combination of pomegranate and grape seed extracts down-regulated genes involved in bone resorption and up-regulated genes for extracellular matrix formation. The BF combination of quercetin and licorice extracts up-regulated genes linked to bone and collagen formation while down-regulating osteoclastogenesis genes.
An extract of pomegranate fruit and galangal rhizome increases the numbers of motile sperm: a prospective, randomised, controlled, double-blinded trial.
Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial investigating the effect of tablets containing pomegranate fruit extract and galangal rhizome on sperm motility in 70 adult men. The active treatment group showed a 62% increase in the total number of motile spermatozoa compared to a 20% increase in the placebo group after three months.
Targeted metabolic profiling of pomegranate polyphenols and urolithins in plasma, urine and colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients.
RCT investigating the presence of urolithins in colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients after pomegranate extract intake. Significant levels of ellagic acid derivatives and urolithins were found in colon tissues, with higher levels in normal tissues compared to malignant tissues. High punicalagin content in pomegranate extract hampered urolithin formation.
A double-blind, randomized, neoadjuvant study of the tissue effects of POMx pills in men with prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy.
A double-blind, randomized study of 70 men with prostate cancer testing the effects of pomegranate extract (POMx) before radical prostatectomy. POMx was associated with a non-significant 16% reduction in benign tissue oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG. Urolithin A, a pomegranate metabolite, was more frequently detected in the POMx group. No significant differences in cancer markers or PSA changes were observed.
Ellagitannin consumption improves strength recovery 2-3 d after eccentric exercise.
RCT with recreationally active males using a crossover design to test pomegranate extract (POMx) versus placebo over 9 days. Pomegranate extract significantly improved recovery of isometric strength 2-3 days after eccentric exercise compared to placebo.
Safety and antioxidant activity of a pomegranate ellagitannin-enriched polyphenol dietary supplement in overweight individuals with increased waist size.
Two pilot clinical studies evaluated the safety and antioxidant activity of a pomegranate ellagitannin-enriched polyphenol extract (POMx) in overweight individuals. Study 1 assessed safety in 64 subjects, while Study 2 assessed antioxidant activity in 22 subjects. POMx supplementation showed a significant reduction in TBARS, indicating antioxidant activity linked to cardiovascular disease risk, with no serious adverse events reported.
Efficacy and acceptability of pomegranate effervescent granules in patients suffering from acid peptic disorders.
Single-arm, open-labeled prospective multicentric clinical study assessing the efficacy and acceptability of pomegranate effervescent granules in dyspeptic patients. The median GSRS score reduced significantly, indicating improvement in symptoms of acid peptic disorders. The formulation was found to be palatable by most patients.
Pomegranate supplementation improves cognitive and functional recovery following ischemic stroke: A randomized trial.
RCT testing pomegranate polyphenol supplementation in stroke patients. Pomegranate-treated subjects showed more neuropsychological and functional improvement and spent less time in the hospital than placebo controls, suggesting enhanced cognitive and functional recovery.
Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains the interindividual variability in the improvement of cardiovascular risk biomarkers in overweight-obese individuals consuming pomegranate: A randomized clinical trial.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of pomegranate extract on cardiovascular risk biomarkers in overweight-obese individuals. The study found that pomegranate extract consumption led to significant reductions in various cholesterol markers, particularly in individuals with the UM-B urolithin metabotype.
Antibacterial Efficacy of Mouthwash Prepared from Pomegranate, Grape Seed and Guava Extracts against Oral Streptococci: An in Vivo Study.
RCT involving 40 children aged 8-10 years, comparing mouthwashes prepared from pomegranate, grape seed, and guava extracts against a control of distilled water. The study assessed the antibacterial efficacy of these extracts on oral streptococci levels over 48 hours and 7 days, showing acceptable antibacterial efficacy.
Gene expression changes in colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients following the intake of an ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract: a randomized clinical trial.
RCT with 35 CRC patients supplemented with 900 mg of ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract, evaluating gene expression changes in colon tissues. The study found gene- and tissue-specific modulation of gene expression, with some genes induced and others repressed, but effects were not linked to urolithin production or levels.
The effect of acute pomegranate extract supplementation on oxygen uptake in highly-trained cyclists during high-intensity exercise in a high altitude environment.
RCT investigating the effect of 1000 mg pomegranate extract supplementation on oxygen uptake and performance in highly-trained cyclists during high-intensity exercise at sea level and high altitude. Pomegranate extract increased plasma nitric oxide levels and oxygen uptake at high altitude but did not improve exercise performance.
MicroRNAs expression in normal and malignant colon tissues as biomarkers of colorectal cancer and in response to pomegranate extracts consumption: Critical issues to discern between modulatory effects and potential artefacts.
RCT investigating the effect of pomegranate extract (PE) on microRNAs expression in colon tissues of CRC patients. PE consumption showed moderate modulation of miRs, but surgical procedures significantly altered miRs levels, complicating the assessment of dietary effects.
Effects of Pomegranate Extract Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Physical Function in Hemodialysis Patients.
RCT evaluating the effects of pomegranate extract supplementation on cardiovascular risk, physical function, oxidative stress, and inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Pomegranate extract reduced blood pressure and increased paraoxonase-1 activity but had no effect on other cardiovascular risk markers, inflammation, oxidative stress, or physical function.
Pomegranate extract induces ellagitannin metabolite formation and changes stool microbiota in healthy volunteers.
RCT with 20 healthy participants consuming 1000 mg of pomegranate extract daily for four weeks. The study observed changes in stool microbiota and formation of the metabolite urolithin A in some participants. Significant microbiota changes included increased Actinobacteria and decreased Firmicutes in urolithin A producers.