A complex of olive and pomegranate extracts marketed by Euromed as Pomalive was recently shown in a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study to have a potential role in ameliorating dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by an unbalanced distribution of blood lipids.
 
The researchers from University Hospital La Paz found that daily oral intake of the extracts, standardized to contain high concentrations of two polyphenols called hydroxytyrosol and punicalagin, significantly reduced high plasma triglycerides (p < 0.05) and LDL-C (p <0.01), while increasing HDL-C (p < 0.05) in middle-aged patients in the absence of any co-adjuvant treatment. A total of 84 participants were included in the study, and were administered the supplement ingredient in a crossover design with each period lasting 8 weeks.
 
Currently, statins are the most effective class of drugs for improving blood lipid profiles, but up to 10% of patients experience side-effects that reduce compliance, thus limiting the risk reduction potential, according to the authors. Therefore, safe and efficacious alternatives are of clinical interest.
 
According to the authors, the improvements observed in the plasma lipid profiles of the dyslipidemic subjects could significantly contribute to improving endothelial function, arterial prehypertension, and hypertension, as well as circulating plasma levels of oxLDL.
 
“The improvements in dyslipidemia observed with the administration of only these bioactive compounds are of great importance since atherogenic dyslipidemia (abnormal changes in the plasma lipid profile […]) is strongly associated with ASVD (atrioventricular septal defect) […] The regular consumption of a supplement composed of hydroxytyrosol and punicalagin may reduce the cardiovascular risks that these subjects face,” the authors concluded. These results are consistent with a clinical study published in 2019 by Hospital La Paz which found that supplementation with these polyphenols may improve markers of early atherosclerosis.
 
Pomalive is processed through an eco-friendly water-only technology called Pure-Hydro Process, and is free from contaminants, organic solvent residuals and toxins, according to Euromed. The raw material of the selected fruits is grown locally in the Mediterranean region close to the manufacturing plant, according to specific quality control protocols.
 
“In an increasingly aging society fighting lifestyle diseases such ASVD, we see our natural, sustainably produced and high-purity product as a real contribution to the enhancement of quality of life in later years,” said Andrea Zangara, scientific marketing manager at Euromed. “The study results, achieved using gold standard protocols and in collaboration with an authoritative medical institution, provide more evidence on the cardiovascular health-promoting benefits of Pomalive, making it an ideal inclusion in premium dietary supplements, functional foods and pharmaceuticals.”