A pomegranate extract marketed by Verdure Sciences as Pomella was associated with improvements in markers of gut and mitochondrial health, according to a new human clinical study involving 18 women.
 
In the placebo-controlled study, women who took 250 mg per day of the pomegranate extract over a period of four weeks saw significant, beneficial effects in gut microbiome composition, circulating short-chain fatty acids, and gut—derived ellagitannin metabolites like urolithins. The findings were achieved by the researchers by using whole-genome sequencing for analysis.
 
“Our study revealed that the 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 authors said.
 
“Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the abundance of multiple short-chain producing bacteria in the gut microbiome of the PE group along with an increase in the circulating acetate and propionate levels.”
 
While there were no significant changes in the placebo group, there was a substantial change in short-chain fatty acids profiles in the treatment group, including a 162% increase in the propionate level and a 38% increase in the acetate level. There was also 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 thought to have modulated the short-chain fatty acids, secondary metabolites, and urolithin A synthesis within the treatment group, the authors said.
 
“Results show that the functional analyses of the gut correlate with circulating SCFAs and further support the notion that Pomella supplementation augments circulating SCFAs through modulation of the gut microbiome as one of the mechanisms,” the authors wrote. Overall, findings suggest that Pomella pomegranate extract consumption supports a healthier gut and gut–body communication, they said.
 
In addition to the gut microbial findings, the new study found 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 TCA cycle.
 
The TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle is a major energy yielding metabolic pathway in cells which produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This, according to authors, has the potential to impact mitochondrial and cellular health, and may be the mechanism by which Pomella improves markers of cardio-metabolic health as seen in prior studies.
 
Given these initial findings in the small group of women, the researchers suggested similar studies with larger cohorts over a longer duration.
 
“We are thrilled to have this new publication in support of Pomella,” said Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager for Verdure Sciences. “The support for the gut microbiome, short chain fatty acids, 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 now. Tremendous interest continues to build for gut and digestive health, skin support, and beauty-from-within as well as specific gut and skin microbiota and we are honored that Pomella is so well poised to tackle this category’s needs.”