A new study with Pomella^®, a proprietary Punica granatum extract, has evaluated bioavailability and absorption properties adding understanding to Pomella’s synergistic influence and polyphenol capabilities.

Recently, a study conducted at The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR), University of Mississippi, has shed light on the oral pharmacokinetics of ellagitannins found in patented Pomella^® pomegranate extract and the gut microbiota-derived urolithin metabolites. The research, performed by a team of esteemed scientists, utilized a cutting-edge ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assay to investigate the metabolism of Pomella^® extract with emphasis on the major polyphenol, punicalagin (a key ellagitannin found in the Pomella^® extract), and the gut microbial metabolites urolithin A (UA) and B (UB). Additionally, the study looked for dose dependent variations by recruiting two different dose cohorts (250mg and 1000mg). Over a span of 48 hours, plasma samples were collected and analyzed enabling a comparative analysis of the conjugated and unconjugated forms of ellagic acid (EA), UA, and UB.

The study demonstrated that punicalagins rapidly metabolize to ellagic acid, which is rapidly absorbed and conjugated after oral administration. The conjugated ellagic acid exposure was approximately 5 to 8 times higher than unconjugated EA for both dose groups. While urolithin A appeared in the bloodstream at a delayed rate, starting approximately 8 hours after dosing, supporting the gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of ellagitannins, specifically punicalagins to ellagic acid to urolithins. Neither cohort detected urolithin B. The research showed a dose-dependent response in the conjugated forms of ellagic acid and urolithin A, with the 1000mg dose group exhibiting ~2-fold increase in area under the curve compared to the 250mg group.

Given the recent health interest in specific gut microbiota, such as Eggerthellaceae and Akkermanisa muciniphila, their roles in metabolizing ellagitannins to urolithin A, and their association to positive health, this study supports Pomella’s polyphenol capability.

“We are excited to have this new publication join the mounting evidence in support of Pomella^®,” explains Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager with Verdure Sciences^®. “Tremendous interest continues to build for gut and digestive health, skin support and beauty from within as well as specific gut and skin microbiota. Having evidence supporting the roles in metabolizing ellagitannins to urolithins in the gut truly helps to explain the positive prebiotic benefits Pomella^® has to offer.”^†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Read More:

1. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2023-10-09/study-reveals-potential-mechanism-of-pomegranate-extracts-gut-health-benefit/
2. https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2023/10/13/study-sheds-light-on-pomegranate-extract-s-gut-mediated-metabolism
3. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/new-study-sheds-new-light-on-the-polyphenol-activity-of-a-proprietary-pomegranate-extract

References:

1. Wang YH et al. Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for characterizing pomegranate extract pharmacokinetics in humans. J Pharmaceut Biomed Analysis. 2023 May 31. 233(115477). doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115477
2. https://vs-corp.com/research/pomella/