New Research: Pomella® May Support Gut Microbiome, Short Chain Fatty Acids, And Impact Mitochondrial Health

A new four-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluated 250mg/day Pomella^®, a proprietary Punica granatum extract, in healthy men and women 25-55yrs (n=18, predominantly women) for beneficial effects on the gut microbiome, circulating short-chain fatty acids, and gut-microbial derived ellagitannin metabolites, namely urolithins, using whole genome sequencing for gut microbial analysis.

Researchers explained, “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.”¹ Further, “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.”¹

Expanding upon these results, researchers pinpointed that there were notable differences in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) before and after Pomella^® extract supplementation. “There was a 162% increase in the propionate level (p = 0.02) and a 38% increase in the acetate level (p = 0.12) after Pomella^® supplementation; however, there were no significant changes or trends in butyrate or hexanoate levels compared to those in the placebo.”¹ Further, “there was an increase in species such as Coprococcus eutectus, Roseburia faecis, Roseburia inullnivorans, Ruminococcus bicirculans, Ruminococcus calidus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Methanobrevibacter smithii, and Collinsella aerofaciens in the Pomella^® cohort, which indicates that pomegranate ellagitannins induce shifts in the bacteria that may influence overall health through the modulation of short-chain fatty acids, secondary metabolites, and urolithin A synthesis.”¹

“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.”¹ Overall, findings suggest that Pomella^® pomegranate extract consumption supports a healthier gut and gut–body communication.¹

In addition to these highly anticipated results, which lead researcher, Dr Raja Sivamani, previously reported on in a comprehensive webinar,² this new publication highlighted impressive results tangent to metabolic health, women’s health, mitochondrial support and cellular health. Pomella^® augmented the genes for the synthesis of several key amino acids and supported a catabolic state (energy-yielding metabolism) for the TCA cycle.¹ The TCA cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle, also known as the Krebs’ cycle or citric acid cycle, is the major energy-yielding metabolic pathway in cells which produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This has potential to impact mitochondrial and cellular health alongside adding mechanistic insight into previously reported findings supporting cardio-metabolic health.^3-4

Further, “Pomella^® augmented the gene for the super pathway of sulfur amino acid biosynthesis which is specific to the activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.”¹ This was a particularly interesting find given Saccharomyces’ biotherapeutic probiotic potential for gastrointestinal issues.

Given these interesting findings, researchers suggest additional studies to explore the implications in larger cohorts and over a longer duration.

“We are thrilled to have this new publication in support of Pomella^®,” explains Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager with 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.”†

† 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.

References:

Sivamani RK et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-conteolled study of a standardized oral pomegranate extract on the gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acids. Foods. 2023 Dec 19. 13(1): 15pgs. doi: 10.3390/foods13010015
Sivamani RK, MD, MS, AP. (2022 Sep 15). NutraIngredients-USA: Beauty from within clinical study finds Pomella® extract supports skin health benefits and associated influence on the gut-skin axis (webinar). Retrieved 2023 Dec 20 from https://vs-corp.com/resources/webinars/pomella-pomegranate-extract-beauty-from-within-with-dr-raja-sivamani-long-version/
Goyal R et al. An antioxidative effect of Punica granatum (pomegranate) on biochemical parameters in patients with MI: A double-blind placebo controlled trial. Eur J Biomed Pharm Sci. 2016. 3(5): 662-667
Goyal R et al. Antioxidative effect of Punica granatum (pomegranate) on biochemical parameters in patients with T2D and MI: A double-blind placebo controlled trial. Int J Adv res. 2016. 4(5): 857-864