Gut health Photo © :
Gut health Photo © : Rahel Barenshtein (pexels) been the subject of recent microbiome-focused in vitro and clinical studies, with more underway. In one unpublished, pilot human study, Bifidobacterium spp. increased in fecal samples of more than 50 % of subjects in response to supplementation with 660 mg Pomanox ® per day for 30 days (9). Initial in vitro research (10) investigated how probiotic lactic acid bacteria can convert punicalagin into bioactive molecules such as ellagic acid. This research was carried out using Punicalagin Plus, a consumer brand of Granatum Plus ® containing Pomanox ® as the active ingredient. Pomanox ® supports the activity of beneficial gut bacteria, which transform punicalagin into bioactive compounds like ellagic acid. In a subsequent clinical trial, the preliminary results of which were presented at the 2023 conference of the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathologies (11), 200 mg of punicalagin from the same extract was given daily for 30 days to 21 patients diagnosed with IBS (Rome IV criteria), in addition to a capsule of commercial probiotics (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. 10^10 CFU). IBS is a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, which may result in diarrhoea, constipation or both. The results confirmed the synergistic benefits of the pomegranate extract and probiotic combination. Compared to a placebo, this symbiotic combination significantly improved stool consistency, stoolrelated pain, mood and anxiety, while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This highlights the improved functionality of the gut-brain axis. Further supporting these results, another study found that Pomanox ® supplementation in rats significantly modulated the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Butyricimonas, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) essential for gut integrity and anti-inflammatory responses. (12) In the fructose-only group, harmful bacteria such as Adlercreutzia and certain Lachnospiraceae species increased. However, the addition of pomegranate extract reduced Photo © : pvproductions (Freepik) 12 No. 3 November/December 2024
these harmful species, suggesting that it reverses the gut dysbiosis caused by fructose consumption. The study also revealed that gut microbes convert pomegranate polyphenols, particularly punicalagin, into urolithins. Urolithin A, which is associated with improved gut barrier function and anti-inflammatory effects, was detected in the urine of pomegranate-supplemented rats, indicating active microbial biotransformation. A perfect symbiosis for gut health This body of research points to a significant innovation in nutraceuticals: the ability of natural compounds, in conjunction with probiotics, to modulate the gut microbiota and provide significant health benefits. This is particularly relevant given the variability of individual responses to supplementation and the complexity of the gut microbiome. For companies, incorporating pomegranate extract into probiotic-rich products can meet the growing demand for effective natural health solutions and personalised nutrition. Moreover, the rising preva lence of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease among the ageing population is boosting demand for gut-tailored supplements. As individuals age, their digestive system become less effective, often leading to discomfort and nutrient deficiencies. The research into Punicalagin Plus and its key ingredient, Pomanox ® , is an example of how science can unlock the potential of natural ingredients, and support significant advances in holistic health. For consumers of all ages, these findings promise a new way to support gut health through diet, with potential implications for mental wellbeing and metabolism. References 1. García-Villalba R, et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2022 Nov;66(21):e2101019 2. Plamada D, Vodnar DC. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 28;14(1):137 3. Bialonska D, et al. Int J Food Microbiol. 2010 Jun 15;140(2-3):175-82. 4. Hering NA, et al. Front. Pharmacol. 2021;12:610164 5. Torregrosa-Garcia A, et al. Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 4 (2019): 721 6. Stockton A, Al-Dujaili EAS. Foods. 2022 Aug 31;11(17):2639 7. Stockton A, et al. EC Nutr. 2015, 2.4., 396–411 8. Al-Dujaili EAS, et al. Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2124 9. Euromed Proprietary Data 10. Caballero V, et al. J Agric Food Chem. 2022 Dec 28;70(51):16273-16285 11. Estévez M, et al. “Improvement of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Through Brain- Gut Axis Modulation: Preliminary Results Presented at the 2023 conference of the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathologies." 12. Sánchez-Terrón R, et al. Food Funct 2024 Jul 15;15(14):7348-7363. For more information, please contact Andrea Zangara, Head of Scientific Marketing and Medical Affairs EUROMED Carrer Rec de Dalt, 21-23 08100 Mollet del Vallès, Spain info@euromed.es www.euromedgroup.com No. 3 November/December 2024
