New study sheds new light on the polyphenol activity of a proprietary pomegranate extract

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A recent study¹ investigated the bioavailability and absorption of the proprietary pomegranate extract, Pomella. According to a press release from Verdure Sciences, the ingredient’s supplier, the study “has shed light on the oral pharmacokinetics of ellagitannins found in [the] patented Pomella pomegranate extract and the gut microbiota-derived urolithin metabolites.”

Verdure explains that researchers used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assay to investigate the metabolism of the extract, emphasizing the major polyphenol, punicalagin (a key ellagitannin found in the extract), and the gut microbial metabolites urolithin A (UA) and B (UB). The study also looked for dose dependent variations through two different dose cohorts (250mg and 1000mg). To enable a comparative analysis of the conjugated and unconjugated forms of ellagic acid, UA, and UB, plasma samples were collected and analyzed over a 48-hour span.

Results showed that punicalagins rapidly metabolize to ellagic acid, which is then rapidly absorbed and conjugated after oral consumption. Verdure explains that conjugated ellagic acid exposure was 5-8 times higher than unconjugated ellagic acid for both dose cohorts. Approximately eight hours after dosing, urolithin A appeared in the blood stream, which Verdure said supports the gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of ellagitannins, specifically punicalagins to ellagic acid to urolithins. A dose-dependent response was observed in the conjugated forms of ellagic acid and urolithin A, with the 1000 mg dose group exhibiting a two-fold increase in the area under the curve, compared to 250 mg.

“We are excited to have this new publication join the mounting evidence in support of Pomella,” said Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager with Verdure Sciences, in a press release. “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.”

Reference

Wang, Y.H.; Mondal, G.; Khan, W.; Gurley, B.J.; Yates, C.R. Development of a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) Method for Characterizing Pomegranate Extract Pharmacokinetics in Humans. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 2023, 233: 115477. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115477