A new study suggests that pomegranate extract could help combat age-related inflammation and high blood pressure in older adults.
As we age, many experience chronic low-grade inflammation, a phenomenon known as "inflammaging", which increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
The research, published in the journal Nutrients, investigated whether pomegranate extract might mitigate these risks in adults aged over 55.
The study involved 86 participants, primarily white British women with an average body mass index of 24.
Pomegranate may contribute to better blood vessel function
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Their average systolic blood pressure was 128 mm Hg - elevated but not yet hypertensive. Eighty per cent had readings between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
Many participants showed cardiometabolic risk factors despite appearing healthy. Nearly 90 per cent had total cholesterol above 5 mmol/L, whilst 80 per cent had elevated LDL cholesterol.
Participants who consumed pomegranate extract saw significant reductions in inflammatory markers not observed in the placebo group.
The extract was linked to a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure, which fell by an average of 5.2 mm Hg.
Diastolic blood pressure decreased by around 3 mm Hg, though this change wasn't statistically significant.
From a clinical perspective, however, the drop in systolic blood pressure is meaningful.
A five per cent reduction is generally associated with a 10 per cent decrease in major cardiovascular event risk.
The proposed mechanism involves improved vasodilation, likely driven by ellagitannin-related reductions in oxidative stress.
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Reductions in blood pressure lower the risk of major cardiovascular events
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These compounds may enhance the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, contributing to better blood vessel function. Despite these promising findings, the extract did not significantly improve other cardiometabolic markers in this study.
The researchers noted that "the consumption of pomegranate extract may offer a valuable, non-pharmacological strategy to promote healthy ageing".
However, the study had limitations, including a sample predominantly composed of women with normal weight, which may limit generalisability.
Further research with larger, more diverse populations and longer follow-up periods will be essential to determine the long-term health impact of pomegranate extract supplementation in older adults.
