Pomegranate extract 'could reduce inflammation'

A new study has suggested that the oral ingestion of pomegranate extract could reduce the production of chemicals that are linked to inflammation.

Writing in the Journal of Inflammation, researchers from the Case Western Reserve University in the US explained that previous studies have indicated that pomegranate extract had anti-inflammatory properties when delivered to isolated tissues. They added that their study was one of the first to show these properties could be transferred when the extract was ingested.

In the study, pomegranate extract, the equivalent of 175ml of pomegranate juice, was given to rabbits. Using blood samples, the levels of antioxidants were measured after drinking the pomegranate extract. These were compared to earlier figures.

It was found that blood collected after the ingestion of the extract had significantly higher levels of antioxidants. It was also noted that the pomegranate seemed to reduce action of proteins that cause inflammation.

Dr Tariq Haqqi commented: "The use of dietary nutrients or drugs based on them as an adjunct in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions may benefit patients.

"Current treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs can have serious side effects following long-term use. Further research is needed, however, especially on the absorption of orally ingested substances into the blood."

However, Professor Alan Silman, medical director of the Arthritis Research Campaign said: "It's rather a big leap to suggest that because blood samples from rabbits fed this extract inhibited inflammation that it could also be used to effectively treat patients with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

"There are several natural occurring compounds that have some anti-inflammatory effect and the work on pomegranate extract adds another natural source to the long list.

"From this data it is highly unlikely that this will have a major role in humans. The volume of extract used to achieve an effect in rabbits (175ml) matched up to match the size of humans will not be tolerated. We also do not know the side effects of taking such large volumes."

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