Pomegranate extract strengthens gut microbiome and skin health connection

05 Dec 2022 --- US-based researchers have found that pomegranate extract (PE) can improve biophysical properties of the skin, including the reduction of facial sebum production and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, smoothening of wrinkles and shifts in skin microbiome were observed with oral supplementation of the extract. They conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using Verdure Science’s patented pomegranate extract dubbed Pomella. 

The results of the four-week study showed a “statistically significant” decrease in the facial wrinkle severity and a decreasing trend in the sebum excretion rate on the forehead. 

Furthermore, subjects who received the supplement displayed a higher level of Eggerthellaceae bacteria in their gut microbiome analysis, showing a statistically significant reduction in TEWL, compared to those that did not express Eggerthellaceae, suggesting that the extract improved the skin barrier function.

“The mechanism of action for the decrease in wrinkles is not clear, but PE is rich in antioxidants and may be protective against collagen breakdown,” the study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights. 

“Bacterial species belonging to Eggerthellaceae can produce urolithin metabolites from ellagic acid and ellagitannins, which are found in pomegranates and enriched in the PE used in this study. Therefore, our results suggest that the presence of Eggerthellaceae may predict a better response to PE supplementation and support the notion of a gut-skin axis when considering oral supplementation.”

The researchers have credited the effects of the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the phytochemicals present in the Pomella supplement. Still, they warn that future studies with an expanded population are needed.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the phytochemicals present in pomegranate extract can improve skin health.Lower oxidative stress marker
In related research, PersonalCareInsights previously reported about Euromed’s polyphenol-rich pomegranate extract Pomanox to maximize skin health.

The Eurecat Technology Center, a research company in Catalonia, found that the extract can minimize hyperpigmentation, attenuate oxidative stress caused by excessive UV radiation, promote skin resilience and alleviate skin dryness.

Meanwhile, another study conducted at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, found that PE could have the potential to modulate satiety indicators, adding support to the already ample scientific evidence indicating it improves both the management and outcomes of metabolic and cardiovascular issues.

Ingestible skincare
In July, a study by Lycored showed that as people embrace more holistic approaches to skincare, the demand for ingestible products has risen. 

“One of the big selling points of ingestibles is that they can offer benefits beyond the skin. Astaxanthin products, for instance, will commonly highlight immune and cardiovascular support as well as skin health or beauty,” Caroline Schroeder, marketing communications manager at Lycored, told PersonalCareInsights.

“There’s a lot of demand for those kinds of hybrid products. For example, we’ve found that active consumers are very interested in the idea of a hybrid supplement that can promote a healthier relationship between their skin and the sun, with other benefits, such as antioxidation,” she underscored.

The beauty-from-within trend has expanded to encompass new outcomes as formulators experiment with fresh ingredients that offer advanced synergies with ingestible supplementation.

With a regular intake of micronutrients known to support vibrant skin, health and wellness brand Bloom has begun producing its clean label, plant-based Greens & Superfoods Powder in travel-friendly Stick Packs.

Formulated with no artificial flavors or coloring, Bloom Greens contains a formula of clean ingredients that are naturally high in micronutrients and antioxidants like barley grass, wheatgrass and spirulina, which strengthen the body’s natural defense – all while remaining gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and non-GMO, with no added sugar.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria

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