Pomegranate extract may inhibit inflammatory response in cells

The results of a new cell study are out: extract from the polyphenol laden pomegranate may inhibit inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of and complications from chronic disease.

While researchers have long touted the pomegranate as being antioxidant rich, this new study shows that there may be more to this humble fruit than was previously thought.

This new discovery came as a result of a study conducted by the University of South Carolina and Case Western Reserve University. The extract (POMx) acts by inhibiting the production of cytokines, a pro-inflammatory process, within human mast cells.

As part of the study, cells were stimulated by researchers to replicate an inflammatory response, and then were incubated with the POMx extract. Follow up analysis showed a significant decrease in the production of two pro-inflammatory cytokines that were prevalent prior to incubation.

Researchers are hopeful that if the study can be replicated among humans, they will find that the process of chronic inflammation will be circumvented early on. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a plethora of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes.

In addition to protection from chronic disease, the antioxidants and polyphenols prevalent in pomegranates slow cartilage loss in the joints, thereby reducing the ill affects of arthritis.

(By Rachel Stockton, and edited by Heather Kelley)