A specific compound found in pomegranates, known as punicalagin, has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that researchers at the Quadram Institute of Bioscience in the United Kingdom have determined that punicalagin, a key component of pomegranates, can inhibit the formation of compounds that increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The findings of the study have been published in the scientific journal Food & Function (F&F).
According to the report, punicalagin is a polyphenol present in pomegranate juice and peel, as well as in certain other plants. It possesses powerful antioxidant properties, protecting cells from harmful effects and toxins. During the study, scientists used a laboratory model of the human gut to observe that punicalagin almost completely blocked the formation of trimethylamine (TMA) from L-carnitine. It is noted that TMA is converted in the liver into a molecule previously linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and mortality.
The research compared the effects of various components of pomegranate extract, including other polyphenols, their metabolites, and auxiliary substances. The results indicated that only punicalagin significantly hindered the conversion of L-carnitine into TMA by gut microbes. Furthermore, the pomegranate extract itself completely halted TMA formation. Scientists attribute this to the acidification of the intestinal environment, which creates unfavorable conditions for the bacteria involved in TMA production.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of health complications globally, prompting extensive research into natural dietary interventions. Pomegranates have long been recognized in traditional medicine and modern nutrition for their high concentration of bioactive compounds. This latest discovery adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that regular consumption of pomegranate-based products may serve as a preventative measure against chronic metabolic disorders and heart-related conditions in Azerbaijan and worldwide.
