Effects of pomegranate extract on inflammatory markers and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults aged 55-70 years: a randomised controlled parallel trial

Background: Chronic inflammation increases morbidity in older adults and significantly impacts healthy ageing. Pomegranate extract (PE), rich in polyphenols is suggested to reduce inflammation and could prevent cardiovascular disease. Limited research examined the potential of PE in disease prevention in ageing. Methods: The trial was a two-arm double-blind parallel trial in which participants received either placebo capsules (maltodextrin) or pomegranate extract (740 mg) daily for 12 weeks. At baseline, week 6 and week 12, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and a blood sample were collected. Serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1-α, IL1-β, IL-2, TNF-α, CRP and PAI-1), fasting blood glucose and lipid levels were measured. Results: Eighty-six participants met eligibility criteria, with 76 completing the trial. A significant interaction between treatment and time was observed for IL-6 (p=0.02) and IL1-β (p=0.05) levels, with both parameters significantly decreasing in the PE group. CRP and TNF-α showed a downward trend in the PE group but it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). SBP significantly decreased in the PE group (by 5.22 ± 1.26 mmHg (SE), p=0.04) indicating a potential clinical relevance, with DBP showing a similar downward trend (2.94 ± 1.08 mmHg (SE), p=0.3). Despite being apparently healthy with no diagnosed diseases, a substantial number of participants exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers and SBP. However, these were not correlated with BMI, and weight status did not impact the intervention's effects. Conclusions: PE can lower inflammatory markers and blood pressure, which can be high in both normal weight and overweight older adults, making it a cost-effective measure to promote healthy ageing. Further longer-term studies are needed, with a better understanding of the impact of weight status on such effects.