Effects of pomegranate extract Pomanox on facial skin aging parameters: a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial

Abstract This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of 12-week supplementation with 367 and 700 mg of Pomanox P30 (PE), a pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) fruit extract, in women 30–65 years with Fitzpatrick skin phototype II-IV and a facial hyperpigmented spot. Skin-related serum and urine biomarkers as well as facial and gut microbiota composition were also analyzed. The primary endpoint, the group-by-visit interaction for the melanin index (MI) of a facial spot, did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.158) at 12 weeks. In secondary exploratory analyses, PE 367 mg was associated with a significant decrease in the percentage of change of MI of a facial spot and increase in hydration levels vs. placebo ( P < 0.05) at 12 weeks, whereas both PE doses increased elasticity ( P < 0.05). Exploratory microbiota analyses showed nominal changes in selected skin and gut taxa, including Lacticaseibacillus genera with the 367 mg dose, but these findings require confirmation in studies powered for microbiota outcomes. In conclusion, pomegranate supplementation did not significantly affect the primary longitudinal endpoint of spot pigmentation, but exploratory findings suggest potential benefits of the 367 mg dose on specific skin parameters at 12 weeks that also require powered studies for confirmation.