A pomegranate extract marketed by Euromed as Pomanox was shown to be a potential candidate ingredient to reduce inflammation in the eye, based on results seen in a common cell model for testing eye damage and irritation. The results of the study appeared in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Opthamology.
 
The study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Pomanox on cytokine secretion activity in a model of reconstituted human corneal epithelial cells, which is an established tool for testing eye damage or irritation from different substances.
 
Corneal cells treated with the pomegranate extract signficiantly decreased the production of the cytokine interleukin-8, after inducing inflammation triggered by bacterial material. The inhibition of the cytokine release was higher than that obtained with an anti-inflammatory control substance, according to the researchers. Additionally, the percentage of viable cells was also higher in the sample treated with Pomanox, indicating that the extract was able to maintain the survival of the cells better than the other conditions.
 
Pomegranate contains punicalagins, which are potent antioxidants. Euromed’s pomegranate extract contains up to a 30% punicalagins content, and has been the subject of several clinical studies, which have linked the compound to various cardiovascular, cognitive, and skin health benefits, along with enhancing sports performance, and promoting satiety and a better mood, Euromed reports.
 
“Despite pomegranate’s various benefits for overall wellbeing, there is limited data on how it can support eye health,” said Andrea Zangara, study coauthor and head of scientific communication and medical affairs at Euromed. “So far, experimental studies have mostly examined the antioxidant activity and not the anti-inflammatory potential of Pomanox in corneal tissue samples. This latest study provides evidence of its possible use for eye health, which is promising. Considering the ageing population and increasing screen time embedded into our daily lives, vision health looks set to become one of the key concerns for consumers globally.”