Proprietary blend of pomegranate extract (skin), ellagic acid and lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595
Also known as: Pomegranate extract (skin), Ellagic acid, Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595, POM, pomegranate peel extract, EA, Lp DSM 6595, probiotic strain, Punica granatum L. (fruit pericarp) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 6595 Blend
Overview
This proprietary blend combines pomegranate extract (derived from the fruit pericarp), ellagic acid, and the specific probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595. Pomegranate extract is rich in ellagitannins, particularly punicalagin, which are polyphenols known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ellagic acid is a bioactive metabolite produced when gut bacteria hydrolyze ellagitannins. Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595 is a well-characterized probiotic bacterium, commonly found in fermented foods and the human gut, known for its role in gut health and immune modulation. The blend is designed to leverage the synergistic effects of these components, with the probiotic potentially enhancing the bioavailability and conversion of pomegranate ellagitannins into more active metabolites like ellagic acid and urolithins. While pomegranate extract and ellagic acid are studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential cardiovascular benefits, the probiotic component aims to support gut barrier function and modulate immune responses. The research maturity for the individual components varies, with extensive data for L. plantarum DSM 6595, but more limited high-quality human trials for the specific blend's efficacy.
Benefits
The primary benefits of this blend are largely inferred from the individual components, with limited direct evidence for the specific combination. Pomegranate extract and ellagic acid are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, primarily due to their polyphenol content. In vitro and animal studies suggest these compounds may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, though human clinical trials demonstrating significant clinical outcomes are sparse and often small. The strength of evidence for these benefits in humans is moderate at best, with more robust data needed. Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595, as a probiotic, is well-documented for its general benefits in supporting gut health, including maintaining gut barrier integrity, modulating the immune system, and potentially influencing metabolic processes. A key proposed benefit of this blend is the potential for L. plantarum DSM 6595 to enhance the conversion of punicalagin from pomegranate extract into ellagic acid and further into urolithins within the gut, thereby increasing the bioavailability of these beneficial metabolites. This synergistic action is primarily supported by in vitro studies, showing increased ellagic acid production when L. plantarum is co-cultured with pomegranate extract. However, the clinical significance of this enhanced conversion in humans, and its impact on health outcomes, remains to be fully established through robust human trials. No robust evidence suggests unique benefits for specific populations.
How it works
The mechanism of action for this blend centers on the interplay between pomegranate polyphenols and the probiotic. Pomegranate ellagitannins, such as punicalagin, are poorly absorbed in their native form. Upon ingestion, gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595, hydrolyze these ellagitannins into ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is then further metabolized by gut microbiota into urolithins (e.g., urolithin A, B, C, D), which are considered the primary bioactive compounds responsible for systemic effects. Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595 specifically enhances this conversion process, potentially increasing the production and bioavailability of ellagic acid and its urolithin metabolites. These metabolites exert their effects by acting as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals, and modulating inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB and Nrf2. The probiotic component also contributes to gut health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and interacting with the immune system, thereby influencing both local gut health and systemic immune responses. The primary interaction is within the gastrointestinal system, leading to systemic effects via the absorption of gut-derived metabolites.
Side effects
This proprietary blend is generally considered safe and well-tolerated at typical dietary doses, with no serious adverse events widely reported in clinical studies for its individual components. Common side effects, primarily associated with the probiotic component, may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort, especially when first initiating supplementation. These symptoms are usually transient and resolve as the body adjusts. Rare instances of allergic reactions to pomegranate have been reported, which could manifest as skin rashes, itching, or more severe reactions in susceptible individuals. There are no significant rare adverse events documented for these ingredients at typical doses. While no clinically significant drug interactions have been definitively reported, there is a theoretical potential for probiotics to influence drug metabolism or absorption in the gut. Individuals with compromised immune systems should exercise caution when considering live probiotic supplements due to a very rare risk of infection. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the blend's components. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been fully established, and therefore, use in these populations should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for this specific proprietary blend is not well-established due to limited direct clinical trials. However, based on the recommended dosages for its individual components, a general guideline can be inferred. For pomegranate extract, typical daily doses range from 200–600 mg. For ellagic acid, supplemental doses often fall between 50–150 mg per day. For Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 6595, as a probiotic, general guidance for probiotic strains suggests a daily intake of 1–10 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU). The maximum safe dose for this blend has not been formally established, but exceeding typical dietary intakes without professional medical supervision is not recommended. For optimal absorption and efficacy, probiotics are generally best taken with meals to enhance their survival through the acidic stomach environment. The timing for pomegranate extract and ellagic acid is less critical, but consistent daily use is important to allow for gut microbial metabolism and the accumulation of beneficial metabolites. Using standardized extracts for pomegranate and potentially enteric-coated forms for the probiotic may enhance their effectiveness. No specific cofactors are required, but a healthy diet rich in fiber and prebiotics can support overall gut health and potentially enhance the efficacy of the probiotic component.
FAQs
Are the benefits of this blend scientifically proven?
While individual components like pomegranate extract and L. plantarum DSM 6595 have some research, robust clinical trials specifically on this proprietary blend are limited. Benefits are largely inferred from in vitro and animal studies, and general probiotic effects.
How should I take this supplement for best results?
Consistency is key. Probiotics are generally best taken with meals to improve their survival. For pomegranate extract and ellagic acid, consistent daily intake is important for gut bacteria to metabolize them into active compounds.
Are there any common side effects?
Most people tolerate this blend well. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or gas can occur, especially when starting, due to the probiotic. Allergic reactions to pomegranate are rare but possible.
Is ellagic acid from this blend well-absorbed?
Direct absorption of ellagic acid is limited. Most of its benefits come from its conversion by gut bacteria into more bioavailable compounds called urolithins. The probiotic in this blend may enhance this conversion.
Who should avoid this supplement?
Individuals with known allergies to any component should avoid it. Caution is advised for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant or lactating women, and those on medications, due to limited safety data in these groups.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9801417/ – This in vitro study investigated the ability of 30 Lactobacillus strains, including L. plantarum, to metabolize punicalagin from pomegranate. It found that all tested strains converted punicalagin to ellagic acid, but not further to urolithins, suggesting a key role for these bacteria in the initial breakdown of pomegranate polyphenols.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06585 – This in vitro biodegradation assay demonstrated that L. plantarum significantly increased ellagic acid production (up to 25-fold) from pomegranate extract compared to the extract alone. The study highlights the potential of L. plantarum to enhance the bioavailability of ellagic acid by facilitating the breakdown of punicalagin.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964784/ – This in vitro study analyzed the growth and transcriptomic responses of three probiotic strains, including L. plantarum, to pomegranate extract. It showed that pomegranate extract induced strain-specific metabolic changes, providing biological plausibility for the interaction between probiotics and pomegranate compounds, though DSM 6595 was not specifically tested.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2015/258598 – This source is a review article discussing the health benefits of pomegranate, focusing on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides general background on pomegranate's bioactive compounds, including ellagitannins and ellagic acid, and their potential roles in various health conditions.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/6/1/24 – This source is a review article that discusses the role of gut microbiota in the metabolism of dietary polyphenols, including ellagitannins from pomegranate. It emphasizes that the bioavailability and bioactivity of these compounds are largely dependent on their transformation by gut bacteria into absorbable metabolites like urolithins.
Recommended Articles
Top Ingredients for Optimal Gut Health
Fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, hydration, and fermented foods are crucial for maintaining healthy digestion and gut function.
Best Probiotic Strains & CFU for Health
Certain probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with CFU counts ranging from 1 billion for general wellness to 100 billion for conditions like IBS, are most beneficial.
Best Probiotic Strains for Your Health Goals
Certain probiotic strains offer targeted benefits for digestive health, immune support, weight management, and mental health.
Top Digestive Health Ingredients
Dietary fiber, probiotics, and natural ingredients like ginger and peppermint oil are essential for improving digestive health.