Oral Pomegranate Extract on the Microbiome and Skin Biophysical Properties

Pomegranate extract (Pomella) is well known for its antioxidant properties due to its phenolic compounds. It has also been shown to increase the amount of short chain fatty acid producing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera. Short chain fatty acids are thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the sebaceous glands. Previous studies have concluded that pomegranate extract may act as a prebiotic in the body and subsequently increasing the gastrointestinal microbial diversity and by producing short chain fatty acids that may have systemic beneficial effects especially on the skin. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess how Pomella alters the gut microbiome and the blood level of short chain fatty acids in healthy subjects.