A scientific project started by the University of Huddersfield, England, under the direction of Dr Olumayokun Olajide, has concluded that pomegranates have a natural compound, called punicalagin, which could slow down the onset of Alzheimer's and some of its symptoms. The project developed by the University of Huddersfield, which specialises in the anti-inflammatory properties of natural products, has determined that the onset of alzheimer's can be slowed down by punicalagins and that the painful inflammation that accompanies diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or parkinson "could be reduced."
This project has motivated the aforementioned British university and the fresh pomegranate juice manufacturer Vitalgrana, based in Catral, Alicante, to collaborate to determine the benefits of the consumption of pomegranate juice in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
The Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche, IMED hospitals and the Elche Senior Residential Centre are also collaborating in this project.
"We know that regular consumption of pomegranates has many health benefits," according to Olajide's study.
In his opinion, it is recommended to consume pure juices of this product, which will contain 3.4% of punicalagins, the compound that slows down the development of dementia.
He also claims that "most of the antioxidants are in the outer skin of the pomegranate, not in the soft part of the fruit."
Olajide has announced that a second stage of the research is now underway with the collaboration of organic chemist Karl Hemming, also from the University of Huddersfield.
Both doctors will study the formula to produce mixed derivatives of punicalagins, which could be the basis for new drugs to be administered orally.
The director of Vitalgrana, Manuel Esclapez, believes that the results obtained by Dr Olajide are "promising."
Vitalgrana has patented a process by which all the antioxidant compounds that pomegranates contain are added to its juice.
This synergy is considered the most appropriate for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, which is why it is leading the new clinical test to be carried out in Elche with people.
The company will thus continue collaborating in the development of this scientific project, which aims to provide information about the therapeutic potential of pomegranates in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which could be linked to the counteracting of oxidative stress due to the presence of active phytochemicals.
For a long time, the company has been committed to researching the properties of pomegranates for the creation of products marketed nationally and internationally.
For instance, joint research with the Hospital La Fe of Valencia resulted in the development of capsules with Omega 5 extracts; the fatty acid that can be found inside the seed of pomegranates and which has been found to help in the reduction of cholesterol.
It also increases collagen production by 52%, elastin by 48% and telomers by 20% in order to prevent cardiovascular, inflammatory and hypertension diseases.
Vitalgrana has also launched a treatment against acne using pomegranate peel.
Pomegranate peel is very effective against the bacteria causing acne, as it reduces the amount of sebum and improves the hydration of the skin.
