Punicalagin Power
Start taking this supplement today and your future self will thank you.
Here's an interesting training philosophy: Train today for how you want to feel when you're older. If you want to be strong, healthy, and mobile in the future, think about how today's workout contributes to that goal.
We could say the same about supplements: Supplement today in a way that makes you healthier tomorrow. In the future, you'd probably like to avoid erectile dysfunction, dementia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's, liver disease, and diabetes. So, what can we take today to stave off those things? Emerging research is pointing to punicalagin (Buy at Amazon).
What's Punicalagin?
Punicalagin is a type of polyphenol – a class of ellagitannins. It's a big, water-soluble molecule made of ellagic acid units bound to a glucose molecule. All of those health benefits you get from pomegranates? They come from the punicalagin content. The only problem? Getting enough punicalagin from pomegranates is almost impossible, even when juiced. But we'll get to that below.
You probably know about the two major benefits of punicalagin: erection health and prostate support. So, here's a quick summary, plus some emerging research on punicalagin and longevity.
1. Punicalagin vs. Prostate Cancer and BPH
One in eight men will get diagnosed with prostate cancer, and most modern treatment modalities lead to sexual side effects… if they're successful. Punicalagin may help prevent prostate cancer and shows potential in treatment.
- Punicalagin helps reduce inflammation in the prostate gland. This anti-inflammatory effect lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer or slows its progression. This is likely due to the compound's ability to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress.
- Studies show that punicalagin inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. One study showed that punicalagin reduced the growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell cycle arrest. This effect is partly due to its ability to modulate the signaling pathways involved in cancer cell survival and proliferation.
- Along with slowing the growth of prostate cancer cells, punicalagin may inhibit metastasis (cancer spreading to other body parts). Punicalagin appears to downregulate the expression of genes associated with metastasis.
- If chemotherapy can't be avoided, punicalagin seems to enhance the efficacy of the treatments by sensitizing cancer cells to chemo and reducing side effects.
- While it's not a cure, punicalagin helps manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – non-cancerous prostate enlargement almost every male experiences starting in middle age. If you have to pee a couple of times in the middle of the night, you might have that. Punicalagin keeps that naughty gland under control.
2. Punicalagin vs. Limp Noodles
Here's a punicalagin benefit with immediate and long-term effects: punicalagin helps you get it up and keep it up.
Punicalagin improves endothelial function. The endothelium is the layer of cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels. In a nutshell, improved function leads to more nitric oxide (NO) and better blood flow to the penis. Strong erections are all about blood flow.
3. Punicalagin vs. Dementia
Punicalagin is metabolized by your gut microbiota into smaller compounds, including urolithin A. In one study, when mice with Alzheimer's were fed urolithin A, they all displayed improved learning and memory. Even their sense of smell improved. (A declining sense of smell is an early indicator of Alzheimer's.)
How'd that happen? Well, a healthy brain removes damaged mitochondria, but neurodegenerative diseases impair that natural process. The weak mitochondria build up and affect brain function. Urolithin A removes these handicapped mitochondria and repairs cognitive function. Emerging research also suggests that urolithin A supports synaptic function and promotes the formation of new neurons, critical for memory and overall cognitive function.
4. Punicalagin vs. Inflammation-Associated Chronic Diseases
Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases are all associated with excess inflammation. Researchers (Xu, et al) concluded that punicalagin is a promising therapeutic compound in preventing and treating inflammation-associated diseases.
5. Punicalagin vs. Looking Old
One study found that punicalagin reduced signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity. This is attributed to its ability to modulate collagen and hyaluronic acid metabolism.
6. Punicalagin vs. Liver Damage
Punicalagin has hepatoprotective effects, particularly in reducing liver damage caused by toxins. These toxins include alcohol, heavy metals, pesticides, and certain drugs like acetaminophen.
So, Just Drink Pomegranate Juice?
Drinking 100% pure juice doesn't hurt, but it's very difficult to get a therapeutic amount of punicalagin. To get 180 mg of punicalagin (an effective dose), you'd need to consume up to 24 ounces daily. That's over 400 calories and about 100 grams of sugar. So, supplementation is the wise choice.
P-Well Prostate Support (Buy at Amazon) contains 180 mg of punicalagin per three-capsule serving, along with other supportive ingredients like lycopene and cranberry whole-fruit concentrate.
References
- Siffiqui et al. "Multifaceted Neuroprotective Role of Punicalagin: A Review." Neurochemical Research, 12 December 2023.
- Xu et al. "Punicalagin Regulates Signaling Pathways in Inflammation-Associated Chronic Diseases." J. Antioxidants.
- "Pomella Pomegranate Ellagitannins Show Promise In Polyphenol Conversion Capabilities Of Urolithins." Verdure Sciences.
- Hou et al. "Urolithin A improves Alzheimer's disease cognition and restores mitophagy and lysosomal functions." Journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. 16 May 2024.