Pomegranate byproduct administration to apolipoprotein e-deficient mice attenuates atherosclerosis development as a result of decreased macrophage oxidative stress and reduced cellular uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2006 March, 8;54(5):1928-35
After the production of pomegranate juice the left overs (mainly peels and seeds) contain useful phytochemicals. This study investigated the effects of a pomegranate byproduct on atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. These mice are characterized by spontaneous hypercholesterolemia and accelerated atherosclerosis, which is substantially increased by high cholesterol diet. The consumption of pomegranate byproduct by the mice resulted in a significant reduction in atherosclerotic lesion size and a significantly reduced oxidative stress in the mice peritoneal macrophages. Pomegranate byproduct also decreased the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL). The researchers concluded that pomegranate byproduct significantly reduces atherosclerosis development by its antioxidant properties.
Pomegranate juice reduces oxidized low-density lipoprotein downregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human coronary endothelial cells.
Nitric Oxide. 2006 January, 11
This study investigated the influence of pomegranate juice on nitric-oxide synthase induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein in coronary endothelial cells. The study suggested that pomegranate juice has indeed a beneficial effects on the evolution vascular health and coronary heart disease.
Beta-Secretase (BACE1) inhibitors from pomegranate (Punica granatum) husk.
Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2005 December;28(12):1328-32
Beta secretase initiates the plaque development in the brain, which might result in dementia. The scientists were looking for beta-secretase inhibitors in the husk of pomegranate. They identified the phytochemicals ellagic acid and punicalagin which were less inhibitory to alpha-secretase and other serine proteases, indicating that they were relatively specific inhibitors of beta-secretase.
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