Pomegranate Juice and Extract Consumption Increases the Resistance to UVB-induced Erythema and Changes the Skin Microbiome in Healthy Women: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that topical application and oral consumption of pomegranate reduces UVB-induced skin damage. We therefore investigated if oral pomegranate consumption will reduce photodamage from UVB irradiation and alter the composition of the skin microbiota in a randomized controlled, parallel, three-arm, open label study. Seventy-four female participants (30–45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 1000 mg of pomegranate extract (PomX), 8 oz of pomegranate juice (PomJ) or placebo for 12 weeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) and melanin index were determined using a cutometer (mexameter probe). Skin microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. The MED was significantly increased in the PomX and PomJ group compared to placebo. There was no significant difference on phylum, but on family and genus level bacterial composition of skin samples collected at baseline and after 12 week intervention showed significant differences between PomJ, PomX and placebo. Members of the Methylobacteriaceae family contain pigments absorbing UV irradiation and might contribute to UVB skin protection. However, we were not able to establish a direct correlation between increased MED and bacterial abundance. In summary daily oral pomegranate consumption may lead to enhanced protection from UV photodamage.

Innovative Skin Product Emulsions with Enhanced Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and UV Protection Properties Containing Nanoparticles of Pure and Modified Chitosan with Encapsulated Fresh Pomegranate Juice

“…Ranjithkumar et al, studied the effect of pomegranate seed oil on the protection of the skin from the UV exposure and results indicated sufficiently SPF ability of the pomegranate oil [ 78 ]. Furthermore, Afaq et al, confirmed the photochemopreventive effect of the pomegranate derived products [ 79 ] while in a recent study it was reported that pomegranate extract and pomegranate juice consumption resulted in an increase in skin protection to UVB exposure [ 80 ]. In both cases by increasing the minimal erythema dose a decrease to melanin formation was fond, indicating an enhancement of UVB protection.…”

A Combined Analysis of Gut and Skin Microbiota in Infants with Food Allergy and Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study

“…Assuming the existence of the gut–skin axis in humans, i.e., changes in the skin microbiome that have been found to modulate the gut microbiome [ 64 ], and changes in skin physiology that appear to induce changes in the gut microbiota [ 65 ], we hypothesize that microbiota of the skin would influence that of the gut and vice-versa. This relationship was examined in the present study.…”

Application of Pomegranate by-Products in Muscle Foods: Oxidative Indices, Colour Stability, Shelf Life and Health Benefits

“…Previously published work demonstrates that pomegranate peel extract, although exhibiting no growth-supporting effect on keratinocytes, simulates type I procollagen synthesis, which in turn helps in promoting skin (dermis and epidermis) repair [ 98 ]. In another in vitro and animal study, the protective effect of pomegranate extract and juice, applied either topically or through oral consumption, against UVB induced skin damage (erythema) and alteration of the composition of skin microbiota in healthy women has also been reported [ 99 ].…”