POMEGRANATE peel extract significantly improves triglycerides, liver enzymes, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
NAFLD is the most prevalent chronic liver disease, yet no proven treatment exists. The condition is influenced by lipid metabolism dysfunction, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Pomegranate peel extract has recognised antioxidant properties, leading to the hypothesis that it may positively impact NAFLD. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate peel supplementation on metabolic markers in patients with NAFLD, including liver enzymes, lipid profile, hs-CRP levels, and anthropometric indices.
A double-blind, randomised clinical trial was conducted on 46 patients with NAFLD, who were assigned either to an intervention group (n=23) receiving pomegranate peel extract or a placebo group (n=23). Both groups followed a calorie-deficit diet. The intervention group took two 500 mg capsules of pomegranate peel extract daily for 10 weeks, while the control group received maltodextrin capsules. Food intake and physical activity were monitored using 24-hour food recall questionnaires and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with data analysed via Nutritionist IV and SPSS software. Of the 46 participants, 42 completed the study. The pomegranate peel group showed significantly greater reductions in triglycerides (p=0.02), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p=0.02), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.01), and hs-CRP (p=0.01), alongside a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.04), compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed for LDL-C, total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), or fatty liver grade.
These findings suggest that pomegranate peel extract may be beneficial in improving key metabolic markers in patients with NAFLD. Given the lack of effective treatments, this natural intervention has potential clinical relevance. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are necessary to validate these effects and determine optimal dosages. If confirmed, pomegranate peel extract could become a valuable adjunct in NAFLD management.
Katheeja Imani, EMJ
Reference
Baghdadi G et al. Effect of pomegranate peel consumption on liver enzymes, lipid profile, liver steatosis, and Hs-CRP in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2025;39(2):619-29.
