Pomegranate fruit extract suppresses expression of pro-inflammatory symptoms.

 

Pomegranate fruit is rich in anthocyanins and hydrolysable tannins; a group of polyphenolic compounds shown to be potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory activity. However, no studies have been undertaken to investigate whether a polyphenol-rich pomegranate fruit extract (POMx) inhibits the inflammatory activity of activated human mast cells and basophils.

Mast cells are emerging key players in the erosive and inflammatory events leading to joint destruction in inflammatory arthritis. Accumulation of mast cells in rheumatoid synovial tissue and their activation and degradation associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes at cartilage erosion sites suggest that they could be usefully selected as a therapeutic target. Mast cells are known to play a central role in inflammatory diseases as these cells contain potent inflammatory mediators, including histamine, heparin, proteinases, leukotrienes, and multifunctional cytokines, and their potential contributions to processes of inflammation and matrix degradation have become evident.

In response to diverse stimuli, human basophilic KU812 cells release an array of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines especially IL-6 and IL-8 which have the potential to cause inflammation and tissue remodeling. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a key role in immune response, growth and differentiation of B- and T-cells, hematopoiesis and the induction of hepatic acute phase plasma proteins. Increased tissue levels of IL-6 in diseases like arthritis, psoriasis, scleroderma, and delayed pressure urticaria have been demonstrated.

This is the first report that shows POMx inhibits the inflammatory activity of activated human mast cells like KU812 cells. The results of the present study indicate that POMx inhibits PMACI-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines production via inhibiting the gene expression. This is achieved by blocking JNK- and ERK-MAPK activation and NF-κB activation in human KU812 cells. POMx or POMx-derived compounds may be of value for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in which mast cells play an active role.

(SOURCE) Journal of Inflammation 2009, 6:1.

 

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and joint destruction. New research suggests that Pomegranate may help to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines production via inhibiting the gene expression. In this way Pomegranate may help to support healthy joints and cartilage, vital to flexibility and movement.

 

A great source of Pomegranate is MDR Pure Pomegrante.