Pomegranate extract could be a cost-effective way to tackle the effects of ageing, new study shows

With an increasingly ageing population, methods to tackle the challenges that arise from ageing will play an important role in helping to ensure good quality of life. A new study by Manchester Metropolitan academic Dr Grace Farhat has now shown that pomegranate extract can improve cognitive function and may prevent cognitive decline in ageing adults.

Cognitive decline is a common concern in older adults, and improving cognitive health through dietary interventions such as pomegranate extract may offer a promising natural approach to support brain health and maintain cognitive performance with age.

This was the first study to examine the effect of pomegranate extract on cognitive and physical function over a duration of 12 weeks.

Dr Grace Farhat, Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and lead author of the study, said: “This was also the first study that takes this age-category, between 55 and 70 years, to see how pomegranate extract affects ageing. We really wanted to focus on prevention as well as anti-ageing. 

“We measured inflammatory factors because when inflammation is too high it causes adverse effects on your health. We also assessed cognitive function because cognitive abilities decrease with age, like memory and attention span.”

The study provided the participants with two capsules of pomegranate extract a day. After 12 weeks, Dr Farhat found that some inflammatory markers had decreased and some cognitive functions had improved, illustrating that the pomegranate extract had induced a positive effect.

The study also found thatpomegranate extract can lower blood pressure, which can be high in ageing adults. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of the extract during a period that is longer than three months.   

Population ageing is a global phenomenon and the decline in physical and cognitive health can seriously impact the quality of life for an increasing number of people. 

Dr Farhat said: “Can pomegranate definitely improve cognitive function? We’re not there yet. However, it seems that pomegranate extract may have promising effects on brain health, particularly due to its high levels of polyphenols—natural compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”