Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 09, 2026 2 hours, 11 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers have uncovered compelling new evidence that compounds found in pomegranate peels could play a major role in protecting the intestines from inflammation and damage, offering fresh hope for people struggling with gut-related disorders.
Pomegranate peel extract strengthens the gut barrier and reduces inflammation in new laboratory studies
Turning Fruit Waste into Medical Promise
Pomegranate peels are usually discarded during juice production, yet scientists have long suspected they are rich in powerful natural compounds. In this
Medical News report, researchers explored whether an extract made from Mediterranean pomegranate peels could protect the gut lining from inflammation and oxidative stress, two major drivers of digestive diseases such as colitis.
Who Conducted the Study
The research team came from multiple respected institutions. These included the Department of Pharmacy and the Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry at “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy, the Center for Advanced Studies and Technology at the same university, the Telematic University “Leonardo Da Vinci,” the Università Politecnica delle Marche, and the University of Trieste.
What the Scientists Tested
The scientists used laboratory-grown human intestinal cells and isolated mouse colon tissue to closely examine how pomegranate peel extract affects the gut. They focused on inflammation, cell damage, and the strength of the intestinal barrier, which normally prevents harmful substances from leaking into the body.
Key Findings Explained Simply
The study found that pomegranate peel extract dramatically reduced harmful oxidative stress in intestinal cells. Oxidative stress occurs when damaging molecules overwhelm the body’s defenses and can weaken gut tissues. The extract also reduced cell injury and prevented intestinal cells from dying when exposed to inflammatory toxins.
Importantly, the extract restored levels of a critical protein called ZO-1, which helps hold intestinal cells tightly together. When this barrier breaks down, toxins and bacteria can pass through the gut wall and worsen inflammation. By strengthening this barrier, the extract helped maintain healthy gut function.
In mouse colon tissue, the extract significantly lowered inflammatory signals such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, while boosting natural antioxidant enzymes that protect tissues from damage. These combined effects suggest the extract works on multiple levels to calm inflammation and support healing.
Why Pomegranate Peel Works
Chemical analysis showed the extract is rich in natural polyphenols, especially punicalagins, hydroxytyrosol, catechin, rosmarinic acid, and p-coumaric acid. These compounds are known for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which likely explains the powe
rful protective effects observed.
Conclusion
The findings clearly show that pomegranate peel extract offers broad protection for intestinal health by reducing inflammation, limiting oxidative damage, and reinforcing the gut’s natural barrier. While more human studies are needed, this research strongly suggests that pomegranate peel, once considered waste, could become a valuable natural tool for supporting long-term digestive health and preventing chronic gut inflammation.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/3/1603
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