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The effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and running time to exhaustion

Recent research has shown that dietary nitrate has favorable effects on blood flow and exercise performance. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was to investigate the acute effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow, vessel diameter, and exercise performance in active individuals.

Results of the current study indicate that pomegranate extract is ergogenic for intermittent running, eliciting beneficial effects on blood flow.

RESEACH TITLE: The effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and running time to exhaustion

COUNTRY: USA

CONDUCTED BY: Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

PUBLISHED ON: US National Library of Medicine

THE POMEGRANATE SECRET
punicalagin
THE POMEGRANATE SECRET
punicalagin
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RESEACH:
Recent research has shown that dietary nitrate has favorable effects on blood flow and exercise performance. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was to investigate the acute effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow, vessel diameter, and exercise performance in active individuals.

Nineteen men and women (mean ± SD: age, 22.2 ± 2.2 years; height, 174.8 ± 10.7 cm; body mass, 71.9 ± 13.5 kg) were randomly assigned to a placebo (PL) or pomegranate extract (PE) group. Participants performed a maximal oxygen consumption treadmill test to determine peak velocity (PV).

Participants returned after 24-48 h and ingested either PL or pomegranate extract. Brachial artery blood flow was assessed using ultrasound at baseline and 30 min post-ingestion (30minPI). Three treadmill runs to exhaustion were performed at 90%, 100%, and 110% PV.

THE POMEGRANATE SECRET
punicalagin
THE POMEGRANATE SECRET
punicalagin
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Blood flow was assessed immediately after each exercise bout and 30 min postexercise (30minPEx). After a 7-10 day washout, participants repeated the same procedures, ingesting the opposite supplement. Separate repeated measures ANOVAs were performed for blood flow, vessel diameter, and time to exhaustion (TTE).

Blood flow was significantly augmented (p = 0.033) 30minPI with pomegranate extract in comparison with PL. Vessel diameter was significantly larger (p = 0.036) 30minPEx with pomegranate extract. Ingestion of pomegranate extract was found to significantly augment TTE at 90% (p = 0.009) and 100% PV (p = 0.027). Acute ingestion of pomegranate extract 30 min before exercise may enhance vessel diameter and blood flow and delay fatigue during exercise.

Results of the current study indicate that pomegranate extract is ergogenic for intermittent running, eliciting beneficial effects on blood flow.

YEAR: 2014

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