Impact of Pomegranate Extract Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 55-70 Years: A Randomised Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Farhat, Grace ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7134-7445, Malla, Jhama, Al-Dujaili, Emad A S, Vadher, Jay, Nayak, Pradeepa and Drinkwater, Kenneth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4015-0578 (2025) Impact of Pomegranate Extract Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 55-70 Years: A Randomised Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Geriatrics. ISSN 2308-3417 (In Press)

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Abstract

Cognitive decline and loss of physical function are common concerns in older adults, with limited effective interventions available. This study aimed to assess the impact of pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation on cognitive and physical function in older adults aged 55-70 years. A randomised, double blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 86 participants, who were assigned to receive either PE (740 mg) or a placebo (maltodextrin) daily for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using com-puterised tests (Corsi, Digit span, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Tower of Hanoi, Stroop Test and Rey verbal auditory learning test). Physical function was measured through assessments of standing balance, gait speed, chair sit to stand and grip strength. Results demonstrated a significant effect of treatment and time on WCST performance (F (1,2) = 2.718, p=0.05), while trends towards better outcomes in the PE group were noted for digit span, Tower of Hanoi and Stroop tests. Physical function did not seem to be affected by the intervention, but results may be limited by the high baseline physical activity levels and full mobility of the older adults. This is the first study to examine the effect of PE on cognitive and physical function over a duration of 12 weeks. Findings suggest that PE supplementation has potential in improving cognitive function and may offer a promising approach to preventing cognitive decline in ageing adults. Further controlled and well-designed long-term studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of PE on cognitive and physical health, along with the mechanisms of action involved.