Building on previous laboratory studies showing potential skin benefits of Pomanox, researchers in Spain evaluated the extract on women with facial hyperpigmentation.
“Pomaskin adds an exciting clinical dimension to the Pomanox research programme,” Andrea Zangara, scientific communication advisor at Euromed, said in a press release.
“The findings highlight the extract’s potential for beauty-from-within applications and provide a valuable basis for formulation development, as well as further clinical investigation,” he continued.
Potential mechanisms
The researchers noted that the effects of pomegranate on skin pigmentation may be due to the inhibition of melanin synthesis by tyrosinase in melanocytes.
Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin determines the color of skin, hair, and eyes and acts as a natural biological shield for ultraviolet (UV) radiation, helping to protect DNA and prevent skin damage.
However, repeated exposure can cause melanocytes to stop dividing (cellular senescence) and lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Tyrosinase is an enzyme produced from the oxidation of tyrosine substrates that is essential in melanin synthesis. Therefore, compounds that inhibit tyrosinase, such as pomegranate extract, may help to brighten the complexion, fade dark spots, and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Study details
The researchers conducted a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 64 women aged 30-65 with hyperpigmented facial spots.
The participants consumed Pomanax pomegranate extract (supplied by Euromed S.A.) at a dosage of either 367mg or 700mg, or placebo daily for 12 weeks.
At the start, at four weeks, and at the end of the study, the researchers collected blood, urine, facial skin, and fecal samples and assessed anthropometric measurements, diet, and physical activity.
Facial skin parameters included the melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) of a facial spot, as well as the MI of spotless skin. Selected facial spots, wrinkles, hydration, pores, acne, keratin, and elasticity were assessed using appropriate devices.
The primary outcome of the study was the change in MI of a facial spot at 12 weeks as compared with baseline. The results showed that this did not reach statistical significance for the extract.
However, the 367 mg group was associated with a significant decrease in the percentage change in MI of a facial spot and an increase in hydration levels at 12 weeks compared to placebo, and both extract doses increased elasticity. Differences were apparent after four weeks.
Exploratory microbiota analysis showed that the extract influenced gut composition, increasing the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcaceae. Also, Akkermansia increased in the 367 mg group compared to placebo. The study notes that these changes may benefit gut and skin health by improving barrier function and reducing inflammation, but the findings should be regarded as exploratory.
Despite the study’s limitations and the need for further adequately powered trials, the authors noted that this is, to their knowledge, the first time researchers have assessed as many variables when evaluating the effects of pomegranate extract on human skin.
Source: Sci Rep 16, 30192 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-72115-8 “Effects of pomegranate extract Pomanox on facial skin aging parameters: a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial.” Authors: A. Costa et al.
