A study suggested that pomegranate juice can help improve physical function and stiffness in joints, as well as decrease breakdown cartilage enzymes and increase antioxidant status in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

In this study, 38 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into two groups: a pomegranate juice group and a control group for six weeks to evaluate the effect of this intervention on clinical signs, inflammation and antioxidant status.

The results showed that there was significant decreases in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), with the total score decreasing from 39.6 to 32.4 in the pomegranate juice group. The means of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), which can affect the breakdown of cartilage, was significantly decreased and glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, was increased in the pomegranate juice group compared with the control group after the study period.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of musculoskeletal disorders that leads to joint degeneration, and has a major impact on patients' quality of life. Experimental and in vitro studies have suggested the protective roles of pomegranate juice as a rich antioxidant source for mitigating cartilage inflammation.

Looking for more on joint support ingredients and the clinical substantiation requirements for appropriate claims? Join us for the Developing and Marketing Joint Support Products workshop on Saturday, Oct. 8, at SupplySide West 2016.