Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high-intensity exercise in young, healthy adults

The effects of pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation were evaluated on high-intensity exercise performance, blood flow, vessel diameter, oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP). In a randomized, crossover design, nineteen recreationally resistance-trained participants were randomly assigned to PE (1000mg) or placebo (PL), which were consumed 30min prior to a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and repetitions to fatigue (RTF) on bench and leg press. The RSA consisted of ten six-second sprints on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer with 30s recovery. Brachial artery blood flow and vessel diameter were assessed by ultrasound. Blood flow, vessel diameter, SPO2, HR, and BP were assessed at baseline, 30min post ingestion, immediately post exercise (IPost), and 30min post exercise (30minPost). With PE, blood flow significantly increased IPost RSA (mean difference=18.49mLmin(-1); P<.05), and IPost and 30minPost RTF (P<.05) according to confidence intervals (CI). Vessel diameter increased significantly 30minPost RSA according to CI and resulted in a significant interaction IPost and 30minPost RTF (P<.05). With PE, according to CI, average and peak power output increased significantly in sprint 5 of the RSA (P<.05). There was no significant difference between PE and PL for bench (P=.25) or leg press (P=.15) repetitions. Acute PE supplementation enhanced vessel diameter and blood flow, suggesting possible exercise performance enhancement from increased delivery of substrates and oxygen. The acute timing and capsule form of PE may be advantageous to athletic populations due to ergogenic effects, taste, and convenience.