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Abstract
Polyphenols are compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mounting evidence suggests that dietary polyphenol intake can reduce the detrimental effects of various disease processes, and pomegranates have frequently been examined because of their particularly high polyphenol content. Since stroke induces both oxidative stress and inflammation and is currently the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., we sought to determine whether dietary supplementation with polyphenols could enhance cognitive recovery in individuals who had suffered an ischemic stroke. We administered polyphenols via 2 POMx pills containing polyphenols derived from pomegranates equivalent to the content of approximately 8 ounces of pomegranate juice, or placebo pills (capsules containing no polyphenol ingredients), every day for one week to inpatients who were in the acute post-stroke phase. Neuropsychological testing pre- and post-treatment was used to determine whether there were any changes in cognitive functioning as a result of pomegranate supplementation. Results trended toward subtle improvements in cognitive abilities in pomegranate-treated subjects compared to placebo-controlled subjects. Findings from this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial suggest that pomegranate polyphenols may be effective at enhancing the recovery of cognitive functioning after ischemic stroke, although studies with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations are needed to make any conclusions regarding these potential effects
