Punicalagins, found in the pomegranate fruit, inhibit collagen-degrading enzymes.
The over-expression and over-activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade collagen, play a key role in skin health as well as joint conditions such as arthritis. Navindra Seeram, from the University of Rhode Island (Rhode Island, USA), and colleagues investigated the therapeutic potential of punicalagins – compounds found in the pomegranate fruit. The team observed that the punicalagins inhibited MMPs in the cell studies, and reduced inflammation in the animal models of arthritis.
