Trial to Evaluate the Use of Pomegranate Concentrate (POMx) for the Prevention of Experimental Rhinovirus Infection

Trial to Evaluate the Use of Pomegranate Concentrate (POMx) for the Prevention of Experimental Rhinovirus Infection

A Placebo Controlled, Randomized, Double Blind Pilot Study to Evaluate the Use of Pomegranate Concentrate (POMx) for the Prevention of Experimental Rhinovirus Infection in Human Subjects

Pomegranate has a long history of use in folk medicine. There is vast data on the health benefits of pomegranate fruit and juice. Multiple studies have established the strong antioxidative effects of pomegranate polyphenols (primarily the ellagitannin punicalagin) and their health effects. A vast number of animal and human clinical studies have provided evidence on effect of pomegranate products on reducing symptoms of common cold, reducing blood pressure, improving endothelial function, anti-tumor activity, and its anti-atherosclerotic activity. This study will evaluate the protective effect of a pomegranate concentrate (POMx) in decreasing the incidence and duration of the common cold among healthy adults.

3.3 oz bottle containing antioxidants equivalent to 8 oz of pomegranate juice taken once daily for 7 days prior to infection and for 4 days after.

3.3 oz bottle containing fruit flavored juice low in antioxidants taken once daily for 7 days prior to infection and for 4 days after.

The proportion of subjects who become infected in the active treatment group compared with the proportion of subjects who become infected in the placebo treatment group.

Inclusion Criteria: Nonsmoker No recent history of respiratory disease Exclusion Criteria: Serum positive for rhinovirus Pregnant or breastfeeding Recent immunization