Publication Date

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Committee Members

Oleg Paliy, Ph.D. (Advisor); Weiwen Long, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Kwang-Jin Cho, Ph.D. (Committee Member)

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Pomegranate is known to have antioxidant and prebiotic qualities that have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing inflammation in the gut. Inflammation in the gut is an issue that results in many health problems including obesity and colon cancer. In this study, an experimental group received a daily pomegranate supplement for three weeks where a control group did not receive any supplement. After sequencing gDNA isolated from fecal samples from both before and after the trial period there was a significant difference between the two groups. The largest amount of variability is attributed to the individual the sample came from. However, pomegranate did significantly contribute to a change in the gut microbiome. Multiple different genera were changed between the pre and post-pomegranate trial samples. Two of these genera, Limosilactobacillus and Enterococcus, are both lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are known to have anti-inflammatory qualities within the gut. Other genera, including Collinsella are reduced during the trial period. Collinsella promotes inflammation in the gut that can lead to many intestinal diseases including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Overall, this study shows that pomegranate consumption results in a significant change to the gut microbiome by promoting anti-inflammatory bacteria while reducing pro-inflammatory bacteria. The changes in the gut by pomegranate consumption helps protect against inflammatory associated diseases including type 2 diabetes and irritable bowel disease.

Page Count

61

Department or Program

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Year Degree Awarded

2023

ORCID ID

0009-0000-1236-2920


Share

COinS