Pomegranate

Punica granatum

Mechanism

Pomegranate (fruit, juice, peel) is rich in polyphenols, above all ellagitannins such as punicalagin as well as anthocyanins. In cell models and human studies, antioxidant and radical-scavenging effects are described; the ellagitannins are partly metabolised in the gut to urolithins, whose bioavailability fluctuates strongly between individuals. A direct transfer of these findings to the horse is not proven — controlled equine studies on the antioxidant or performance-related effect are largely lacking. Statements therefore remain limited to the traditional application framework and the mechanistic plausibility.

Cautions

· High tannin content can impair the absorption of other nutrients and trace elements
· Mind the sugar content of juice/fruit in EMS and metabolically sensitive horses
· Equine evidence thin — antioxidant effects extrapolated predominantly from in-vitro and human data

Sources

PMID:18227908Seeram et al. 2008 (J Agric Food Chem) — Granatapfel-Polyphenole und antioxidative Kapazität (in vitro/Human)

EFSAEFSA — Bewertung gesundheitsbezogener Angaben zu Polyphenolen: keine belastbare Kausalität bestätigt

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-dependent (extract vs. dried fruit/juice); a standardised equine dose recommendation does not exist — follow the manufacturer's instructions

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.