Pomegranate and Cocoa Extract May Provide Aging Benefits in Mature Men

As men age, they typically experience declines in physical, psychological, and sexual functions that correlate with a decline in testosterone levels. A recent study suggests that pomegranate and cocoa extracts may help increase testosterone levels and improve healthy aging measures in mature men.

For their study, the researchers recruited 120 healthy men between the ages of 36 and 55. They were given 200 mg of pomegranate and cocoa extract, 400 mg of pomegranate and cocoa extract, or a placebo daily for 56 days. Aging male symptoms were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study period using the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire. Testosterone levels, hand-grip strength, and perceived stress were also evaluated.

Total AMS scores declined by 15.5% and 19.3% in the 200 mg and 400 mg extract groups, respectively. The total AMS scores in the placebo group decreased by only 4.5%. Free testosterone levels in the 200 and 400 mg groups increased by 39.1% and 48.3% respectively. Total testosterone levels in the 200 and 400 mg groups rose by 21.3% and 24.6% respectively. No significant increases were seen in the placebo group.

In addition, hand-grip strength improved by 18.9% and 24.7% in the 200 and 400 mg groups, respectively, compared to no significant increase in the placebo group. The extract groups also saw reductions in perceived stress.

The study was conducted by researchers from Sri Venkateshwara Hospital. It was published online ahead of print on July 7, 2022 in the International Journal of Medical Sciences.

Pomegranate and cocoa extracts were found to help increase testosterone levels in young men in a previous study.