A Boner-Boosting Ingredient for Better Health

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Punicalagin for Sex, Prostate, and Immunity​

This natural compound boosts longevity and sexual health. That's a win-win.​

There are supplements for better sex and there are supplements for better health. These categories sometimes overlap.

For example, men who maintain healthy levels of testosterone live longer, and certain T-boosting supplements (like Long Jack) also happen to elevate libido and support erection health. Others, like micellar curcumin, fight the serial killer known as inflammation but also boost nitric oxide, critical for sturdy erections.

Now we have another multitasking ingredient to play with: punicalagin.

What is Punicalagin?​

Punicalagin is a type of polyphenol found in small amounts in pomegranates. It's both a health/longevity supplement and a bedroom performance booster. Here are some of the ways punicalagin or its metabolites support both goals:

1. Punicalagin is Nature's Viagra​

Punicalagin elevates levels of nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes the smooth muscle fibers of penile arteries so they allow more blood to flow into the penis. A double-blind crossover study with 61 male subjects found that 47% reported improved erections with punicalagin.

2. Punicalagin Keeps Blood Vessels Healthy​

Punicalagin can raise levels of NO, which opens up blood vessels, but it also improves circulatory function in general through its powerful antioxidant capability. Multiple studies show that it enhances blood flow and even reverses arterial plaque growth. (Roto-rooter out the plaque and you automatically improve blood flow.)

As a bonus, erections are all about hydraulics, and if the “hoses” (blood vessels) are strong and clear of gunk, they provide a lot of the pressure needed to pop wood.

3. Punicalagin Blocks Testosterone-to-Estrogen Conversion​

The parent compound and its metabolite are powerful inhibitors of aromatase activity, which means punicalagin thwarts the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, thereby elevating T levels naturally.

One study of men and women found that punicalagin raises levels of testosterone by an average of 24%. Punicalagin blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT and inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This results in less testosterone being converted to DHT, thereby promoting a normal PSA level and preventing prostate growth (thus making it easier to pee).


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A New Superpower: Immunity Support​

Science recently discovered a new ability: Punicalagin triggers a constant supply of rejuvenated T cells, the immune system “bouncers.”

Once punicalagin makes the trek through your gastrointestinal tract, it’s converted by bacteria into ellagic acid, some of which is metabolized into other compounds, like various types of urolithin. Urolithin beefs up the immune system by promoting “mitochondrial autophagy" – old mitochondria in T cells are hunted down and purged. When these old mitochondria are replaced, the cells containing them are rejuvenated.

Researchers noticed that the T cells designated for doing battle against tumors are generally suppressed, which allows them to grow uncontrollably. However, by administering punicalagin/urolithin, the mitochondria inside the T cells are recycled and renewed, allowing them to punch back against these tumors.

Not only that, but the type of T cells that formed from the urolithin intervention were “T memory cells” – the ultimate immune system warriors. Once they encounter a pathogen, they “remember” it, allowing a quicker and more potent response to that same pathogen should it reappear.

There’s an age-related problem with urolithin, though. As we get older, alterations in the gut microbiome lead to a limited production of urolithin – approximately half of that produced by the young. Fortunately, the researchers found that ingesting punicalagin introduced effective doses of urolithin to the body, where it can act synergistically with the immune system.

Where Do I Get Punicalagin?​

You might be thinking about chugging pomegranate juice to increase your punicalagin intake. Unfortunately, punicalagin is mainly present in the root, bark, and leaves of the pomegranate, none of which is used to make commercial pomegranate juice. You'll get a little from the juice, but not enough for a pharmaceutical-like effect. The best way to augment your intake of punicalagin is to take a supplement.