Pomegranate for Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis lead to joint destruction, pain and disability. A new meta-analysis suggests that supplementing pomegranate may help.

This meta-analysis of controlled studies found that supplementing pomegranate

extract or juice helps people with arthritis.

In rheumatoid arthritis, it significantly reduced disease activity scores and

markers of inflammation while increasing antioxidant activity. Given that arthritis

is characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, this is good news.

In osteoarthritis, pomegranate significantly improved WOMAC scores, which

evaluate pain, stiffness, and physical function; KOOS scores, which measure pain, knee-related quality of life, function in daily living and in sports and recreation; and subjective improvement.

Pomegranate supplementation was well tolerated with no serious adverse

events.

This meta-analysis demonstrates the promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

effects of pomegranate for people with arthritis.

Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2026 Apr:72:102809.