Pomegranate extract is sold on two different markers: punicalagins or ellagic acid. They are related. Punicalagins are large tannins that break down to release ellagic acid. That relationship affects the taste, the solubility and the number you can put on the label.
Two Markers, Two Behaviours
- Punicalagins are water-soluble ellagitannins, the main tannins of pomegranate. They are astringent, like strong tea.
- Ellagic acid is released when ellagitannins hydrolyse. It dissolves poorly in water and suits capsules better than drinks.
Seeram, Lee and Heber (Clinica Chimica Acta, 2004) detected ellagic acid in plasma after volunteers drank pomegranate juice rich in punicalagins. The authors noted that it may come from ellagitannin hydrolysis in the body.
Expect the Markers to Move
Because punicalagins can hydrolyse to ellagic acid, heat, acid and long storage in water can shift the balance between them. A drink specified on punicalagins may test lower after pasteurisation and shelf life, and higher in free ellagic acid. Measure the label marker in the finished product at the end of shelf life.
Capsules and Tablets
For capsules, the 40% ellagic acid grade (HPLC) or the 40% punicalagins grade (UV) is usual. Both are fine powders between 40 and 80 mesh. Dark tannin-rich powders can stain, so opaque shells help.
Drinks, Shots and Sachets
Use the water-soluble grade, which is spray-dried with at least 30% polyphenols and at least 90% water solubility. Expect astringency at higher doses. Sweetness, acidity and red-fruit flavours balance it.
Tannins bind proteins, so protein drinks can turn hazy. Test in the full recipe.
Peel or Fruit?
Pomegranate extracts can be made from peel, aril, seed or the whole fruit, and the marker profile differs. Ask which part was used and keep it on the specification. Our peel vs fruit article explains why it matters.
Choosing the Grade
| Grade | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 40% ellagic acid (HPLC) | Capsules, tablets, skin-focused supplements |
| 40% punicalagins (UV) | Antioxidant capsules |
| Polyphenols 30% (UV, as gallic acid) | General blends |
| Water-soluble grade | Drinks, shots, sachets, effervescents |
| Full-spectrum or organic (on request) | Clean-label and organic lines |
Grades are on the pomegranate extract page. For assay methods see ellagic acid: HPLC vs UV.
Pomegranate extract on the marker you label
Tell us the marker, the format and the quantity. We send the specification and a reference certificate.