Abstract

Both nitrate and polyphenol pathways are known to support vascular function, muscle oxygenation, and endurance. A novel blend of Beetroot and Pomegranate Peel Extract (BPE) standardized for nitrates and ellagic acid content. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period cross-over study evaluated the acute and 28-day effects of BPE in 18 healthy, physically active men on Nitric Oxide (NO) bioavailability, exercise performance, endurance and recovery. Participants received BPE (400mg/day) or placebo for 28 days with a 14-day washout. Compared with placebo, BPE produced significant improvements in bench press one-repetition maximum (Day 28: 9.44±8.73kg vs 2.22±8.09kg; p=0.0146), leg press one-repetition maximum (13.06±9.10kg vs 4.72±9.15kg; p=0.0097), dominant hand grip strength (3.28±2.88kg vs 1.01±1.98kg; p=0.0094), and six-minute walk distance (41.11±17.45m vs 12.22±17.68m; p<0.0001). Peak NO (p=0.0056) and average NO (p=0.0170) increased significantly with BPE, while perceived exertion decreased (−0.72±0.83 vs 0.17±1.04; p=0.0079). Fat mass and total body fat percentage were significantly reduced (p=0.0002 and p=0.0016, respectively) without loss of lean mass. SmO₂ improved within groups but showed no significant between-group differences. BPE was well tolerated, with no serious or product-related adverse events. These findings demonstrate acute and sustained ergogenic benefits of combined nitrate and ellagic acid supplementation in healthy active men..

Keywords: BPE; Beetroot extract; Pomegranate extract; Nitric oxide; Endurance performance; Strength; Nitrate supplementation; Ergogenic aid; Body composition; Skeletal muscle oxygenation

Abbreviations: 1-RM: One-Repetition Maximum; 6-MWT: Six-Minute Walk Test; AE: Adverse Event; BMI: Body Mass Index; DEXA: Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry; NO: Nitric Oxide; NOS: Nitric Oxide Synthase; RPE: Rate of Perceived Exertion; SAE: Serious Adverse Event; SE: Standard Error; SmO₂: Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation