The Effects of pomegranate Peel Supplementation on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Nowadays, improving anxiety, depression, and stress is important in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate eight weeks of pomegranate peel (PP) supplementation on depression, anxiety, and stress scale changes among NAFLD patients. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 76 NAFLD patients assigned to the PP (n=39) or placebo (n=37) groups. Participants received the pomegranate peel (1500 mg/day) or placebo for eight weeks. PP capsules were prepared fromdry extract of PP by soaking. A diet with reduced calorie intake and healthy recommendations was given to all participants. The status of NAFLD was checked with two-dimensional elastography. Mental health was evaluated using depression, anxiety, and stress scale, and dietary intake was assessed by 3-day recall before and after the intervention. Results: The average age of the participants was 43.1±8.6 years, of whom 51.3% were women. In the PP group, weight, liver stiffness, and hepatorenal sonography index changes significantly differed from the placebo group before and after adjusting potential covariates, including weight and physical activity (P 0.001). Depression and stress scores changed significantly in the PP group during the study before and after adjusting potential covariates (P= 0.002, 0.05, respectively). Anxiety score changes were insignificant between the two groups (P= 0.1). Conclusion: Based on the results, eight-week supplementation of pomegranate peel ameliorated depression and stress symptoms among NAFLD patients.