21/07/2021                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Pomegranate
The pomegranate tree bears large, fleshy fruit that is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients. This unique plant offers several medicinal benefits.
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Pomegranate
The pomegranate tree bears large, fleshy fruit that is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients. This unique plant offers several medicinal benefits.
By HerbaZest Editorial Team | Updated: Jun 18, 2020
Medicinal PropertiesHow to ConsumeBuyingGrowingAdditional Information
Pomegranate
General Information
Common name(s)Pomegranate
Scientific namePunica granatum
Native regionCentral Asia
Main producer(s)United States of America
Main Economic UseMedicinal, Food industry, Cosmetics, Culinary
Pomegranate has been valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits for thousands of years. The fruit, seeds, peel, bark, and leaves of the plant have been extensively used in the ancient Ayurveda system of medicine to treat a wide variety of health conditions, from diarrhea and intestinal worms to cardiovascular issues and hemorrhoids. Modern research has corroborated pomegranate's strong antioxidant activity, making it a popular "super fruit," with a number of medicinal applications.
Pomegranate Medicinal Properties
Quick Facts
Medicinal actionAntiseptic, Cardioprotective
Key constituentsEllagic acid, punicalagin, pelletierine alkaloids
Ways to useCapsules, Decoctions, Hot infusions/tisanes, Food, Juiced, Tincture, Powder, Syrup, Essential oil
Medicinal rating(3) Reasonably useful plant
Safety rankingUse with caution
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Pomegranates possess strong antioxidant and antiseptic properties, used by herbalists for millennia to treat a wide variety of health conditions. The most popular medicinal applications of pomegranate are:
Treating gastrointestinal problems. Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, pomegranate haven been traditionally used for alleviating diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, upset stomach, and hemorrhoids, as well as for eliminating intestinal parasites.
Supporting cardiovascular health. Pomegranates have also been shown to help prevent and treat cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and atherosclerosis.
Additional medicinal uses of pomegranate include preventing an treating diabetes, as well as infections such as herpes simplex, flu, and gum disease. 
How It Works
The two compounds largely responsible for pomegranate's antioxidant activity are ellagic acid and punicalagin. Flavonoids also play an important role in pomegranate's antioxidant activity because of their effect in eliminating free radicals.
Pomegranate's strong antioxidant and antiseptic properties are due to the combined action of tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Together, these compounds work to protect cells from oxidative damage. The tannins in pomegranate not only help stop diarrhea and alleviate hemorrhoids, but also also inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus.
PELLETIERINE ALKALOIDS FOUND IN POMEGRANATE BARK ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS ANTISEPTIC QUALITIES.
Antiseptic properties can be found in cardamom and eucalyptus, whereas olive and tomato boost cardiovascular health.
Pomegranate Side Effects
Dietary consumption of pomegranate has been deemed generally safe. However, the fruit can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Symptoms include skin rash, hives, and bronchospasms.
Cautions
Pomegranate can negatively interact with certain medications, such as over-the-counter painkillers and anti-depressive drugs, reducing their pharmacological action and potentiating their side effects.
Since pomegranate has the ability of lower blood pressure, people taking anti-hypertensive medication should avoid consuming this fruit in any form.
Pomegranate is also a natural blood thinner, and those about to undergo surgical procedures should about its consumption, since it inhibits coagulation. It is recommended to seek medical advice before consuming pomegranate in medicinal doses.
Nutritional Facts of Pomegranate
Pomegranate is known as a "super food" because of its nutrient-rich qualities. It is loaded with vitamins A, E, and C,  all of which have antioxidant actions and work together to support cardiovascular health, as well as for improving iron absorption, which makes pomegranate fruit a great option to treat and prevent anemia.
POMEGRANATE JUICE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CONTAIN MORE ANTIOXIDANTS THAN MOST FRUIT JUICES, RED WINE, OR GREEN TEA.
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How to Consume Pomegranate
Quick Facts
Edible partsFruit, Seed
Edible usesBeverage
TasteSweet
Due to their nutritional and medicinal benefits, pomegranate fruits are widely consumed in salads and desserts, as well as processed into jams, syrups, wine, and candies. However, its healing properties are more concentrated in remedial and supplemental forms.
Natural Forms
Raw. The antioxidant benefits of pomegranate can be obtained in its natural, fresh form.
Juice. The popularity of pomegranate juice has spiked in recent years, since it has been shown to reduce free radicals in cells.
Decoction. Boiling pomegranate rinds an leaves for few minutes will allow for a more concentrated form of the herb, which can be drank on daily basis to keep in check cholesterol levels and get rid of intestinal worms.
Powder. The pomegrate fruit is dehydrated and processed into a fine powder that concentrates its medicinal benefits and can be added to beverages and smoothies.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements
Syrup. This is a highly concentrated form that can be taken orally to control hypertension.
Tincture. The crushed seeds of pomegrate, as well as its fresh juice can be added to an alcohol solution and be kept aside for few weeks until the properties of the herb have been extracted. Few drops of this tincture are diluted in water for medicinal effects.
Oil. Extracted from the seeds, pomegranate oil is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It is used externally to moisturize hair, skin, and nails, as well as for treating acne and eczema.
Capsules. Softgel capsules are also available for medicinal use, and they offer the advantage of a convenient, daily doses, in order to manage blood pressure and weight.