Therapeutic Effects of Punica granatum (Pomegranate): An Updated Review of Clinical Trials

Abstract

Punica granatum L. belongs to the Punicaceae family which is distributed around the world. Different parts of pomegranate like seed, peel, juice, and leaves are rich in potential bioactive compounds. These plants have found application in traditional medicine such as in treatment of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine diseases, among others. The present review aimed to summarize the current research on the traditional and scientific applications of P. granatum with regard to the phytochemical content and clinical applications that may be useful for future drug development. Information about P. granatum was obtained from local classic herbal literature and electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Several phytochemical constituents including polyphenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanosides, alkaloids, lignans, and triterpenes have been reported from the plant. Randomized clinical trials have provided evidence as to the pharmacological activities of pomegranate in several diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, oral cavity disorders, endocrine disorders, and cancer. The present review has provided an insight into the traditional applications of the plants, and some of them have been validated by scientific evidence, particularly their applications as treatment of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases.

Neurohormetic phytochemicals in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases

“…Herbal medicinal products and supplements are often considered health resources with many applications [10,11]. The hormesis phenomenon in medicinal plants is valuable because it is a guide to understand the underlying mechanism of action.…”

Polyphenols from the Peels of Punica granatum L. and Their Bioactivity of Suppressing Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Cytokines and Mediators in RAW 264.7 Cells via Activating p38 MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

“…The nonedible part, namely the peels, is an excellent source of polyphenols that are more abundant in specific medicinal and nutritional value compared with the edible part of the fruit [ 8 ], which was reported to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemia; anti-hypertension, reduce body weight, anti-cancer and other activities [ 2 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. However, its effective substances are not totally clear, and little is known about the anti-inflammatory mechanism.…”

Appraisal of the Protective Role of Punica granatum against Biochemical and Cytogenetic Damages Induced By γ-Irradiation in Rats

“…Applic. 34, No.1, 2 (2021) (such as delphinidin, cyanidin pelargonidin) and hydrolyzable tannins (such as punicalin, pedunculagin, punicalagin, gallagic and ellagic acid esters of glucose), which are responsible for 92% of the antioxidant activity of the whole fruit (Eghbali et al, 2021). The plant possesses an enormous therapeutic value.…”

“…In addition to lignans, several organic acids, fatty acids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and phytosterols (Wu & Tian, 2017). The Pg juice and seeds contain minerals such as Fe, which is relatively dominant, and Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, and Zn (Eghbali et al, 2021).…”