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~ 189 ~
International Journal of Chemical Studies 2019; 7(3): 189-194
P-ISSN: 2349–8528
E-ISSN: 2321–4902
IJCS 2019; 7(3): 189-194
© 2019 IJCS
Received: 11-03-2019
Accepted: 15-04-2019
Mahaveer Suman
Research Scholar, Ph.D. Fruit
Science, Deptt. of Fruit Science,
CH&F, Jhalawar, Rajasthan,
India
Prerak Bhatnagar
Assistant Professor (Fruit
Science), Deptt. of Fruit Science,
CH&F, Jhalawar, Rajasthan,
India
Correspondence
Mahaveer Suman
Research Scholar, Ph.D. Fruit
Science, Deptt. of Fruit Science,
CH&F, Jhalawar, Rajasthan,
India
A review on proactive pomegranate one of the
healthiest foods
Mahaveer Suman and Prerak Bhatnagar
Abstract
Pomegranate a bioactive fruit being grown in tropical climatic conditions has various therapeutic benefits
due to bioactive compounds in it. It is now being utilized in nutrition as well as medicinal industries due
to its strong potential. It has potent nutritional values and immense health benefits. Pomegranate fruits,
seeds and peels are intensively used in traditional medicine as a natural therapy. It contains plethora of
valuable ingredients such as flavonoids, ellagitannin, punicalagin, ellagic acid, vitamins and minerals.
The principal active constituents including punicalagins and ellagitannin are responsible for
immeasurable health benefits due to its strong antioxidant activity. The pomegranate has been used since
time immemorial in natural and holistic medicine therapies to treat sore throats, coughs, digestive
disorders, urinary infections, skin disorders, arthritis, and to expel tapeworms. The health benefits
reported word wide suggested that pomegranates might be useful in treating such serious conditions as
different types of cancer, osteoarthritis, diabetes and Alzheimer. This is because pomegranates have the
potential to thin the blood, increase blood flow to the heart, reduce blood pressure, and plaque in the
arteries and ability to reduce bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. Pomegranate juice can
lower C-reactive proteins and reduce the inflammation of the lever. Juice of flower is used to treat nose
bleeds. The fruit pulp and the seed are stomachic. Dried, pulverized flower buds are employed as a
remedy for bronchitis. Research domain in this area is expanding rapidly and gaining popularity because
of an understanding of the fact that naturally available phytonutrients along with polyphenols and
antioxidants offer the available best protection against many diseases and disorders. Pomegranate
protects our body in a cellular level. The objective of this review was to present a deep thought of the
multi-functional, nutraceutical, bio-active components and medicinal effects of pomegranate in
combating various human diseases, disorders and human ailments has been duly supported by various
researchers in medicine, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology and horticultural sciences.
Keywords: PJ (Pomegranate juice), Anti-oxidants, Punicalagin, Ellagic acid
Introduction
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a shrub or small multi stem tree that grows
approximately 16 to 26 feet tall. Pomegranate has multiple long-lived branches and its leaves
are 2 cm wide and 3-7 cm long and flowers have 3-7 petals which are red in color. Fruit is
berry like with a leathery rind (husk or peel) enclosing many seeds surrounded by juicy arils
and seeds may vary from about 200 to 1400 in number. The husk is composed of two parts:
pericarp and mesocarp (albedo). Pomegranate tree is one of the oldest domesticated tree for its
countless health benefits, known even before the 21st Century. Folk medicines make use of all
parts of this tree. Various researchers have identified about 153 phytochemicals including their
derivatives in pomegranate. Polyphenols are the major class of phytochemicals, extracted from
almost all parts of pomegranate tree, but are most abundant in fruits. Flavonoids, hydrolysable
tannins and condensed tannins are the major pomegranate polyphenols. Anthocyanins, which
impart red colour to the arils, are most abundant and responsible for potential health benefits.
Pomegranate contain more than 18 hydrolysable tannins in leaves, bark and fruits, among
which gallotannins, ellagitannins, punicalgin and punicalin have attracted most attention
among researches, and which are pomegranate’s most powerful antioxidants. Other
phytochemicals reported in pomegranate include catechin and procyanidins, organic acids,
phenolic acids, sterols, terpenoids, fatty acids, triglycerides, alkaloids and some other
compounds. The prophylactic and curative potential of these bioactive compounds has been
proved against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, all types of cancers, inflammations,
hyperlipidemia, diabetes, ageing, Alzheimer’s disease, etc., and are, in addition, antibacterial,
antifungal, antiviral, anthelmintic, vermifugal tenicidal and molluscidal agents.
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International Journal of Chemical Studies
Pomegranate juice contains 3-fold more antioxidants than
green tea and red wine as well as several common fruits like
apples, grapes, etc. Researchers have used various
technologies to extract, purify and analyse these
phytochemicals for chemical characterization and evaluation
of their antioxidant capacities.
Nutritional value of pomegranate
Pomegranate is a rich source of these bioactive compounds.
Nutrients content in a fruit may change during the
development of the tree, during fruit maturation, under
different environmental and cultivation conditions and
between pomegranate cultivars. It is a diet full of nourishment
for growing children, ageing/elderly or sick persons and
pregnant women. It has the power to cure hunger, quench
thirst and refresh the drunkard. The pomegranate fruits are
consumed fresh or used for the preparation of fresh juice,
jelly, jam, and paste and also for flavoring and coloring the
culinary preparations. The fruit has been regarded as a
“healing food” with numerous beneficial effects in several
diseases. Pomegranate peel comprises about 50% of the total
fruit weight and is an important source of minerals especially
potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium;
complex polysaccharides and high levels of diverse range of
bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids,
proanthocyanidin compounds and ellagitannin (ETs), as well
as punicalagins and its isomers, as well as lesser amounts of
punicalin, gallagic acid, ellagic acid, and ellagic acid
glycosides. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) contains an
exceptional conjugated fatty acid called punicic acid (trienoic
acid) that makes up approximately 65% to 80% of the oil
from pomegranate seeds. Punicic acid is also referred as a
super conjugated linolenic acid whose effect is even more
potent than that of an ordinary conjugated linolenic acid.
Seeds also contain protein, crude fibers, vitamins, minerals,
pectin, sugars, polyphenols, isoflavones, the phytoestrogens,
coumestrol and the sex steroid, estrone. The edible part of the
pomegranate fruit (50%) consists of 40% arils and 10% seeds.
The fresh juice contains 85% water, 10% total sugars, 1.5%
pectin, ascorbic acid and polyphenolic flavonoids (El-Nemr et
al. 1990) [6]. The major sugars as reported by Ozgen (2008)
were fructose (6.4 g/100 ml) and glucose (6.8 g/100 ml); the
major acids were citric (1.78 g/100 ml) and malic (0.12 g/100
ml). They further reported that pomegranate is a rich source
of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid
(Vitamin B5). It also consists of Vitamin A, Vitamin E,
thiamin and riboflavin in small amounts. In addition to these,
niacin and folate are present in traces. Pomegranate is a rich
source of minerals like potassium and copper and is very low
in sodium, hence useful in the control of hypertension. Iron is
present in small quantity, while traces of magnesium,
phosphorus, zinc and selenium are also there. Ascorbic acid
(vitamin C) content varies with varieties. The quality studies
reported ascorbic acid content to vary between 52.8 to 72.0
mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) for arils and 76.8 to 118.4 mg/100
g fw for peels and it was found significantly higher in peels
than the arils, with differences ranging from 24.4 to 97.0%
depending on variety (Opara et al. 2009) [14]. PJ is considered
beneficial for diabetics, despite the juice containing
significant sugar concentrations. The explanation given in
support of this is that, “In most juices, sugars are present in
free and harmful forms but in PJ, however, the sugars are
attached to unique antioxidants – the polyphenols forming a
complex, which actually make these sugars protective against
atherosclerosis” (Rock et al. 2008) [16]. Rozenbers et al.
(2006) [17] concluded from their study that PJ consumption by
diabetic patients does not worsen their diabetic parameters but
contributes to serum paraoxonase-1 stabilization, increased
association with HDL cholesterol, and enhanced catalytic
activities, leading to retardation of atherosclerosis
development in diabetic patients. The fruit is low in fats (<
0.12 g/100 g arils) and sweet varieties have almost half the fat
content than that of bitter/ sour varieties (Hernandez et al.
2001) [7].
Health benefits
Although many phytochemicals have positive effect on
health, very many can be toxic and harmful, however, plants
containing the most harmful phytochemicals are usually not
treated as foods. The major health benefits of pomegranate are
because of its anthocyanin contents, which are present in
appreciably large quantities and have antioxidant properties.
Andreu et al. (2008) [3] recently reviewed composition of
pomegranate fruit juice, beneficial health effects, including
association with anti carcinogenicity and anti-inflammatory
properties.
Antioxidant properties
Pomegranate possesses punicalagins which are extremely
potent antioxidants found in pomegranate juice and peel.
They are of so high potency that pomegranate juice has been
found to be three times the antioxidant activity of red wine
and green tea and eight times higher levels than those dictated
in grapes, grapefruit, and orange juices, respectively. The
pomegranate extract and powder is typically made from peel
due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content. The
antioxidant agents reduce oxidative damage (damage due to
oxygen) such as that caused by free radicals, which are highly
reactive chemicals and attack molecules by capturing
electrons and thus modifying chemical structures. Oxidative
damage (oxidation) to the cells is partly responsible for the
effects of ageing and certain diseases. Cells produce free
radicals that are deficient in electron. In order to stabilize
these free radicals react by taking electrons from certain key
components in the cell and in the process, they damage these
cells. Antioxidants divert this damage by donating electrons
to the free radicals and stabilize them, thus, saving cell
components from the scavenging effect of free radicals. The
environment is also a source of free radicals caused by
ultraviolet radiation or airborne pollutants, such as cigarette
smoke. It is a well known fact that most free radical damage
is repaired naturally; a fraction may however, remain
unrepaired. This free radical damage may reduce or takeover
the body's natural defense. Punicalagin as a core element
supports human health by protecting cells from being
damaged by UV radiations by keeping more cells out of
harm’s way. Increase in cell damage with lapse of time leads
to ageing and diseases like cancers, cardiovascular problems
and some other problems. Polyphenols and vitamins, which
have antioxidant properties, in one’s diet help in countering
some of the damage. Polyphenols especially anthocyanins and
vitamins, present in appreciably large quantities in
pomegranate can play an important role in benefiting human
health.
Cancer cells
Cancer is caused as a result of disfunctioning of immense
system due to multi-factors and numerous diseases involved
in this process. In this vista, pomegranates fruits, seed and
peels illustrate cancer preventive role and mechanism which
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International Journal of Chemical Studies
seems to be due to rich source of antioxidants. Pomegranate
juice can hinder the proliferation of cancerous cells in human
body. It can block the flow of blood towards the tumors
resulting in reducing its size and ultimately its destruction.
Breast and prostate cancer cells have significant evidence of
slowing down the activities of malignant cells. Inhibition of
cancerous cells causing prostate cancer in adults has been
well recognized. Pomegranate extract also stops the
proliferation of these dangerous cells to other parts of the
body. Many phytochemicals have an anti- carcinogenic (anti-
cancer) action as they slow cell proliferation (division) by
interfering with the cell cycle, induce apoptosis (cell suicide)
inhibit phase 1 enzymes – that convert harmless substances
into carcinogens and induce phase 2 enzymes – enzymes that
can attach carcinogens to molecules that facilitate speedy
excretion (Best 2006) [4]. The pomegranate extract has shown
to induce programmed cell death and to inhibit tumor
invasion, proliferation and angiogenesis. The fruit juice, peel
and oil possess anticancer activities, including interference
with tumor cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and
angiogenesis (Lansky and Newman 2007) [11]. A wide variety
of plants produce phytoestrogen that are secondary
metabolites. Controversies on use of pharmacological
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the treatment of
menopausal symptoms necessitates further studies and
identification of natural sources of estrogen (Jordan 2003) [8].
Pomegranate was identified the best known source for curing
it. In fact, pomegranate tree is one of the only plants in nature
known to contain estrone (Van Elswijk et al. 2004) [21].
Because of its unique composition, seed-oil is a powerful
health-benefiting agent, due to its antioxidative, anticancer,
and antilipidemic properties. The extrogenic compounds
luteolin, quercetin and kaempferol have been identified in
pomegranate (Van Elswijk et al. 2004) [21]. Other major
components ellagic acid, caffeic acid and punicic acid found
in pomegranate fruit are having known anticancer activities.
Breast cancer
Extracts of pomegranate have anti estrogenic properties.
Hormone levels in serum are well controlled by pomegranate
extracts by inducing beneficial effects in blood plasma. The
extracts from peel, seed, the seed oil and fermented/
unfermented fruit juice all have suppressive effect on human
breast cancer cells (Settheetham et al. 1995) [19]. Bingham et
al. (1998) [5] had reported that diets rich in phytoestrogens
protect against breast, prostrate, colon cancer as well as
cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. The whole
pomegranate seed oil is more chemopreventive for breast
cancer and avoids the use of chemical agents to slow the
development of cancer (Mehta and Lansky 2004) [13]. The
fermented PJ polyphenols in comparison to fresh juice
recorded approximately twice the antiproliferative activity
and inhibited cancerous lesion formation induced by a popular
carcinogen (Kim et al. 2002) [9]. Bioavailability and maximal
oral intake of pomegranate supplements juice extracts for
getting protein response in breast cancer. Tanner et al. (2008)
[20] in a study found that PJ may be a useful nutrient-based,
non-chemotherapeutic treatment alternative for the inhibition
of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cell proliferations
of feline and human breast cancer cell types. It can delay the
onset of breast cancer by blocking aromatase enzymes and
cancer cell differentiation.
Colon cancer
PJ, ellagic acid, punicalgin and pomegranate tannins show
apoptosis in specific colon cell and get rid of unneeded or
abnormal cells. (Larrosa et al. 2006) [12]. Punicalgin is freely
bioavailable, body readily breaks down and as an antioxidant,
it helps to neutralize free radicals. Pomegranate seed oil
which is composed of 70% of conjugated linolenic acid,
suppress colon carcinogenesis hence, dietary pomegranate
seed oil significantly inhibits incidence of adenocarcinomas
(Kohno et al. 2004) [10]. In a study by Saruwatari et al. (2008)
[18], the results indicated that the inhibition of sulfotransferase
activity by punicalagin in Caco-2 cells was responsible for the
reductions seen in 1-naphthyl sulfate accumulation. They also
suggested that constituents of PJ, most probably punicalagin,
impair the enteric functions of sulfoconjugation and that this
might have positive effects upon the bioavailability of drugs
and other compounds present in food and in the environment.
These effects might be due to the anticarcinogenic properties
of PJ. Punicalgin is an ellagitannin, a type of phenolic
compound which is responsible for more than 50% of the
juice potent’s antioxidant activity. The maximum levels of
ellagic acid are present in pomegranate and anticarcinogenic
properties of ellagic acid has been found the probable anti-
inflammatory role in the treatment of lacerative colitis as to
present the development of colon cancer.
Skin cancer
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been associated
with several acute and chronic conditions. The UV-B
component may cause sunburn, hyperpigmentaion, edema,
hyperplasia, immunosuppression, photo ageing, and skin
cancer whereas UV-A may be responsible for tumor
formation. The biochemicals delphinidin, cyaniding and
pelargonidin, (anthocyanidins), Punicalin, pedunculagin,
punicalagin and gallagic and ellagic acid esters of glucose
(hydrolysable tannins) in pomegranate are strong antioxidants
and antinflamatory agents these compounds which account
for 92% of the antioxidant of the whole fruit (Afaq et al.
2005) [2], protect from ultraviolet radiation. Pomegranate fruit
extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory
phytochemicals that can treat human epidermal keratinocytes.
Fruit extracts provided protection against Ultraviolet A
mediated activation of signal transducers and activators of
transcription.
Cholesterol level
The phytosterols in pomegranate both lower the existing LDL
cholesterol and cease the production of bad cholesterol.
Pomegranate is rich in major antioxidants like anthocyanins
and tannins that may help to block the buildup of cholesterol
in arteries which in return protect heart damage. Juice of this
fruit may help to reduce the concentration of low density
lipoproteins from the body which may protect the body from
stroke attack. Energy and body HDL levels decreased
showing beneficial effects of leaf extract of pomegranate.
Pomegranate juice decreased cholesterol absorption, increased
faecal excretion of cholesterol, had a favourable effect on
enzymes concerned in cholesterol metabolism, drastically
reduced LDL cholesterol, and improved LDL/HDL
cholesterol and total/HDL ratios (Esmaillzadeh et al., 2006)
[1]. Pomegranate juice consumption decreased LDL
susceptibility to aggregation and retention and increased the
activity of serum paraoxonase. Pomegranate juice improve
cholesterol profiles and treat the atherosclerotic plaque that
are responsible for many heart attacks and many strokes. All
these evidences suggest the potential cardioprotective effect
of pomegranate fruit.
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International Journal of Chemical Studies
Blood pressure
Systolic blood pressure can be reduced by juice of
pomegranate to a significant level. Potassium in it can prevent
arteries from stiffness and atherosclerosis. It improves blood
flow to the heart and reduces the incidents of heart attack.
Clinical examination of improving blood pressure and
endothelial functions of the body by consuming pomegranate
juice have been performed. Chronic administration of
pomegranate juice extract showed reduction in the mean
arterial blood pressure and vascular reactivity changes to
various catecholamines. The potent flavonoids such as
catechus, tannic and ellagic acid, make pomegranate a
stronger antioxidant than red wine and equal to or better than
green tea.
Memory and mood enhancer
Flavonoids are believed to improve memory from declining
and delay the onset of Alzheimer disease. These antioxidants
have potential role for fighting against depression that can
cause memory loss. Vinegar of pomegranate juice contains
flavonoids of deep red color that helps prevent against radical
formation. Pomegranate juice have natural compound Estrone
that improves mood in menopausal women. It is generally
believed that this compound can act as a replacement therapy
for women suffering from mood disturbances.
Arthritis and Joint Pain
The foods that are rich in nutrients, minerals and antioxidants
may help to neutralize rheumatoid arthritis. Pomegranate is
low in fat, cholesterol and sodium but rich in nutrients,
minerals and antioxidants. The studies suggested the extract
of pomegranate may block production of cartilage destroying
enzyme. Inflammation of joints can result in Pain and
swelling in later age. Presence of Flavones in pomegranate
extract has anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce
collagen induced arthritis and painful swelling of joints.
Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenase enzymes inhibits by
extracts present in pomegranate seed oil. These key mediators
of inflammation decreases 75 percent by seed oil while
pomegranate juice causes 23.8 percent reduction in these
enzymes. In osteoarthritis these extracts diminishes matrix
metallo-proteinases which is involved in degradation of
extracellular joint matrix. It prevents collagen degradation and
stops joint destruction.
Bacterial infections
Antibiotics are effective remedy in the inhibition of bacteria
growth or growth of microorganism. The recent surge in
multi-drug resistant bacteria and the likely chance of
widespread global pandemics necessitate the need for
additional therapeutic options to counteract conventional
drugs. On the other side, antibiotics resistance against
microorganism is one of the major problems in the use of
antibiotics against microorganism. Pomegranate has millions
of bioactive compounds fighting against infections like
diarrhea and ulcers. Nearly every part of pomegranate plant
including ingredients of seeds, flowers, stem, bark and leaves
show very effective role in the inhibition of growth of
pathogens. Plants are one of the good sources of secondary
metabolites including tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids,
flavonoids and glycosides, which confirmed antimicrobial
activities. Ellagic and gallic acids as natural antimicrobial
agents has been used against Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli for their ability to precipitate membrane
proteins and inhibit enzymes that leads to lysis of cells.
Preservation and/or enhancement of probiotic bacteria in the
gut is important for maintaining gasterointestinal health.
Hypercholesterolaemia
A recent study shows that peel of pomegranate has prebiotic
potential for lowering down the fat content of the body. It
reduces the cholesterol of high fat diet over a period of 4
weeks and gut microbiota supports its action. Polyphenols
present in pomegranate has the ability to prevent
atherosclerosis and macrophage formation. This can be done
by either direct combination of polyphenols with lipoproteins
of the body or by indirect means through accumulation in
arterial microphages. This in return blocks the synthesis of
oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and lipid rich
microphages. It also results in hydrolysis of lipids in
atherosclerotic lesions.
Immune system
The benefits of pomegranate can be potentially utilized for the
people of lesser development countries. Various health
conditions related to throat and respiration can be resolved by
pomegranates. As this fruit is rich in iron content it ensures
normal platelet count of the body by which a person feels less
fatigue symptoms. These fruits are often recommended for
liver prevention. Pomegranate juice helps in the reduction of
platelet aggregation and oxidative stress in humans.
Pomegranate juice inhibits aggregation and oxidation of
atherosclerotic lesion and attenuate platelet activation.
Pomegranate exerts bactericidal activity against food and
water borne pathogenic bacteria.
Tooth loss
The flavonoids present in pomegranate exerts beneficial
action which are conducive to oral health. Pomegranate juice
is effective against dental plaque microorganisms decreasing
the CFU. Additionally, there was significant reduction in the
level of dental plaque microorganisms after the rinsing with
pomegranate juice. Dental plaque and tooth loss can be
prevented by seeds of this fruit. It possesses anti-microbial
functions which can be helpful against oral bacteria. Health of
gums can be improved by its seeds. It has been demonstrated
by performing a study regarding the ability of peel or pulp of
pomegranate richness in antioxidants. Flavonoids and
phenolic compounds were also high in peel extract that were
beneficial against oxidation and atherosclerosis and can be
used as a natural supplement.
Anti-diabetic effect
A range of studies evidences that medicinal plants or
constituents of medicinal plants show role in the management
of diabetes and its complication including Diabetic
retinopathy. By various studies it has been confirmed that by
giving 200 mg of peel extract according to per kg of the body
weight, polyphenols present in it affects glycemic index of the
body by either inhibiting the uptake of glucose to peripheral
tissues or by blocking its absorption by the gut.
Administration of crude powder of Punica granatum husk
decreased the concentration of glucose, triglycerides,
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and raised the level of HDL
cholesterol and hemoglobin content in the blood. The well
known compounds in pomegranate like punicalagin acid,
ellagic, gallic, olaenolic, ursolic and uallic acids have been
recognized as having antidiabetic actions.
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International Journal of Chemical Studies
Pregnancy outcomes
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants so they protect placenta
from oxygen reactive species. They also contain little amount
of folate that helps fight against birth defects. It can help in
the purification of blood and can enhance milk production.
Acidity of urine reduces by the intake of pomegranate juice
and improves health of urinary bladder by preventing harmful
bacteria from entering into the urinary tract. This prevents
inflammation and enhances immunity of the body. The intake
of pomegranate juice decreases placental oxidative stress in
vivo and in vitro and may limit placental injury and thus
confer protection to the exposed foetus.
Effect on reproductive system
Pomegranate shows pivotal role in the elevation of hormones
linked to reproductive system. Pomegranate juice showed
elevation in testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle
stimulating hormone depleted after the injection of carbon
tetra chloride (CCL4). Pomegranate extract and ascorbic acid
administration reduced the deleterious effect of lead acetate
on daily sperm production and epididymal sperm number. PJ
consumption showed increase in epididymal sperm
concentration, sperm motility and spermatogenic cell density.
Long-term pomegranate juice intake increased intracavernous
blood flow, improved erectile response and smooth muscle
relaxation in erectile dysfunction. Pomegranate increases
testosterone production which is primarily responsible for
men’s health both inside and outside. Pomegranate augments
nitric oxide; a vital ingredient for getting an erection
pomegranate tends to increase it most.
Conclusion
Pomegranate is a pivotal source of all essential nutrients and
rich in polyphenols particularly Ellagitannins (ET) and ellagic
acid (EA) which can be digested easily and refreshes
physically or mentally tired people from regular intake. All
parts of this fruit have been utilized in food industry for
prevention and treatment of various diseases. It has been
regarded best vis a vis green tea due to its strong antioxidant
potential. The biological screening of Punica granatum
extracts and compound have shown antioxidant,
antiperoxidative, antibacterial, inflammation, antitumor,
hepatoprotective, antiarthrogenic and antidiarrhoeal. It shows
no toxic effects to liver and other organs of pomegranate
extract and can be used as natural supplement. However, it is
the dire need of the time to promote its cultivation by
traditional and non- traditional means in order to gain benefits
of this fruit as well as to compete in global market for its
export. In addition to this more conclusive studies and
experiments are needed to evaluate effects of pomegranate in
treating diarrheal diseases and in preventing fungal
proliferation. The immense potential of this fruit in
overcoming infections can bring tremendous progress in
nutritional and therapeutic industries. The available research
offers substantial supplementation and evidence to enrich the
diet with pomegranate juice or extract to harness the benefits
for protecting us from important stresses and diseases
particularly diabetics, development of cancer and
improvement of oral health and skin texture. The wide array
of benefits can be utilized by inclusion of pomegranate in
dietary schedule.
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