DELIMA (Punica granatum L.) : SALAH SATU KOLEKSI KEBUN RAYA PURWODADI BERPOTENSI OBAT

Abstract

Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) is a shrub with a height of up to 5 meters belonging to Lythraceae. It came from Iran and is now spread throughout the world. The use of this plant for traditional medicine has long been known, including by people in Indonesia. Purwodadi Botanical Gardens as one of the ex situ conservation areas also collects this plant. This writing aims to determine the existence of pomegranate as a collection of the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens, explore the use of pomegranate in traditional medicine in Indonesia, and describe scientific experimental research that supports the potential of pomegranate as a medicine. The data were obtained through a literature study by browsing the collections catalog of the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens, while information on the use of pomegranate as an ingredient in traditional medicine and scientific experimental research on the medical benefits of pomegranate was obtained through relevant journals. Purwodadi Botanical Gardens has four collection numbers of pomegranate, namely XIV.G.I. and XXII.A.I. Pomegranate has long been used in traditional Indonesian medicine, especially in the areas of Madura, Luwu Timur, Baubau, and Bima. Some of the diseases that can be treated with pomegranate include canker sores, fever, intestinal worms infection, hypertension, and cough; and the parts of the plant often used are the fruit and seeds. Scientific studies have proven that pomegranate has oral antibacterial activity so that it can maintain oral health and has potential as an anticancer drug. This information is expected to increase the value of the benefits of pomegranate and encourage the community to participate in conserving it through cultivation efforts.