Abstract
In this report, the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) have been reviewed. In the past decade, numerous studies on the antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate constituents have been published, focusing on treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dental conditions, erectile dysfunction, bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance, and ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage. Other potential applications include infant brain ischemia, male infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and obesity. Key words: Punica granatum L., pomegranate, chemical composition, pharmacological activities.
Highlights
The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., an ancient, mystical, and highly distinctive fruit, is the predominant member of two species comprising the Punicaceae family
It was found that pomegranate juice contained invert sugar, thiamin, vitamin C, riboflavin and protein (Heftman et al, 1966, Lad and Frawley, 1986, Malik et al, 2005). Organic acids such as citric acid, malic acid and oxalic acid are present in the pomegranate juice, with 14.31% carotenoid and carotene being present in the edible part of the fruit (Nakov et al, 1982; Naqvi et al, 1991; Okuda et al, 1980)
Studies in rats and mice confirm the antioxidant properties of a pomegranate by-product (PBP) extract made from whole fruit minus the juice, showing a 19percent reduction in oxidative stress in Mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM), a 42% decrease in cellular lipid peroxide content, and a 53% increase in reduced glutathione levels (Tanaka et al, 1985)
Summary
The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., an ancient, mystical, and highly distinctive fruit, is the predominant member of two species comprising the Punicaceae family. It was lauded in ancient times in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Jewish Torah, and the Babylonian Talmud as a sacred fruit conferring powers of fertility, abundance, and good luck. The pomegranate is native from the Himalayas in northern India to Iran but has been cultivated and naturalized since ancient times over the entire Mediterranean region. It is found in India and more arid regions of Southeast Asia, the East Indies, and tropical Africa. It was detected that saturated alkaloids present in the root and body rinds are not present in the leaves, whereas 2-(2-propenyl)-piperidine of unsaturated alkaloids was present in the leaf extract (Du et al, 1975)
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