Literature Review: Punica granatum (pomegranate) with an emphasis on its anti-parasitic activity

Abstract

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been known for its medicinal and nutritional benefits from time immemorial and across ancient civilizations. In addition, it is a very ancient plant that has existed since more than 3000 B.C. Pursuant to one source; it was cultivated for the first time in Iran; while another claimed it was in India or Turkey. Then it was expanded along trade routes to reach each region of the entire world. The pomegranate was highlighted in this study through a literature review in terms of its origin, classification, and description; its medicinal and therapeutic significance; the chemical content of the various pomegranate parts; and lastly, its antiparasitic activities. Pomegranate belongs to the Punicaceae family. Interestingly, it has been frequently employed in disease therapy since ancient times. Furthermore, pomegranate fruits, seeds, and peels are frequently utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. Flavonoids, ellagitannins, punicalagins, ellagic acid, vitamins, minerals, and other chemical components are the most significant ingredients in this plant. Researchers have been evaluating the fruit's characteristics in recent years and have revealed encouraging findings in areas such as cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. The pomegranate's unique blend of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive chemicals has been demonstrated to benefit several areas of human health. In this review, the researcher highlighted the substantial role of the pomegranate as an antiparasitic agent by reviewing numerous studies performed on this topic, whether in vitro or in vivo. Despite a scarcity of research to evaluate its anti-parasitic properties, this study concluded that the pomegranate has anti-parasitic properties that are very encouraging, such as anti-amoebic, anti-anthelmintic, cryptosporicidal, leishmanicidal, giardiacial, and other anti-parasitic characteristics.