Pomegranate (punica granatum)

Synopsis

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Middle East, India, and parts of the Mediterranean. The edible part of the fruit consists of vibrant red arils that surround the seeds, known for their sweet-tart flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Pomegranate is a rich source of polyphenols, especially ellagitannins (like punicalagins), anthocyanins, and flavonoids, along with vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Pomegranate has gained widespread recognition for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties. The high levels of polyphenols, particularly punicalagins, are responsible for its ability to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate pathways associated with inflammation and cellular aging. Clinical studies suggest pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and reduce arterial plaque, making it highly beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Additionally, pomegranate exhibits estrogen-modulating activity and has been explored for its role in hormonal balance, prostate health, and breast cancer prevention. The peel, though not commonly consumed, contains even higher levels of bioactive compounds and is used in traditional extracts for digestive, antimicrobial, and detoxifying applications.

Pomegranate is consumed fresh, juiced, or in supplement form, including standardized extracts from the juice, seeds, or peel.

Historical Use in Medicine:
Pomegranate has a rich history in traditional medicine, dating back thousands of years across multiple cultures. In Ayurveda, it is considered a "tridoshic" fruit—balancing all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)—and is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, parasites, and inflammation of the mouth or throat. The rind, bark, and flowers were used as astringents and anti-parasitic remedies, especially in cases of tapeworm and amoebic infections.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pomegranate is used to nourish the blood, calm the mind, and tighten tissues (due to its astringent properties), particularly in cases of chronic diarrhea or uterine bleeding.

The Ancient Egyptians considered pomegranate a symbol of life and fertility. It was used medicinally for intestinal worms and as a remedy for fever. In Greek and Roman medicine, pomegranate was noted for its use in gastrointestinal complaints and its symbolic associations with regeneration and immortality.

In Islamic and Persian medicine, pomegranate was praised for its purifying effects and used to cleanse the blood, soothe the stomach, and enhance skin health. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have encouraged its consumption as a health-promoting fruit.

Other names

Pomegranate Fruit
Pomegranate Seed
Pomegranate Extract

Historical and Science-based Use

This ingredient is used to address these health conditions and support these body systems. Note that we list whether the use is historical/traditional or science-based. If science-based, we are including a score from A-F (based on the number of studies done and the quality of those studies).

Conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Angina (Traditional)
Cartilage Damage (Traditional)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Colon (atonic) (Traditional)
Colon (spastic) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Concussions (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Congestive Heart Failure (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Convulsions (Traditional)
Coordination (Traditional)
Copper Toxicity (Traditional)
Corns (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cradle Cap (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Croup (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Cystic Breast Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cysts (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Deafness (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Defensiveness (Traditional)
Dehydration (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Denture Sores (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Diaper Rash (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Diphtheria (Traditional)
Dislocation (Traditional)
Diverticulitis (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Dysentery (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Triglycerides (high) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)

Body Systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Prostate (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)