Evidence supporting the use of: Pomegranate
For the health condition: Cytomealovirus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has attracted scientific interest for its potential antiviral properties, including activity against cytomegalovirus (CMV). Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of pomegranate peel, juice, and polyphenolic compounds (notably punicalagins and ellagic acid) exhibit inhibitory effects against various viruses, including herpesviruses such as CMV. The proposed mechanisms include interference with viral entry, replication, and suppression of viral gene expression, possibly due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate constituents.

For example, a 2009 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research reported that punicalagin, a major polyphenol in pomegranate, exhibited significant inhibition of human cytomegalovirus in cell culture models. The study showed reduced viral replication with non-toxic concentrations of the extract. Other studies have echoed these findings, noting activity against related herpesviruses, but evidence in humans is lacking. There are no large-scale clinical trials evaluating pomegranate’s effectiveness for CMV infection in humans, and most data come from laboratory research.

While the traditional use of pomegranate in folk medicine has focused on its antimicrobial and general health-promoting properties, its specific use for CMV is not widely documented in traditional texts. Current interest is mainly driven by scientific findings. Overall, while in vitro evidence is promising, clinical validation is limited, so pomegranate is not a standard treatment for CMV and should not substitute for established antiviral medications.

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licorice root
pomegranate
quercetin