Pomegranate

Related Terms

Aldehydes, anthocyanins, apigenin, ascorbic acid, ash, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol esters, calcium, catechins, cellulose, citric acid, coemestrol, compound 25, copper, coumestrol, cyanidins, cycloartenol, daucosterol, delphinidins, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, estrone, fatty acids, flavonols, gallic acid, gallotannins, Granada, granatin B, Grenade, Grenadier, humarain, hydroalcoholic extract (HAE), iron, isopelletierine, isoquerecitrin, leucoanthocyanins, luteolin, magnesium, mannitol, methylgallate, minerals, monoterpenes, oleanolic acid, pectin, pelargonidins, pelletierine, phenolic acids, phosphorus, PJ, policosanol, polyphenols, pomegranate extracts, pomegranin, POMxT, potassium, pulicalagin, Punica granatum, Punica proto-punica, Punicaceae, punicalagins, punicalin, punicanolic acid, punicic acid, qualene, quinic acid, Shi liu gen (Chinese), Shi liu gen pi (Chinese), Shi liu pi (Chinese), sodium, sugar alcohols, sugars, tannins, tartaric acid, tocopherols, ursolic acid, vitamin B, vitamin C, zinc.
Combination product examples: Lakewood Organic Pure Pomegranate? (pomegranate juice), Odwalla Pomagrand? (pomegranate juice), POM Wonderful? (pomegranate juice), PomeratrolT, Radical Fruit? (combination fruit supplement containing pomegranate juice), Swanson Ultra? (pomegranate juice), Weleda? Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care, emerginC? Pomegranate Gel Cleanser, Klorane? No Rinse Care With Pomegranate (conditioner), Radical Fruits?, Xanthigen? (brown marine algae fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil (PSO)).

Background

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is grown around the world and has a long history of use as food and medicine. In the United States, pomegranate juice and seeds are used as food.
One pomegranate delivers about 40% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement and is high in antioxidants, which are thought to help reduce the risk of certain diseases. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made on the use of pomegranate for any condition in humans.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary research suggests that pomegranate may help promote skeletal muscle recovery after exercise and reduce muscle soreness. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 B


Preliminary research suggests that pomegranate may help promote skeletal muscle recovery after exercise and reduce muscle soreness. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 B


Pomegranate extract has been studied for its antiaging effects on the skin. However, available evidence is weak, and conclusive results cannot be established. Further research is required.

 C


Pomegranate extract has been studied for its antiaging effects on the skin. However, available evidence is weak, and conclusive results cannot be established. Further research is required.

 C


An extract of pomegranate was shown to be as effective as a commonly used gel when applied to the skin for yeast infection associated with mouth sores. Further research is needed to confirm these effects.

 C


An extract of pomegranate was shown to be as effective as a commonly used gel when applied to the skin for yeast infection associated with mouth sores. Further research is needed to confirm these effects.

 C


Some studies suggest that pomegranate juice may have antioxidant properties, but effects in humans are still unclear. More studies in people with diabetes and cancer are needed.

 C


Some studies suggest that pomegranate juice may have antioxidant properties, but effects in humans are still unclear. More studies in people with diabetes and cancer are needed.

 C


Preliminary results of studies using pomegranate for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are mixed. Pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure in elderly people with high blood pressure. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Preliminary results of studies using pomegranate for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are mixed. Pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure in elderly people with high blood pressure. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


It is unclear whether pomegranate juice is helpful for chronic obstructive lung disease. In theory, pomegranate may be beneficial because of its antioxidant effects, but studies in humans do not support this theory. Additional studies in this area are warranted.

 C


It is unclear whether pomegranate juice is helpful for chronic obstructive lung disease. In theory, pomegranate may be beneficial because of its antioxidant effects, but studies in humans do not support this theory. Additional studies in this area are warranted.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that pomegranate juice may slow progression of coronary heart disease in at-risk people. More studies are needed in this field before any conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that pomegranate juice may slow progression of coronary heart disease in at-risk people. More studies are needed in this field before any conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Extracts from pomegranate fruits may be beneficial in treating dental plaque accumulation and gum disease. More studies are needed.

 C


Extracts from pomegranate fruits may be beneficial in treating dental plaque accumulation and gum disease. More studies are needed.

 C


Pomegranate juice has been studied in the treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction. Early research is unclear, and more studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Pomegranate juice has been studied in the treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction. Early research is unclear, and more studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure.

 C


Pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure.

 C


Consumption of a juice containing a combination of fruits, including pomegranate, was found to have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. Additional studies in which pomegranate alone is used are needed.

 C


Consumption of a juice containing a combination of fruits, including pomegranate, was found to have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. Additional studies in which pomegranate alone is used are needed.

 C


There is currently not enough evidence to support the use of pomegranate in the reduction of menopausal symptoms.

 C


There is currently not enough evidence to support the use of pomegranate in the reduction of menopausal symptoms.

 C


Low-quality studies suggest that pomegranate juice may benefit children who have metabolic syndrome. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Low-quality studies suggest that pomegranate juice may benefit children who have metabolic syndrome. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Consumption of pomegranate juice may benefit people with prostate cancer. Although early research results are promising, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Consumption of pomegranate juice may benefit people with prostate cancer. Although early research results are promising, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Taking pomegranate extract by mouth may reduce damage to the skin caused by exposure to UV rays. More studies in this area are needed.

 C


Taking pomegranate extract by mouth may reduce damage to the skin caused by exposure to UV rays. More studies in this area are needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that a combination product containing pomegranate may promote weight loss in obese postmenopausal women. Additional research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that a combination product containing pomegranate may promote weight loss in obese postmenopausal women. Additional research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
A general consensus on dosage for pomegranate is lacking. Capsules containing pomegranate and providing 710-1,420 milligrams of extract have been studied for up to four weeks.
As an antioxidant, 1,000 milligrams of pomegranate extract in the form of POMxT capsules has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks. A dose of 50 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for three months. A dose of 100 grams of fresh pomegranate fruit has been taken by mouth for 10 days. A dose of 250 milliliters of pomegranate juice made fresh from pulp has been taken by mouth every morning for four weeks. A dose of 250 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for one week after an overnight fast.
To treat atherosclerosis, a dose of 50 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for two weeks. A dose of 240 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for three months.
To prevent coronary artery disease, 240 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for up to 18 months.
To treat erectile dysfunction, eight ounces of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
To promote recovery from exercise, 250 milliliters of pomegranate juice (POM Wonderful?) has been taken by mouth twice daily for 15 days, and 500 milliliters of pomegranate juice (POM Wonderful?) has been taken by mouth twice daily at 12-hour intervals for nine days.
To treat high cholesterol, 400 milligrams of pomegranate seed oil has been taken by mouth twice daily for four weeks. A dose of 40 grams of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth for eight weeks.
To treat high blood pressure, 300 milliliters of pomegranate juice (POM Wonderful?) has been taken by mouth daily for two weeks. A dose of 166 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for two weeks. A dose of 200 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily for six weeks by type 2 diabetics. A dose of 50 milliliters of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth for two weeks.
To treat prostate cancer, a dose of eight ounces of pomegranate juice has been taken by mouth daily until disease progression.
To treat yeast infections, pomegranate extract has been applied to the skin three times daily for 15 days.
To treat dental conditions, a mouth rinse containing pomegranate extract has been used. A pomegranate mouth rinse has been used twice daily for four days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
It is believed that taking pomegranate by mouth at the same time as using other agents may not be safe, as pomegranate contains high levels of a compound called tannin. It is recommended that the use of other agents and of tannin-containing agents be separated by the longest period of time possible.
Pomegranate may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
Pomegranate may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Pomegranate may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Pomegranate may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Pomegranate may also interact with agents that affect the heart, agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that induce abortion, agents that treat skin conditions, agents that treat stomach conditions, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidiarrhea agents, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, antimalarial agents, antiobesity agents, antiparasite agents, antiulcer agents, antivirals, Alzheimer's agents, buspirone, carbamazepine, cholesterol-lowering agents, fertility agents, hormonal agents, impotence agents, memory agents, midazolam, osteoporosis agents, pain relievers, rosuvastatin, and uterine stimulants.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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