Insights & Discussion
The pomegranate plant has a rich inventory of phytochemical constituents showing pharmacological efficiency in treating cardiovascular and endocrine diseases.
The researchers set out to review both traditional and scientific applications of P. granatum focusing on its phytochemical content and potential for aiding in drug development. They gathered relevant information through both classic herbal literature and electronic databases, which included renowned platforms such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect.
The culmination of traditional and contemporary research showed an array of phytochemical constituents in P. granatum, including polyphenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanosides, alkaloids, lignans, and triterpenes. Randomized controlled trials indicated these constituents demonstrate pharmacological activity, particularly against diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, oral cavity disorders, endocrine disorders, and even cancer. The review, therefore, not only points to the traditional uses of P. granatum but underscores their validation through scientific support.
Discover Related Insights
Pomegranate and its by-products, particularly the peel, contain bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial, anticancer and antiviral properties.
2023 Food Chemistry Advances The whole pomegranate (Punica granatum. L), biological properties and important findings: A review Valero-Mendoza AG, Meléndez-Rentería NP, Chávez-González ML, Flores-Gallegos AC, Wong-Paz JE, Govea-Salas M, et al.
Review Article Anticancer Antimicrobial Antiviral
In the methodological approach of the study, a comprehensive review was undertaken to collate information on the bioactive components found within pomegranates and their by-products (aril, seed, and peel). The study emphasized the pomegranate peel's properties owing to its high content of the bioactive compounds. The aim was to elucidate the nutritional and functional aspects of pomegranates, particularly as a functional food.
The results outlined that pomegranates, especially their peel, contain bioactive compounds, including punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, punicic acid, and anthocyanins. Therefore, they have potential functional properties such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral characteristics. These results suggest that pomegranates could be explored to develop nutraceutical or functional food products due to their profound properties. The peel of the pomegranate, specifically, showcases significant potential for development due to its higher bioactive compound content compared to other parts of the fruit.
Pomegranate extract and its phytochemicals can potentially inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) and improve gut microbiota, preventing obesity and diabetes.
2022 Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and the molecular mechanisms of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) plant extracts: A review Maphetu N, Unuofin JO, Masuku NP, Olisah C, Lebelo SL
Review Article COVID-19 Gut Microbiota Obesity
The study employs the use of in silico molecular docking methodologies to demonstrate that extract from pomegranates and their phytochemicals can serve as inhibitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2's spike protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor contact. These findings are further reinforced by clinical trials which suggest that pomegranates can also alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, dental infections, and symptoms of menopause.
This study has also identified numerous active compounds within pomegranates such as alkaloids, anthocyanidins, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, proanthocyanidins, sterols, terpenes, terpenoids, xanthonoids, fatty acids, organic acids, lignans, saccharides, and vitamin C. This mixture of active compounds is believed to significantly contribute to the broad array of pharmacological activities identified within the pomegranate. This includes anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-fibrotic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects. The extract from this fruit improves gut microbiota which could potentially aid in the prevention of obesity and diabetes.
Pomegranate juice and its bioactive components may serve as cost-effective, next-generation non-pharmacologic anticancer therapies, particularly against colorectal and prostate cancer.
2021 Current Drug Delivery Pomegranate, its Components, and Modern Deliverable Formulations as Potential Botanicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Various Cancers Hussein L, Gouda M, Buttar HS
Review Article Anticancer Colorectal Cancer Pomegranate
Methodology: The present review was undertaken to provide current information on the impact of pomegranate juice and its bioactive elements, critically focusing on the effects on the most common six types of cancer. The inherent polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate, such as ellagitannins and punicalagin, are known to have substantial antioxidant capability which has been evaluated through in vitro and in vivo studies. These compounds' ability to avert free radicals and design metal-chelates in biological tissues have offered a useful basis to extrapolate their impact on various types of cancers.
Discussion of Results: The findings indicate that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate possess significant antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities, which proved to be beneficial in modifying gene expression, moderating cellular mechanisms, and limiting the metastasis of cancerous cells. In addition to this, there are reports from a few clinical trials showing the potential of pomegranate ingredients to prevent and treat cancer, notably colorectal and prostate cancer. It’s been noticed that the pomegranate driven therapies may prove to be a cost-effective alternative to costly chemotherapies which often carry drug resistances and severe side effects. Such therapies could offer lesser side effects, making them potential candidates for future non-pharmacologic anticancer treatments.