Punica granatum L., commonly known as pomegranate, is a well-known member of the Lythraceae family. Pomegranate trees are native to the region from Iran to northern India and have been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean for millennia.
The pomegranate tree is a long-living tree that typically grows 2 to 5 meters high and lives over 200 years. The leaves are glossy and the flowers are red, white, large, or variegated and have tubular calyxes which finally become the fruit. The pomegranate fruit is grenade-shaped with a deep red, leathery skin and crown-shaped calyx. The seeds are surrounded by a small amount of tart and red juice and are separated via white, membranous pericarp1.
Habitat & cultivation
Pomegranate trees thrive in warm, dry climates typical of Mediterranean regions. They are well-suited to areas with hot, arid summers and mild winters. The tree is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during fruit development. Depending on the variety, pomegranate fruits are typically ready for harvest 5 to 7 months after flowering. The fruit should be picked when it reaches full color and makes a metallic sound when tapped. Overripe fruit may crack open on the tree.
Use for medicinal purposes
Pomegranates have been proven to offer significant health benefits due to their high antioxidant content, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health. The fruit’s antimicrobial effects contribute to better oral health by reducing dental plaque and fighting bacteria. Furthermore, pomegranate juice has been linked to improved memory and cognitive function, particularly in ageing adults.
Traditional medicinal uses
Pomegranates have long been revered in traditional medicine for their diverse health benefits. Traditionally it was used medicinally to treat disorders of the circulatory system. Native Americans also used the blossoms in jewellery making. The fruit’s rind and bark have been used as natural remedies for digestive issues, such as diarrhea and dysentery, due to their astringent properties. Pomegranate juice and extracts were also applied to promote wound healing and enhance skin health, while its seeds were consumed to regulate menstrual cycles and balance hormones. In many cultures, the fruit was regarded as a symbol of fertility and was used to boost sexual vitality. Additionally, pomegranate juice mixed with honey served as a traditional remedy to soothe coughs and sore throats.
Constituents
punicalagins
ellagic acid
anthocyanins
flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol)
tannins
vitamin C
vitamin K
fiber
polyphenols (e.g., catechins, phenolic acids)
potassium
Action and application
Pomegranates offer a range of health benefits due to their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are widely used to support cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and preventing arterial plaque buildup. Their antimicrobial properties make them valuable in oral health and wound healing, while their digestive benefits help manage bowel movements and treat disorders like diarrhoea. Pomegranates are also consumed to boost cognitive function, support hormonal balance, and aid in weight management, demonstrating their versatility in promoting overall well-being.
TAXONOMY
KINGDOM: Plantae
ORDER: Myrtales
FAMILY: Lythraceae
GENUS: Punica
SPECIES: Punica granatum
COMMON NAME
Pomegranate
FLOWERING TIME
V-IX month
Reference:
- Jurenka, Julie S. “Therapeutic applications of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): a review.” Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic vol. 13,2 (2008): 128-44.
