Title:Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae): An Insight into Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Volume: 10
Author(s): Sonali Labhade*, Pranali Jadhav, Ritesh Bhole and Sohan Chitlange
Affiliation:
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Sciences, Pimpri, Pune, India
Keywords:
Pomegranate, Punica granatum, Punicalagin, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology., ToxicologyPomegranate, Toxicology
Abstract: Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) generally identified as pomegranate, seeded or
granular fruit, has been widely used for centuries in many cultures. P. granatum exhibits a wide
variety of medicinal activities, viz., anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
etc. A variety of ethnomedical uses of P. granatum in several formulations, like powder, pulp,
decoction and extract on its own or in blend with additional herbs against various diseases, like
inflammation, skin disorders, cancer, microbial infections, and asthma, have been recorded. A
wide variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, fatty acids, sugars, amino
acids, tocopherols, sterols, alkaloids, amino acids, etc., have been isolated and identified from P.
granatum, amongst which punicalagin, the major polyphenolic component of pomegranate extract,
has been well thought of as the main effective component of plant. Thorough information
related to P. granatum was gathered using the keywords Punica granatum or pomegranate in
various computerized databases, including Pubmed, ACS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, WoS,
Springer Link, Sci Finder, and Wiley. All full-text articles and abstracts were reviewed. Additionally,
book chapters and monographs were also screened. The current study has highlighted
the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical profile, pharmacological activity, and toxicological
studies of P. granatum. The ethnopharmacological importance of pomegranate has been discussed
in recent pharmacological studies, indicating its medicinal and nutritional benefits in varied
human disorders. Moreover, inquiries related to various facets of P. granatum relating to
safety, toxicity and quality control are yet unanswered. Additionally, the article has provided a
thorough knowledge of the herb, including its mechanism of action, structure activity relationships,
safety as well as toxicity, as reported in clinical studies.
