Review of Characteristic Components, Traditional and Pharmacological Properties of Punica granatum

Abstract

Punica granatum belonging to genus Punica family Punicaceae is considered as a wonder fruit for its ample pharmacological activities. It is generally well-known as pomegranate (Anar) inherent to central regions of Asia from Turkmenistan to Northern India and Iran. Various components of pomegranate are medicinally significant like fruit, peel, leaves, seeds, flower, root and bark. A pronounced variety of nutritive compounds like organic acid, fatty acids, sterols, minerals and vitamins have been found in pomegranate. However, phytochemical researches have shown the bioactive constituents including alkaloids, anthocyanin, ellagic acid, tannins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds depending on the cultivars. Numerous studies revealed promising health benefits of P. granatum particularly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive and anti-proliferative activities which are receiving great interest from researchers and pharmaceutical concerns. The current review embraces some recent findings underlining the pharmacological properties of Punica granatum that can be useful for motivating further research and for promoting its consumption as significant and safe medicinal food for human health.