Pharmacological and Photochemical Study of Punica Granatum :A Review

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit bearing deciduous shrub or tree. It is a berry-like with a leathery rind enclosing the seeds. The seeds are surrounded by the juicy arils which comprises the edible portion of the fruit. It is grown commercially for its sweet acidic fruits which provide a cool refreshing juice. Traditionally it is used for the treatment of diarrhea, diabetes, anemia, stomach disorder and in various other ailments. All the parts of the plant are used; the fruit, seed, leaves, flower, peel, bark and root contain many phytochemical constituents which include flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, organic acids, triterpenes, steroids, etc. The pomegranate is considered a ‘wonder’ fruit due to its various therapeutic effects. The pharmacological effects are anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-neoplastic, anti-bacterial, Anti-atherosclerotic, among many others.