NEW INSIGHTS ON PUNICA GRANATUM L: ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE TO CURRENT RESEARCH

Pomegranate, Punica granatum L. (Punicacece), is designated as a plant used in folklore and inseveral systems of medicine like ayurvedic, unani and siddha for treatment of variety of ailments, as it isbelieved to possess the powers of fertility, abundance and good luck. The last decade had seen virtualexplosion of publications on research dealing with the potentials of pomegranate than the precedingyears. Findings showed that almost all parts of pomegranate plant comprise several biochemicalconstituents (polyphenols, anthocyanins, tannins, alkaloids,. etc.) possessing nutritional and medicinalvalue. Particularly fruit exhibited potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic activitiesand probable mechanisms are also explained. Many of these effects are related to the presence ofellagic acid, ellagitannins (punicalin, punicalagin), punicic acid, others include fatty acids, anthocyanins,flavonoids, phenols, sterols, estrogenic flavonols and minerals. However, the synergistic action ofthese constituents appeared to be superior than individual constituents. Promising clinical applicationsinclude treatment of cancer, obesity, diabetes, infertility, intestinal inflammation, dental conditions anddermatology. Though moderate consumption of pomegranate doesnt result any adverse effects, somedrug interactions are seen (anti-hypertensives, statins and anticoagulants like warfarin), as it inhibitsCYP2C9 and CYP3A mediated drug metabolism. Aim of this review is to understand the historicalbackground, nutritional value, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, safety assessment(acute and sub-chronic toxicity) and drug interactions of fruit with their clinical applications. We havesummarized past to current research (past 10 years) done based on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory andanti-cancer activities and tried to establish the mechanisms of action, and also thrown light on ongoingclinical trials.