Pomegranate
Anardana, Dadim, Dadima, Extrait de Feuille de Grenade, Extrait de Grenade, Extrait de Polyphénol de Grenade, Feuille de Grenade, Fleur de Grenade, Fruit du Grenadier, Fruit of the Dead, Granada, Grenade, Grenadier, PE, PLE, Pomegranate Extract, Pomegranate Flower, Pomegranate Fruit, Pomegranate Leaf, Pomegranate Leaf Extract, Pomegranate Polyphenol Extract, Pomme Grenade, Punica granatum, Roma, Shi Liu Gen Pi, Shi Liu Pi.
Pomegranate is a tree. Various parts of the tree and fruit are used to make medicine.
Pomegranate is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn't enough scientific evidence to rate pomegranate as effective for any of them. We do know, though, that pomegranate does not seem to be effective for reducing the symptoms of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or improving breathing in people with this condition.
Pomegranate is used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), heart attack, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and high cholesterol. It is also used for conditions of the digestive tract, including diarrhea, dysentery, and tapeworm and other intestinal parasites.
Some people use pomegranate for flu, swelling of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis), gum disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), diabetes and a complication called acidosis, bleeding, and HIV disease. It is also used for preventing prostate cancer, obesity, and weight loss. Some women use pomegranate to cause an abortion.
Pomegranate is used as a gargle for sore throat, and it is applied to the skin to treat hemorrhoids.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is unique among plants. The only other plant that is closely related is a small tree commonly known as the pomegranate tree or Socotran pomegranate (Punica protopunica) and grows only on the Socotra island in Yemen.
Pomegranate has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of diseases. It is in Greek, Hebrew, Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian mythology and writings. It is described in records dating from around 1500 BC as a treatment for tapeworm and other parasites.
Many cultures use pomegranate as a folk medicine. Pomegranate is native to Iran. It is primarily cultivated in Mediterranean counties, parts of the United States, Afghanistan, Russia, India, China, and Japan. You'll see pomegranate in some royal and medical coats of arms.
How does it work?
Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these effects when people drink the juice.
Possibly Ineffective for...
- Chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). Drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to improve symptoms or breathing in people with COPD.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Early research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice might help to keep the arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) clear of the build-up of fatty deposits.
- Clogged arteries (coronary heart disease). Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might improve blood flow to the heart. However, drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to prevent narrowing of blood vessels in the heart (stenosis). Also, there is not enough information to know if drinking pomegranate juice helps to prevent heart disease-related events such as heart attack.
- Dental plaque. Early research suggests that rinsing with pomegranate extract mouthwash for one minute once or twice daily reduces dental plaque.
- Erectile dysfunction. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for 4 weeks does not improve erectile dysfunction in men.
- Muscle soreness after exercising. Early research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice twice daily for 15 days reduces muscle soreness after exercising in the elbow but not the knee.
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Some studies show that pomegranate juice can lower total cholesterol and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. However, other studies find no benefit. Pomegranate seed oil, but not pomegranate juice, may improve triglycerides and “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels.
- High blood pressure (hypertension). Some research shows that drinking 50-200 mL of pomegranate juice daily for up to one year can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 5% to 21%. Also, some research shows that drinking this amount of pomegranate juice can reduce diastolic pressure (the lower number), although other research shows no benefit. Drinking more than 240 mL of pomegranate juice daily does not seem to reduce blood pressure.
- Metabolic syndrome. Early research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice daily for one month improves blood vessel function in adolescents with metabolic syndrome.
- Muscle strength. Early research suggests that taking a specific pomegranate extract (POMx) twice daily improves muscle strength recovery after exercise.
- Obesity. Early research suggests that taking a specific combination product (Xanthigen) containing pomegranate seed oil and brown marine algae reduces body weight in obese women with liver disease.
- Gum disease. There is some evidence that painting the gum with pomegranate fruit peel extract in combination with gotu kola extract might improve gum disease.
- Prostate cancer. Early research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice daily for up to 2 years might slow the progress of prostate cancer.
- Inflamed and sore mouth (stomatitis). Applying a gel containing pomegranate extract to the gums improves symptoms in people with fungal infections in the mouth.
- Sunburn. Early research suggests that taking pomegranate extract by mouth daily for 4 weeks does not reduce sunburn.
- Sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis. Early research suggests that taking pomegranate extract might clear up trichomoniasis infections in women.
- Intestinal worm infestations.
- Diarrhea.
- Dysentery.
- Sore throat.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Menopausal symptoms.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Pomegranate juice is LIKELY SAFE ffor most people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience side effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit.
Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate including itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
Pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when the root and stems are taken by mouth in large amounts. The root contains a poison.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerLow blood pressure: Drinking pomegranate juice can slightly lower blood pressure. Drinking pomegranate juice might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people who already have low blood pressure.
Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.
Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking pomegranate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down carbamazepine (Tegretol). This might increase the effects and side effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Medications changed by the body (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substratesInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications that are changed by the body can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the body.
Some medications that are changed by the body include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and S-warfarin (Coumadin).
Medications changed by the body (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications that are changed by the body can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the body.
Some medications that are changed by the body include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), and others.
Medications changed by the body (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Drinking pomegranate juice and taking some medications that are broken down by the body can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before drinking pomegranate juice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the body.
Some medications changed by the body include amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, others), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), midazolam (Versed), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), and many others.
Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Pomegranate juice seems to lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate juice along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Pomegranate seems to lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is broken down by the body in the liver. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down rosuvastatin (Crestor). This might increase the effects and side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Tolbutamide (Orinase)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Tolbutamide (Orinase) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down tolbutamide (Orinase). This might increase the effects and side effects of tolbutamide (Orinase).
Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down warfarin (Coumadin). This might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin (Coumadin).
The appropriate dose of pomegranate depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pomegranate. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.