Clinical Applications of Pomegranate

Abstract

Abstract Pomegranate, Punica granatum L., is an ancient, unique fruit borne on a small, long-liv- ing tree in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa. Pomegranate was mentioned in ancient times in the Old Bible, the Jewish Torah, and mentioned three times in the holy Quran where it was described as one of the paradise fruits. In ayurvedic medicine, pomegranate is used in the treatment of parasitic infection, diar- rhea, and ulcers. Recently, pomegranate has been studied in several systems of medicine for its pharmacological actions: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. The aim of the chapter is to summarize pomegranate efficacy in many preclinical and clinical studies. Keywords: pomegranate, ayurvedic medicine, pharmacological activities, preclinical, clinical studies 1.