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Review
. 2025 Mar 27:12:1528897.
doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1528897. eCollection 2025.

Phytochemicals and pharmacology of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): nutraceutical benefits and industrial applications: a review

Sana Noreen  1 , Bushra Hashmi  1 , Patrick Maduabuchi Aja  2 , Ayomide Victor Atoki  2
Affiliations
Review

Phytochemicals and pharmacology of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): nutraceutical benefits and industrial applications: a review

Sana Noreen et al. Front Nutr. .

Abstract

Introduction: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit native to South Asia and currently can grow in tropical and subtropical areas, which produces approximately seven thousand metric tons per year. Pomegranate stands out for its rich flavor and functional properties, which is why it has gained acceptance in different countries. Beyond its health advantages, it has industrial applications in food technology, cosmetics, and medicines. This study focuses on its diverse phytochemical profile and the medicinal properties of its bioactive components.

Methods: A search in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Medline, PubMed, Embase, SID, and Iran Medex databases was conducted to identify clinical and observational studies on Pomegranate consumption and its industrial uses.

Results: Pomegranate and its by-products are rich in beneficial phytochemicals, provide health benefits, and help manage ailments. Sustainable reuse of its by-products supports health, economic growth, and food security.

Conclusion: Pomegranate provide health benefits, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, with potential for food product development and disease management. Analyzing pomegranate's functional and nutritional properties, especially its peel and seed, is crucial for understanding the mechanisms involved in industrial processes for nutraceutical or functional food products.

Keywords: anti-diabetic; anti-fungal; anti-inflammatory; anti-microbial; anti-obesity; anti-oxidant; hepatoprotective activity; pomegranate.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Health benefits of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).
Figure 2
Figure 2
The chemical composition of fresh pomegranate peel powder.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Phytochemical and botanical description of pomegranate peel and seeds.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Health benefits of pomegranate peel and seed.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The inhibited effect of Pomegranate peel powder, α- and β-punicalagin on pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, and IL1A.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Impact of pomegranate seed oil, oleoresin and principle fatty acids on formation of mycotoxin.
Figure 7
Figure 7
The anti-viral activity of punicalin and punicalagin and anthocyanins and hydrolysable tannins against viral replication of SARS-CoV-2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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