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Pomegranate
(Punica granatum)
DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
- The pomegranate is a type of fruit native to northern India, northern
Africa, and the Caucasian Mountains. It has been used extensively in the
folk medicine of many cultures. In the Caucasus, the pomegranate was revered
for its powers to promote longevity and immortality. Pomegranate juice
contains several different types of phytochemicals, including polyphenols,
such as anthocyanidins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin) and
hydrolyzable tannins (punicalin, pedunculagin, punicalagin, gallagic acid,
ellagic acid). The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate
juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called punicosides (punicalagins A and
B), which have free-radical scavenging properties. Punicalagins are absorbed
into the human body and may have dietary value as antioxidants. Pomegranate
juice contains more polyphenols than blueberry, cranberry, green tea, orange
juice, or red wine.
DRI (RDA or AI for adults)
MAJOR SOURCES
- Pomegranate fruit, rind, seed.
MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE
- 100 mg - 600 mg (standardized to 30% to 40% punicosides or punicalagins).
POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
- Aging
- Coronary heart disease
- Cancer (breast, colon, prostate)
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
COMMENTS
- Research shows that pomegranate juice can be effective in reducing heart
disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation (oxLDL), macrophage oxidative
status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis
and cardiovascular disease. Tannins, such as punicalagins, have been
identified as the primary components responsible for the reduction of
oxidative stress which led to these risk factors. Pomegranate has been shown
to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE).
CAUTIONS
- Consult with your health practitioner if you are taking medications,
especially for high blood pressure.
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