Ana Faria

Pomegranate in Human Health

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an update of current knowledge on basic principles and concepts, as well as clinical nutrition evidence of pomegranate effects on the prevention and treatment of disease. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), an ancient and mystical fruit, is the predominant member of two species comprising the Punicaceae family. Modern uses of pomegranate include treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hormone replacement therapy, cardiovascular protection, oral hygiene, adjunct therapy to increase bioavailability of radioactive dyes during diagnostic imaging, as well as cosmetic beautification and enhancement. Among the great variety of chemical components present in the pomegranate, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, punic acid, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and flavones seem to be responsible for most of the therapeutic benefits from the consumption of pomegranate. Pomegranate juice is the greatest contributor to pomegranate ingestion. The main antioxidant compounds in pomegranate juice are hydrolyzable tannins, with the contribution of anthocyanins and ellagic acid derivatives. There are some differences in phenolic composition between commercial juices and experimental ones. The use of the arils alone or the whole fruit to make juice has an enormous impact on polyphenol content and consequently on antioxidant capacity of the juice. Practitioners of the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine have used pomegranate for centuries as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and disorders of the digestive tract.