REVIEW ARTICLE

Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae): Lifeline for Modern

Pharmaceutical Research
Devansh Mehta1*, Manish Mehta1
Abstracts: Medicinal plants have been in use for millenniums by human race as potential source for healing and protective
actions for our own benefit. For centuries scientists have found synthetic route for rapid and fast relief from the ailments. But
somewhere, the danger of adverse reactions haunted many pharmaceutical giants, leading to rejections of potential leads having
side effects making them inappropriate for human consumption, causing them huge losses. An Alternative exists in form of
Natural route, as a source it provides an advantage of lower rejections and higher productivity with positive feedback from the
patients or prospective clients for doctors. Therefore, recent decades, have seen an increase in surge towards natural source,
and people preferring traditional system over conventional allopathic system for their respective ailments. The trend seems to
shift for pharmaceutical bigwigs, with many pharmaceutical companies setting up their own indigenized Nutraceutical strategic
business units, focusing on isolating potential natural drug leads. Punica granatum is boon for such companies having high
potential for drug leads in various ailments. Ranging from having antioxidant potential, being antimicrobial, the plant proves to
be a positive approach for cancer carcinogenesis and even AIDS (working as immustimulant and developing immune system
strength). The present review just portrays a detailed factsheet on the future medicine store house for pharmaceuticals and
mankind as a whole.

diseases developing resistance to existing drugs. [4]

European Union has now put regulations on using herbal
medicines as well as upon its testing to find possible cure
and develop a potential medicine to be marketed. [2]
There are about 45,000 Medicinal plant species in India,
with concentrated spots in the region of Eastern Himalayas,
Western Ghats, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There
are currently about 250000 registered medicinal
practitioners of the Ayurvedic system, as compared to
700,000 of the modern medicine system. In rural India, 70
percent of population depends on the traditional type of
medicine, the Ayurveda. It is estimated that about 80,000
species of plants are utilized in some form or other by the
different systems of Indian medicines. [4]

INTRODUCTION
Traditional medicines, as defined by WHO is the health
practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating
plant, animal, and mineral based medicines, spiritual
therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly
or in the combination to treat , diagnose, and prevent illnesses
or maintain well-being. There has been considerable evidence
of about 80 % of population residing in Asian and African
countries relying on traditional system of medicines.
According to the certain evidences available, the study
of herbs dates back to the 5000 years to the ancient
Sumerians, describing well established use of medicinal
plants. Many herbs and minerals used in Ayurveda were
described by ancient Indian herbalists such as Charaka and
Sushruta during the 1st millennium BC. [1]
The first pictorial evidence of herbal medicine, on the
walls of the Lascaux Caves in France, was radiocarbon dated
in between 13000 to 25000 B.C. Paracelsus 1493-1541
physician and botanist, originally known as Philippus
Theophrastus von Hohenheim, pioneered the use of
chemicals and minerals in medicine as well as plants, starting
the first ever use of plants in Medicine and toxicology. Cists
and burial sites dated to 1000 and 2000 B.C. have found
evidence of medicinal herbs being left with bodies. [2]
However, the first written record of herbal medicine use
showed up in 2800 B.C. in China (Titled Pen Tsao by Shen
Nung). It recorded around 252 plants descriptions and
describes their medicinal effects, including information about
on the places to grow these plants. Another written evidence
signals use of herbs in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) and in China
dates back to 3000 B.C. [3]
Times have changed now, as more and more people
seek to shift towards herbal medicines, the physicians and
researchers are again focusing back to traditional plants to
look for cure in support of challenging ailments and

Punica granatum L.
Historical significance of Pomegranates dates back to its
evidence available through the 800 year old, Kabbalistic
text, Sefera Rimon: The book of Pomegranates giving it an
position equivalent to Shekinah, the female aspect of
creation, and its creator. [5] Punica granatum commonly
known as Pomegranate is a fruit bearing deciduous shrub
or small tree growing between five and eight meters tall.
The name Pomegranate derives from the Medieval Latin
Pomum apple and granatum seeded. The genus name
Punica refers to the Phoenicians, who were active in
broadening its cultivation, partly for religious reasons.

1Department of Pharmacology, Kharvel Subharti College of Pharmacy, S. V.

Subharti University, Meerut 250005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
E-mail: devannssshhhh@gmail.com
*Corresponding author

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Figure 1: Punica granatum

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Table 1: Classification of Punica granatum
Classification
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Type
Eukarya
Plantae
Magnaliophyta
Magnoliopsida
Myrtales
Punicaceae
Punica L.
Punica granatum
Table 2: Flower Differentiation [18]

Flower Characteristics
Length of pedicel to tip of sepals (mm)
Pistil Length (mm)
Stigma + style length
Ovary Height (mm)

Bisexual (mean + sd)

36.0 + 2.7
27.5 + 2.1
17.1 + 2.0
10.5 + 1.8

Male
26.7 + 2.9
19.4 + 2.9
15.9 + 2.5
3.5 + 2.1

Table 3: Phytoconstituents in Flower parts [21]

Pomegranate Flower
Components
Mesocarp A
Endocarp
Aril

Wieght
Composition (%)
36.50
3.88
59.63

Total Phenolic
Content
3.17
1.69
0.32

Ellagic Acid
(mg/ 100 g)
100.0
50.2
3.1

Epicatechin
(g/100g)
1.28
0.81
ND

Kic ( g total
Phenolics/ ml
0.10+0.05
0.07+0.03
-

Leaves, opposite, lanceolate, shining from above, 5.7 cm

long, 1.7 cm broad, having entire margin; petiole, thin, 4 cm
long; leaves, often clustered on arrested branchlets.
Flowers, sessile, ebracteate, complete, actinomorphic,
bisexual, solitary or in axillary clusters of 2 to 6; length, 3.7
cm; diameter, 3.6 cm; colour, claret rose 021; calyx,
actinomorphic, persistent, thick, fleshy, 3.1 cm in diameter;
corolla, polypetalous. with six petals, begonia 619 in colour,
caducous, actinomorphic, inserted at the top of the calyx
lute; length, 2 to 2.5 cm; androecium, with numerous
stamens, inserted at different levels below the petals,
polyandrous; filament, 4 mm long, light red; anther-lobes,
dorsifixed and light yellow; style and stigma 1 to 1.2 cm
long; ovary, inferior, containing numerous ovules, ovary
enclosed entirely within the persistent calyx tube.
Fruits, globular, crowned by a persistent calyx,
possessing a hard outer rind diameter, 4.2 to 6.6 cm;
weight, 80.5 g volume, 78.5 ml colour, yellowish green,
with a red tinge.
Seeds, angular, with a fleshy aril which constitutes the
edible part; colour, varying from red to pinkish white.
The phylum Magnaliophyta consists of flowering plants
termed as Angiosperms.
Following Figure highlights the Pomegranate
taxonomical breakdown, [13]

The Pomegranate is native to the region of Persia

(Modern day Iraq) and the western Himalayan range. It has
been cultivated in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Afganistan,
Pakistan, India, Russia and the Mediterranean region for
several millennia. [6]
In Indian subcontinent, Punica granatum has been in
use for several thousand years as a part of Ayurvedic
system of medicines. The rind of fruit and the bark of the
Pomegranate tree are used as a traditional remedy against
diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal parasites. The seeds and
juice are considered a tonic for the heart and throat, and
classified as a bitter-astringent (pitta or fire) component in
the Indian Ayurvedic system, and considered a healthful
counterbalance to a diet high in sweet-fatty (kapha or
earth) components. The astringent qualities of the flower
juice, rind and tree bark are considered valuable for a
variety of purposes, such as stopping bleeding from gums
and nose, toning skin firming up sagging breast and
treating hemorrhoids. [7-11]
Over 1000 cultivars of Punica granatum L. exists,
originating from the Middle east, extending throughout the
Mediterranean, east ward to China and India, and on to
the American southwest, California and mexico in the New
world. [12]
Morphology
Also known as jewel of winter, P.granatum is small
deciduous tree found in warm climates throughout the
world. The height may vary from five feet to twice of it. It
has elongated leaves arranged in alternating pattern. Bright
red, orange or white flowers may be clustered or dispersed
sporadically near the end of the branches. Fruits on
ripening grow up to five inches in diameter. [13]

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Catechin
(g/100g)
15.36
6.28
ND

Flower Morphology
Pomegranate had been grown as fruit crop since ancient
times. Flowering in Pomegranate is characterized as having
both hermaphroditic (bisexual) flowers and functionally
male flowers on the same plant, a condition referred to as
andromonoecy. The hermaphroditic flowers have wellformed female (stigma, style, ovary) and male (filament

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Figure 2: Taxonomic breakdown

Figure 3: Fully grown flower of P.

granata

Figure 6: Anthers with

filaments inserted in calyx tube

Figure 4: Single near sessile flower, calyx

fused at base

Figure 7: Male flower with devloped

stamen & under devploed pistil

and anthers) parts and have been referred to as fertile,

vase-shaped, and bisexual flowers. The hermaphrodite
flowers are the ones which set fruit. Though its mistakenly
considered as female part, but actually its male with
suppressed female parts. Under agricultural production
conditions, male: female flower ratios in Pomegranate can
impact crop productivity and yield. [14-17]
Pomegranate flowers are large, showy flowers with
vibrant petals and numerous anthers. Although organogenesis

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Figure 5: Longitudnal
pomegranate flower

Figure 8: Well formed ovule

from hermaphrodite flower

section

of

Figure 9: Underdeveloped
ovule in male flower

of both male and female flower parts occurs in all flowers, the
degree of development in petals flucatuates.
Temperature during the flowering period can have a
pronounced effect on reproductive processes. The effects
of temperature on pollen germination have been
significantly reduced at 5 and 15, whereas the highest
and similar germination were obtained at 25 and 35.
The timing of flower types can show seasonal and yearly
variations. [18-19]

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Figure 10: Stigma & styles of pomegranate flowers

Figure 11: Stigma & styles

Phytoconstituents
Punica granatum mainly constitutes polyphenols of which
are highly concentrated Ellagitannins, which are water
soluble phenolic compounds with high molecular weights.
[20] (Cuccioloni et al., 2009) carried out analysis of
percentage wise presence of monomeric polyphenols, and

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total phenolic content, in the different flower components,

and came out with following outcomes,
Punica granatum is a rich source of anthocyanins which
give red color to fruit and juice, and hydrolysable tannins,
which account for the 92 % of total antioxidant activity of
the fruit. [22]

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Figure 12: Morphology of ovules in bisexual flower of pomegranate

Figure 13: Closer look at anthers and pollen grains

(Clifford et al., 2000; Hakkinen et al., 2000) reported an

important phytoconstituents elligatannins which are water
soluble phenolic compounds with high molecular weight.
Elligatannins upon hydrolysis produce hexahydroxydiphenic

(Jain et al., 2011) isolated four main phytoconstituents

present in Punica granatum. They are Punicalin,
Punicalagin, Gallic acid and Ellagic acid based on UV, IR,
Mass and NMR data, standardized via HPLC.

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Figure 14: Basic phytoconstituents of P.granatum

Figure 15: UV chromatogram at 278 nm

(Alighourchi et al., 2008; Miguel et al., 2004) reported

isolated anthocyanin like, delphinidin, cyaniding, and
pelargonidin 3-glucosides and 3, 5-diglucosides. [27]
(Jain et al., 2011) mentioned the stepwise isolation
procedure for near to 100 % percentages of Punicalin and
Punicalagin via methanolic solvent extraction. [28]
Following Figure outlines the systemic stepwise
isolation procedure,

acid, which spontaneously rearranges to ellagic acid.

An U.V. Chromatograph analysis, proved the presence of
Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, Epicatechin, and Catechin, following
figure directs the same.
It contains substantial amount of other polyphenols, like
sugar bound flavanoids, quercetin, kampferol, [23] flavonoid
diglycosid, [24] ellagic acid, ellagic tannin,[25] and organic
acids. [26]

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Figure 16: Isolation process for punicalin & punicalagin [28]

Figure 17: Punicalin

Figure18: Ellagic acid

Delphinidin, [42] Cyanidin, [42] Punicalin, [42-43] Punicalagin,

[44-45] Corilagin, [46-47] Casuarinin, [44] Granatin A, [46] Proline,
[47] Valine, [48] Methionine, [48] Tryptamine, [49] Serotonin, [49]
Melatonin, [49] Peelletierine, [50-51] Sedridine, [52] Hygrine, [52]
Punicic acid, [53] Linoleic acid, [53,54-55] Daucosterol, [37]
Cholestrol, [56] Estrone (Sex steroids), [27;56] Testosterone,
[56] -Tocopherol, [57] Ursolic acid, [58-59] Oleanolic acid, [60]
Cerebroside, [61] Coumestrol, [62] Phenethyl rutinoside. [37]

Following are structures of other main constituents,

(Balwani et al., 2011) in Biochimie journal, emphasized
a new isolated compound 2-methyl-1pyran-4-one-3-O--Dglucopyranoside, in Punica granatum P, [29]
(Zhang et al., 2011) reported two isolated and purified
anthocyanins via reverse phase HPLC, namely, Pelargonidin
3,5-diglucoside and pelargonidin 3- glucoside; analyses of
which was carried out by UV-vis spectrophotometry, Mass
and NMR spectroscopy. [30]
An upto-date analysis of the phytoconstituents present
in Punica granatum reveals presence of Glucose, [31]
Fructose, [31], Sucrose, [32],Citric acid, [33] Mallic acid,
[33]Tartaric acid, [33] Fumaric acid, [33] Succinic acid, [33]
Ascorbic acid, [34] Gallic acid, [35-36] Ellagic acid, [35,36] 3,3-DiO- methyl ellagic acid, [37] 3,3,4-Tri-O-methyl ellagic acid,
[38] caffeic acid, [35,38] Flavan-3-ol, [39] Catechin, [39]
Epicatechin, [39] Kampferol, [40] Luteolin, [40] Apigenin, [41]

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PHARMACOLOGY SIGNIFICANCE: SUMMARY

Antibacterial Activity
(Prashanth et al., 2001) had reported an antibacterial
potential in the Petroleum ether, Chloroform, Methanol and
Water extracts. The organisms used for testing were
Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebshiella
pneumoniae, P.vulgaris, B.subtilis, S.typhi. The findings
signified the effectiveness of petroleum ether extract in

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Figure 19: Punicalagin

Figure 20: Gallic acid

Figure 21: MPG

Figure 22: HPLC chromatogram of anthocyanin extract of pomengrate flowers

suppression of all test strains taken, and water extract

effective against S.aureus and E.coli. Petroleum ether extract
mainly isolates Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Coumarins, and Fatty
acids. Thus, confirming the base behind the antibacterial
activity due to the presence of terpenoids and alkaloids. [64]

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(Rathinamoorthy et al., 2011) studied antibacterial

potential in Punica granatum L. leaf, rind; and found the
treated fabrics with Pomegranate extract showed high
antibacterial resistance against strains like S. aureus, E.coli,
K.pneumoniae, P.vulgaris, and S.typhi. Application of herbal

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Figure 23: Punica granatum chemical epitome [20-63]

Figure 24: Invitro anticancer studies using Punica granatum extract [67-74]

ointments to fabric for commercial production is possible profit

earning scope apart from significance in herbal therapy. [65]

breast, colon cancer. Chemoprevention is a strategy of

preventive oncology that focuses on cancer prevention by
administration of one or more natural or synthetic
compounds to arrest the stages of carcinogenesis. [66] It
reported the 92% antioxidant activity due to phenolic
compounds, flavanoids (anthocynanins, catechins) and

Anti-cancer therapy-A Step towards Chemoprevention

(Syed et al., 2007) reported the potential chemoprevention
activity in Pomegranate in the cases of Skin, Prostate, Lung,

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Figure 25: Punicalagin role in cancer disease [20]

Figure 26: Ellagic acid in crohn's disease [74]

hydrolysable tannins (Punicalin, Pedunculagin, Punicalagin,

gallagic acid, and ellagic acid). The anthocynanins are
responsible for preventing lipid peroxidation of cell or
liposomal membranes. Also reported the methanolic
extraction gave higher antioxidant activity due to majority of
phenolic compounds isolated into methanolic solvent. The
higher antioxidant activity resulted to high concentration of

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polyphenols present in the methanolic extract, indication

ellagitannins of which mainly punicalagins, as major
antioxidant phytoconstituent. [67-72]
Immunosuppressive Activity
(Lee et al., 2008) studied the potential immune suppressive
activity in the Punicalagin, isolated from the plant

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Figure 27: Pomegranate targeting osteoarthiritis inducer (novel target therapy lead) [79]

Antioxidant Activity
There is no doubt about the mentioned activity, as texted
earlier the presence of different phytoconstituents,
especially phenolic compounds, polyphenols, flavanoids,
and hydrolysable tannins, depict 92 % of total antioxidant
activity present in the plant Pomegranate.
Another confirmation comes from the experimental
report published by (Moneim A.E.A, 2012), who studied the
antioxidant properties in Pomegranate on rat brains.
Findings gave positive feedback of polyphenols except
catechol tannins, since it was absent in the methanolic
extract, on the reduction in Reactive oxygen species (ROS),
reduction in superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide,
and hydroxyl (*OH) generated capable of damaging cell
lines, and DNA.
The result proved Pomegranate as a powerful
antioxidant lead for medicine development. [77]

P.granatum. Punicalagin is a polyphenolic compound, an

isomer of 2, 3-(S)-hexahybroyldiphoyl-4, 6-(S, S)-gallagylo-glucose and structurally belongs to ellagitannins
(hydrolysable tannins). As ellagitannins have proven
antioxidant activity, it was further found to inhibit the
proliferation of several human colon cancer cell lines and
induce apoptosis of these cells at higher concentrations. It
found P.granatum to be potent inhibitor of nuclear factor of
activated T-cells (NFAT). Also (Lee et al., 2008) has
reported the potential downregulation potential of the
mRNA and soluble protein expression of interleukin-2 from
anti-CD3/anti-CD28-stimulated murine splenic CD4+ T
cells and suppressed mixed leucocytes reaction without
exhibiting cytotoxicity to cells. Thus proves to be a
potential candidate for targethed-specific therapy and in
various immune pathologies. [20]
(Catalan et al., 2010) reported in affirmation the role of
ellagitannins as antioxidant, antimicrobial, or cytotoxic. The
extracts were taken from Cistus ladanifer and Cistus
populifolius. [73]

Probiotic Enhancer
(Bialonska et al., 2010) reported the positive effects of
Pomegranate on the gut microbial environment. The study
found Pomegranate effective in enhancing the growth of
probiotics for e.g Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus
Enterococcus species. Thus, making it suitable lead to
strengthening immune and defense mechanisms of the
body. [78]

Effective in Crohns Disease

Due to the presence of many effective phytoconstituents, of
therapeutic importance, (Rosillo et al., 2011), reported the
decrease and suppression of various inflammatory
precursors due to the presence of P.granatum extract ,
involved in the pathophysiology of the Inflammatory Bowel
Disease and Crohns disease. [75]

Osteoarthiritis Treatment
(Rasheed et al., 2010) studied the proliferation factor
responsible for pathogenesis of Osteoarthiritis and found,
p38-MAPK (Mitogen activated protein kinases) as a major
signal-transducing
pathway
in
pathogenesis
of
Osteoarthiritis, activated further via interleukin-1 leading
to plethora of generation of mediators for Osteoarthiritis.
The researcher experimented the effect of Pomegranate
extract on the chondrocyte cells isolated from
Osteoarthritis affected cartilage via enzymatic digestion.
The pathogenesis of degradation was observed after IL-1
stimulation. Gene expressions of p38-MAPK were observed
and measured by RT-PCR. The results showed a promising
treatment lead for Osteoarthiritis, as it was observed that

Fighting Depression
(Okomoto et al., 2004) found pomengrate effective in bone
mineral density maintenance even after the presence of
strong stimulator ovariectomy leading to sudden
depression in bone mineral density. The researcher
selected Pomegranate for studying menopausal
syndrome, on the basis of estrogenic effect proven in the
plant earlier. The estrogenic effects were due to the
presence of Estradiol, estrone and estriol. Ovariectomy
induces sudden increase in body weight; this was
inhibited by the constant administration of Pomegranate
juice. [76]

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Pomegranate extract suppressed IL-1 induced activation
of MKK3(Mitogen activated prtotein kinase kinsase), p38MAPK isoform and DNA binding activity of the
transcription factor RUNX-2(Runt-related transcriptioin
factor 2. [79]

experimental rats. Moreover aqueous extract at a dose

range of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg had resulted in
amelioration of blood glucose levels, lipid parameters and
oxidative stresses in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
[83]

Potential Anti-coagulant Activity

(Cuccioloni et al., 2009) in his report highlighted the
significance of Pomegranate extracts in regulation of
[19]
Normally,
uncontrolled
coagulation
cascade.
coagulation process is regulated by endogenous mediators
such as, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, the protein C and
protein S systems and antithrombin, [80] controlling
formation of hemostatic plug at the site of injury. During
unbalance state, a condition of hypercoagulation results,
which controlled via synthetic leads have a tendency to
develop hepatotoxicity as a potential side-effect. Natural
source leads having potential targeted inhibition of these
mediators have an edge in scientific research due to
eradication of side-effect, a major hinderance for clearing of
many potential leads. In this case, polyphenols from
Pomegranate project the exact requirement of natural
source to develop a prospective lead targeting inhibition of
crucial enzymes responsible for thrombin generation, thus
representing a broad-spectrum natural drug. [19]

Antimutagenic Activity
(Zahin et al., 2010) experimented the antioxidant and
antimutagenic potential in the peel extracts of the plant
Punica granatum. The antioxidant activity was tested via
DPPH free radical scavenging, phosphomolybednum, Ferric
reducing power and Cupric reducing ability assays. The
methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity
compared to other solvent fractions such as ethanol,
acetone, and ethyl acetate fractions. Antimutagenic activity
was explored via Ames Salmonella/ microsome assay
against sodium azide (NaN3), methyl methane sulphonate
(MMS),
2-aminofluorene (2-AF) and benzo(a)pyrene
induced mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium tester
strains. [84]
Memory Enhancing and Learning Potential
(Adiga et al., 2010) has reported positive memory
enhancing effect in the peel extracts of Punica granatum.
The tests were confirmed with the help of T-maze test or
passive avoidance test at dose of 50mg.kg and 100 mg.kg
dose of peel extracts of plant Punica granatum. [85]

Cardioprotective Role
(Mohan et al., 2012) studied the dose dependent inhibition
of Isoprterenol (85 mg/kg, administered subcutaneously
twice to rats) induced increase in heart rate, elevation in
electrocardiogram, vascular reactivity to catecholamines,
increase in levels of cardiac-marker enzymes-lactate
dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, reduction in superoxide
dismutase. Doses of (100mg/kg and 300mg/kg, p.o) of
Pomegranate extract showed significant proof of potential
cardiotonic lead. [81]

Larvicidal and Adulticidal Potential

(Kamaraj et al., 2010) carried out detailed determination of
selected medicinal plants, of which Punica granatum too
was selected and observed for the targeted activity. The
results showed average larvicidal and adulticidal activity
shown by the plants selected. The hexane, ethyl acetate and
methanol extract of leaf, bark, and fruit rind of M.charantia,
M.oleifera, O.gratissium, O.tenuiflorum, P.granatum and
T.terrestris were tested against two mosquito species and
found interesting facts of potential of Punica granatum. [86]

Antimalaria
(DellAgli et al., 2010) carried out an in-vitro analysis of the
Pomegranate extract in the treatment of malaria caused by
Plasmodium falciparum involved in inflammatory cytokinedriven diseaee associated with upregulation and activity of
metalloproteinase-9 and to the increase of TNF production.
The methanolic extract enriched in tannins was prepared
inhibited the secretion of MMP-9 induced by haemozoin or
TNF. The effect occurred at transcriptional level since MMP9 mRNA levels are lower in the presence of tested
compounds. Thus the Pomegranate depicts its anti-malarial
effect via anti-parasitic activity and inhibition of proinflammatory response in the onset of cerebral malaria. The
Methanolic extract of Pomegranate showed inhibition of
secretion of MMP-9 (Matrixmetallopeptidase 9), by 61 %. [82]

Antifungal Activity
(Duraipandiyan et al., 2011) studied forty five medicinal
plants collected from different parts of Tamil Nadu. Hexane,
ethyl acetate, and methanol extract of the forty five
medicinal plant extracts were investigated for potential
antifingal activity. Punica granatum was one of the plant
which showed positive test results with having broad
spectrum antifungal property. [87]
Cytochrome P Inhibitory Effect
(Usia et al., 2006) analyzed inhibition of in-vitro
metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4 and CYP 2D6.
Cytochrome are enzyme involved in metabolism of many
drugs, and leading to early offset of drug activity in body of
medicines given for treatment. CYP3A4, the major hepatic
and intestinal CYP in humans, metabolizes more than 50 %
of clinically used drugs such as cyclosporine A,
dihydropyridine, ethinylestradiol, midazolam, terfenadine,
and triazolam. CYP2D6 catalyzes drugs like amitriptyline,
imipramine,
haloperidol,
propranolol
and

Antidiabetic Potential
(Patil et al., 2011) reported in his survey of antidiabetic
activity plants, a special mention of Punica granatum,
where it clearly highlights the use of methanolic extract of
the plant at dose range of 500 mg/ kg in normalizing the
plasma glucose level in alloxan induced diabetic

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REVIEW ARTICLE
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MA, Fioretti E, et al. Pomengranate fruit components modulate
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15:567, 2002.
26. Heftmann E, Ko TS, Bennett DR.Phytochemistry, 5:1337, 1966.
27. Alighourchi H, Barzegar M, Abbasi S. Anthocyanins
characterization of 15 Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum
L.) varieties and their variation during cold storage and
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228:881887, 2008.
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Manohar D. Isolation and standardization of various
phytochemical constituents from methanolic extracts of fruit
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29. Balwani S, Nandi D, Jaisankar Ghosh B. 2-Methyl-pyran-4-one3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside isolated from leaves of Punica
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dextromethorphan. The findings were Punica granatum

had Inhibitory Concentration50 or IC50 at 35 (g/ ml) for
CYP3A4 and 32 (g/ ml) for CYP2D6. Thus the results
signify low dose effectiveness of Punica granatum in
prolonging action of potential needy drugs in body via
natural leads. [88]
CONCLUSION
Plants having potential pharmacological significance in
comparison to their synthetic counterpart, directs a
powerful natural tool to battle against diseases without
compromising over the hazardous effects of the plant on
the body. Punica granatum is one of such many plants in
our nature whose potentiality could overcome many
hurdles, which come in line of drug development processes.
Majority of leads fail to cross the final approval due to one
or another side effects, which rather than working as
healing probe, work in exaggerating the problem further.
Elligatannins, Phenolic compounds, flavanoids, and
alkaloids, are major phytoconstituents responsible for 98
% explored pharmacological potential in the plant.
Looking forward through this insight, potential new
plants could be selected on the basis of these
phytoconstituents to develop a power generator for natural
medicine, a smart way to cure diseases, without bothering
about their adverse effects.
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Cite this article as: Devansh Mehta, Manish Mehta.

Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae): Lifeline for Modern
Pharmaceutical
Research.
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Impact:
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