Pomegranate

FAMILY: Punicaceae

HABITAT: The area of origin of the pomegranate is not easily identifiable as it has spread in practically all Mediterranean countries, from Turkey to the Iberian Peninsula, since ancient times, however many studies seem to prove a Persian origin. However, it has been a naturalised plant for a very long time and can often be found wild. It is widespread throughout the country within a climate band ranging from sea level to 800 m, and is a plant characteristic of warm-temperate climates , although it can also withstand the cold, provided the temperature does not fall below -10°C.

USED PARTS: fruits  

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: The fruit is rich in anthocyanins; glucose, ascorbic acid; ellagic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid ;catechin, EGCG; 11 quercetin, rutin; numerous minerals, particularly iron; amino acids.

PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: dry extract of the fruit titrated in ellagic acid. 

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES:
Antioxidant action: Numerous studies, both in vitro and in the animal and human model, have shown that Pomegranate extract has significant antioxidant activity.  In fact, an in vitro study shows that the antioxidant power of pomegranate juice was 2-3 times higher than that of resveratrol contained in red wine and green tea.  The action, mainly mediated by the ellagitannins contained in the phytocomplex, follows the mechanism of action of free radical scavenging.

Anti-inflammatory action: With regard to the anti-inflammatory activity of Pomegranate extract, several studies show how the use of the phytocomplex, both in cellular and animal models, ensured the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, a reduction in the levels of IL-1beta, an inducer of proteoglycan destruction and the release of MMPs, and a reduction in the activation of NFkB factor, consequently reducing the expression of TNF-α.

Antimicrobial action: In vitro studies confirm the antimicrobial action of Pomegranate extract against human pathogenic Gram+, Gram-, fungi and viruses. The antimicrobial action of the methanolic extract of Pomegranate is mainly due to the presence of tannins and punicalangin, which promote cell lysis. Further confirmation of the antimicrobial potential of Pomegranate extract was obtained in a study demonstrating the antimicrobial power of ellagic acid against staphylococci, streptococci, E.coli, Salmonella, Vibrio cholera and Bacillus subtilis. The mechanism of action is related to cell lysis by interaction with membranes. Ellagic acid and tannins are also responsible for the fungicidal effect especially against Candida albicans.

Main indications: documented antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory action

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pomegranate fruit extract has been used for a long time without ever having recorded significant side effects. A clinical trial conducted in 2004 on 86 overweight subjects treated for 24 days with pomegranate fruit extract demonstrated its safety at doses of 1420 mg/day with an ellagic acid content of 870 mg. Another clinical investigation of 10 subjects with carotid artery stenosis showed that the administration of pomegranate juice (121 mg/lt A.Gallicum equivalent) for 3 years gave no toxic effects on haematochemical values, liver and heart function.

It can be found in ibidì® - Rubis® - Rubis Forte®