Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae): An Insight into Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Abstract: Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) generally identified as pomegranate, seeded or granular fruit, has been widely used for centuries in many cultures. P. granatum exhibits a wide variety of medicinal activities, viz., anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, etc. A variety of ethnomedical uses of P. granatum in several formulations, like powder, pulp, decoction and extract on its own or in blend with additional herbs against various diseases, like inflammation, skin disorders, cancer, microbial infections, and asthma, have been recorded. A wide variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, tocopherols, sterols, alkaloids, amino acids, etc., have been isolated and identified from P. granatum, amongst which punicalagin, the major polyphenolic component of pomegranate extract, has been well thought of as the main effective component of plant. Thorough information related to P. granatum was gathered using the keywords Punica granatum or pomegranate in various computerized databases, including Pubmed, ACS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, WoS, Springer Link, Sci Finder, and Wiley. All full-text articles and abstracts were reviewed. Additionally, book chapters and monographs were also screened. The current study has highlighted the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical profile, pharmacological activity, and toxicological studies of P. granatum. The ethnopharmacological importance of pomegranate has been discussed in recent pharmacological studies, indicating its medicinal and nutritional benefits in varied human disorders. Moreover, inquiries related to various facets of P. granatum relating to safety, toxicity and quality control are yet unanswered. Additionally, the article has provided a thorough knowledge of the herb, including its mechanism of action, structure activity relationships, safety as well as toxicity, as reported in clinical studies.