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Pomegranate

The pomegranate is a tree. Different parts of the tree and the fruit are used to make medicine. Pomegranate is used for many conditions, but so far there is not enough scientific data to evaluate the effectiveness of pomegranate for these conditions. It is known that pomegranate does not appear to be effective in reducing the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or improving breathing in people suffering from these conditions. Pomegranate is used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels including high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, arteriosclerosis and high cholesterol levels. Pomegranate is also used to treat digestive tract conditions including diarrhea and dysentery, as well as tapeworm and other digestive tract parasites.

Some people use pomegranate for influenza, stomatitis, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, acidosis, bleeding and HIV. Pomegranate is also used to prevent prostate cancer, obesity and weight loss. Some women use pomegranate to induce abortion. Pomegranate is used to gargle a sore throat and applied to the skin to treat hemorrhoids. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a unique plant. The only other plant closely related to pomegranate is a small tree that only grows on a single island in Yemen.

Pomegranate has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments. It is mentioned in historical Greek, Hebrew, Islamic and Christian writings and mythologies. Pomegranate is described in writings dating back 1500 years before Christ as a treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Many cultures use pomegranate in folk medicine. The pomegranate originally comes from Iran. It is primarily cultivated in the Mediterranean region, parts of the USA, Afghanistan, Russia, India, China and Japan. The pomegranate also appears in some royal and medical coats of arms.

How effective is pomegranate?

Pomegranate may be ineffective for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Consumption of pomegranate juice does not appear to improve symptoms and breathing in people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of pomegranate for the following conditions.

  • High cholesterol: Some studies show that pomegranate appears to lower total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol levels. However, other studies have failed to show any benefits.
  • High blood pressure: One study suggests that consuming 50 ml of pomegranate juice per day for one year can lower systolic blood pressure (the upper level) by 5 to 21%. However, consumption of pomegranate juice does not appear to lower diastolic blood pressure. However, other studies showed no effect on blood pressure when subjects drank 240 ml of pomegranate juice daily over a 3-month period. Further research is needed to clarify this discrepancy.
  • Arteriosclerosis: Preliminary study results suggest that consumption of pomegranate juice may help to keep the arteries in the neck free of fatty deposits.
  • Gum disease: There is evidence that rubbing the gums with pomegranate peel in combination with Gotu Kola extract may help to alleviate gum disease.
  • Prostate cancer: Early research suggests that consuming pomegranate juice may slow the progression of prostate cancer.
  • Heart disease: Some early scientific research suggests that consuming pomegranate juice could improve blood flow to the heart. However, consumption of pomegranate juice does not appear to prevent narrowing of the blood vessels in the heart (stenosis). There is also not enough information to know whether consuming pomegranate juice helps prevent heart disease-related events, such as a heart attack.

There is also insufficient scientific data to assess the effectiveness of pomegranate on tapeworm infestation, obesity, oral fungal infections, diarrhea, dysentery, sore throat, hemorrhoids and symptoms of menopause. Further scientific research is required to do this.

How does pomegranate work?

Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that may have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary study results suggest that chemicals in pomegranate may slow the progression of atherosclerosis and possibly fight cancer cells. However, it is not known whether pomegranate has these effects when you drink the juice of the fruit.

Are there any safety concerns?

Pomegranate juice is probably safe and harmless for most people. Most people do not experience any side effects. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to pomegranate. When applied to the skin or gums, pomegranate may be safe. Some people who are sensitive to pomegranate may experience itching, swelling, runny nose and difficulty breathing. Pomegranate may not be safe and harmless if the root or stems are consumed. The root contains a toxin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pomegranate juice may be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, it is not known if other forms of pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract, are safe. If using pomegranate, stick with pomegranate juice during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Allergies to plants: People who suffer from plant allergies are also more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.

Surgeries: Pomegranate could affect blood pressure. This could affect blood pressure control during and after surgery. For this reason, pomegranate should be avoided at least 2 weeks before planned operations.

Interactions with medication

Care should be taken when combining pomegranate with the following medications:

Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is broken down in the body. The consumption of pomegranate juice could reduce the rate at which the body breaks down carbamazepine. This can increase the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.

Drugs that are broken down by the liver (cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates, cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates). Some drugs are broken down by the liver. Pomegranate may reduce the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. Taking pomegranate in combination with drugs that are broken down by the liver may increase the effects and side effects of some of these drugs. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking pomegranate if you are taking medication that is broken down by the liver.

Medication for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors and other antihypertensives)

Pomegranate appears to lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate in combination with high blood pressure medication could lower blood pressure too much.

Tolbutamide

Consuming pomegranate juice may reduce the rate at which the body breaks down tolbutamide. This may increase the effects and side effects of tolbutamide.

Are there any interactions with medicinal herbs and supplements?

Medicinal herbs and supplements that can lower blood pressure. Pomegranate appears to lower blood pressure. Using pomegranate in conjunction with other medicinal herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure could result in an excessive drop in blood pressure. Some of these products include ginger, panax ginseng, tumeric, valerian and others.

Are there any interactions with food?

There are no known interactions with food.

Dosage

The appropriate dosage of pomegranate depends on various factors, including age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for pomegranate for different applications. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

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