Bioactive Chemical Constituents from Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Juice, Seed and Peel-A Review

Abstract

The pomegranate tree, Punica granatum possesses a vast ethnomedical history and represents a
phytochemical reservoir of heuristic medicinal value. The pomegranate tree can be divided into several
anatomical compartments like seed, peel, juice, flower, leaf, bark, roots, etc. each of which has interesting
pharmacologic activities. The chemical composition of fruits differs depending on the cultivar, growing
region, climate, maturity, cultural practice and storage. Significant variations in organic acids, phenolic
compounds, sugars, water-soluble vitamins and minerals composition of pomegranates have been reported
over the years. Pomegranates contain high levels of a diverse range of phytochemicals including
polyphenols, sugars, fatty acids (conjugated and non-conjugated), aromatic compounds, amino acids,
tocopherols, sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, etc. The synergistic action of the pomegranate constituents
appears to be superior to that of single constituents. In the past decade, numerous studies on the antioxidant,
anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate constituents have been published,
focusing on treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, dental conditions, bacterial
infections and antibiotic resistance, and ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage. This article provides a
critical review of various phytochemical constituents isolated from pomegranate juice, seeds and peels; and
their associated medicinal properties dealing with antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial/antimicrobial properties, as well as a brief summary on other activities.