POMEGRANATE

Chemical properties

Small tree or thick shrub probably native to Kurdistan; it grows throughout the Mediterranean basin and in other warm regions. Several varieties are known: P. granatum silvestric D.C. (wild), P. flava (with yellow flowers) and P. grandiflora Hert. nana (dwarf variety growing mainly in South America). The plant is known for its glossy foliage that turns from bronze to green to golden by fall. The plant has an erect trunk with thin, gray bark; subtetragonal branches; and lanceolate, opposite, petiolate leaves without stipules. The flowers are crimson or purple, often growing in trifloral clusters at the tips of branches or in the axilla of the upper leaves. The almost round berries (fruits) are reddish, many seeded, with a crimson pulp. The parts used are the bark from the branches and roots and the edible fruit pulp. Pomegranate has a characteristic agreeable acid flavor.

Occurrence

Pomegranate is found throughout the world.

The Uses of POMEGRANATE

Pomegranate is used as an anthelmintic for tapeworm and opportunistic intestinal worms, as well as to treat diarrhea. It is also used to treat hemorrhoids, as a gargle for sore throat, and as an abortifacient. Pomegranate may be effective as an antimicrobial, in the treatment of diabetes, and as an antioxidant.

Composition

Main constituents include alkaloids (pelletierine, isopelletierine, methylpelletierine, pseudopelletierine), digallic acid, punicin tannate, calcium oxalate, starches and mucilages. The infusion prepared from rind is reported to contain 18.8% tannin, 17.1% mucilage, 10.8% extractive matter, 30% lignin, a trace of resin and 29.9% of moisture.