Mohan Maureen, C A Mohanavarshaa, D Priya, V Anjana G
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND.
Cureus. 2024 Oct 15;16(10):e71510. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71510. eCollection 2024 Oct.
Pomegranates () are a fruit renowned for their rich history, diverse uses, and substantial health benefits. Current research on the botanical features, nutritional profile, and medicinal properties of pomegranates is summarized in this study. Botanically, the pomegranate is classified as a deciduous shrub with a unique fruit structure comprising numerous seeds, or arils, embedded in a leathery skin. Nutritionally, pomegranates are a significant source of antioxidants, particularly punicalagin, and anthocyanins, which contribute to their purported health benefits. Emerging evidence suggests that pomegranate consumption may have favorable effects on cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory responses, and cancer prevention. Clinical studies highlight their potential to enhance blood flow, prevent arterial plaque formation, and reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. This review also examines traditional and contemporary uses of pomegranates in medicine and cuisine, highlighting their cultural significance and potential therapeutic applications. Despite promising findings, limitations in current research methodologies and the need for more robust clinical trials are discussed. This review aims to synthesize current research on the botanical characteristics, nutritional profile, and medicinal properties of pomegranates (), with a focus on their health benefits and applications in traditional and contemporary contexts. Future research directions are proposed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the health benefits of pomegranates and to optimize their use in preventive and therapeutic contexts.
石榴以其悠久的历史、多样的用途和显著的健康益处而闻名。本研究总结了目前关于石榴植物特征、营养成分和药用特性的研究。从植物学角度来看，石榴被归类为落叶灌木，其独特的果实结构包含许多种子，即假种皮，镶嵌在坚韧的果皮中。在营养方面，石榴是抗氧化剂的重要来源，尤其是鞣花酸和花青素，这有助于其所谓的健康益处。新出现的证据表明，食用石榴可能对心血管健康、抗炎反应和癌症预防有积极影响。临床研究强调了它们增强血液流动、预防动脉斑块形成以及降低心脏病、心脏病发作和中风风险的潜力。本综述还探讨了石榴在医学和烹饪中的传统及现代用途，突出了它们的文化意义和潜在治疗应用。尽管有一些有前景的发现，但也讨论了当前研究方法的局限性以及进行更有力临床试验的必要性。本综述旨在综合目前关于石榴植物特征、营养成分和药用特性的研究，重点关注其健康益处以及在传统和现代背景下的应用。提出了未来的研究方向，以更好地理解石榴健康益处背后的机制，并优化其在预防和治疗方面的应用。
