Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF PUNICA GRANATUM

Prashant R. Shirode*, Tushar S. Deore and Sidharaj S. Sisodia

ABSTRACT

This review article is all about the Punica granatum as known as Pomegranate possessing the phytochemicals, their activity and effect in terms of benefits and uses. Although pomegranate has already been proven containing therapeutically active ingredients collectively called as antioxidants, the fruit holds great importance in many mythologies and cultures starting from middle east to all over the world. This article is also about the myths and facts about the fruit. The facts coming out of scientific studies carried out before are also discussed in the article. However along with factual data the article is focused on phytoconstituents of Punicagranatum and the activity. Mainly the active ingredients present in Punicagranatum such as flavonoids, vitamins, punicalagins and minerals are discussed. Punica granatum Linn. (Pomegranate) is a plant belongs to Punicaceae family locally called as Anar, a fruit of great antiquity. This plant species have been cultivated in the Middle-East for more than 5,000 years ago and it is found in Iran, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, North Africa, California and Arizona. Bark, leaves, immature fruits and fruit rind of different parts of pomegranate have valuable therapeutic potential. Several studies focused on prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dental conditions, erectile dysfunction and skin allergy investigations were carried out to determine antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate constituents

Keywords: Punica granatum, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants, Phytoconstituents, Flavonoids, Punicalagins, ATCC - American Type Culture Collection.