Lupine Publishers | Scholarly Journal of Food and Nutrition
Abstract
Pomegranate, grown in tropical
climatic conditions has various therapeutic benefits due to bioactive compounds
in it. This fruit is rich in antioxidants has been used from centuries for the
treatment of inflammation, cancers, diabetes, hypertension, infertility and so
many diseases. It is now being utilized in medicinal as well as nutrition
industries due to its strong potential. Polyphenols present in pomegranate
shows anti-proliferative properties as strong bases. Various in vitro and in
vivo studies show that pomegranate is rich in organic acids, anthocyanins,
sterols and catechin. India is among the top most countries producing and
exporting this fruit. Some of its varieties are being used for commercial and
ornamental means. However, some stress factors need to be evaluated in future
to enhance its production and cultivation on national levels. In addition to
this area that are producing pomegranate should be supplied by better climatic
and fertility means to increase its demand.
Keywords: Pomegranate; Cultivation; Medicinal properties; Nutritional
properties
Introduction
Pomegranate, the fruit of Punicacae
family is a shrub or tree that grows approximately 16 to 26 feet tall. Punica
granatum is its scientific name. It is also named as Seeded apple or
Chinese apple. In northern areas this fruit grows during September to February
while in southern parts it is available during March to May. Pomegranate has
multiple long-lived branches its leaves are 2cm wide and 3-7cm long Newman [1].
Flowers have 3-7 petals and are red in color and seeds may vary from about 200
to 1400 in number. Seeds can be utilized in salads, appetizers, soups and
desserts Still .
This fruit can grow as ornamental
tree in parks and gardens. They are drought tolerant and can survive in dry
areas. They are perfect winter foods, rich in fiber and rated among healthier
fruits. Pomegranate is known for its quality of improving heart health,
protecting against prostate cancer, help in preventing diabetes and are rich in
antioxidants that help fight against cancers and free radical formation Seeram
[2]. Juice and seeds of pomegranate contain vitamins, potassium and antioxidants
three times more than green tea. Seeds are mostly used as spice in Pakistani
food as Anar dana. These seeds are dried and used in curry formation.
Supplements are available as dried form but by drinking concentrated juice
which contains polyphenolic antioxidants one can survive from blood pressure
and high cholesterol level in the body Heftmann.
Edible part of fruit consist 20%
seed and 80% juice. In juice fructose and glucose are present in equal
quantity. Polyphenol part consist of catechins, tannins, ellagic acid and
anthocyanins. Its seeds are rich of pectin, sugars and fiber that benefits
against heart diseases. Pomegranate reduces LDL cholesterol from the body and
prevents against atherosclerosis Julie [3-6].
Cultivation
Pakistan produces pomegranate as
major fruit. Balochistan is being the largest producer while KPK and Punjab are
contributing to its production on isolated areas. 40thousand tons are producing
on 9thousand hectares. This fruit grows on tropical and subtropical regions and
its propagation can be done sexually as well as asexually. Pakistan has
tremendous climatic conditions for the production of pomegranate but due to
lack of knowledge of farmers, poor orchards management and lack of basic modern
techniques limited its successful production AR Awan.
Varieties
Various varieties are present and
are famous for their taste. Some famous are:
Bedana: Its seeds are soft and are of whitish or brown color. Pulp
is of pink color and is sweet it is of medium to large sized fruit.
Kandhar: It contains hard seeds with blood red color pulp. This
fruit is of large size and is sour in taste.
Alandi: Its seeds are very hard. It is medium size fruit with
subacid pulp and it has fleshy pink color.
Dholki: This fruit is of commercial importance. It has hard seeds
and whitish sweet pulp. It has dark patches of purple color at base. It is
regarded as evergreen plant.
Kabul: This variety of pomegranate is large sized with dark yellow
rind, and bitter taste pulp.
Muscat Red: Contain juicy pulp with hard seeds. This fruit is usually
small in size and has thick covering.
Paper shell: It contains very sweet juicy pulp with fleshy covering and
seeds are often soft. It is mostly of round shape.
Poona: This is often spotted and has grey to green color rind.
This fruit has orange to red color combination and is large in size.
Spanish Ruby: It has combination of rosy aromatic pulp with seeds often
soft and bright in color. It varies in size from medium to large size fruit.
Vellodu: It is of medium quality with sweet pulp and large size
seeds Holland.
Global production
According to the current situation
in the world USA, Iran, India, Pakistan and China are major producers of this
fruit. Annual global production is said to be about 1.5 million tones. India
has being ranked first in the production of 1.140 million tones on 0.125
million hectares. Iran exports the most amount 60,000 tones. Saudi Arab, UAE
and Bangladesh import millions of tone of pomegranate from India. West Pakistan
used to import this fruit to India in earlier centuries. Some countries like
Mexico, France, Italy, Egypt and Greece are using this fruit as ornamental
tree. Each part of pomegranate its leaves, roots, seeds and peel are of
economical importance to the world [7-10].
Pollination
Pomegranate is pollinated by insects
by cross and self means. Very little amount of pollen is dispersed by wind. 45
percent of fruit is settled down by self- pollination of flowers and cross
means increase its production to about 68 percent. According to the season and
variety of fruit size of pollen and fertility may vary [11-16].
How
to eat it
a) To enjoy this fruit one need a
knife, spoon and bowl
b) To lose its seeds roll around the
pomegranate
c) Put the knife in center of the
fruit and cut it into two parts
d) Take half part while facing
towards bowl and tap its back with the spoon for seeds to come out
e) Repeat if for the other half and
enjoy fruit with sweet juice and seeds (Table 1).
Serving
sizes may differ
a) 1 pomegranate: 105 calories.
b) 1oz pomegranate: 19 calories.
c) 100gram contains: 68 calories
(Table 2).
Therapeutic
Importance of Pomegranate
a) Seeds of pomegranate contains low
quantity of fats while high carbohydrate and protein content. According to an
estimate ½ cup consist of 1 gram of fat, 16 grams carbohydrates and 1.5 grams
proteins. 72 percent calories are provided by these components. It contains
appreciable amount of vitamin C which is beneficial for blood clotting and
immune system. Potassium the necessary mineral of the body is present in this
fruit which is required for normal regulation of the blood pressure, muscle
synthesis and nerve conduction system (Figure 1).
b) Antioxidants minimize the effect
of cellular damage from oxidation process. These compounds are present in different
vegetables fruits and cereals in great quantities. Department of Agriculture in
USA regarded pomegranate as fifth largest fruit rich in antioxidant content. It
has potential for the absorbance of radicals which are dangerous for human
body.
Cholesterol
level
Pomegranate is rich in major
antioxidants like anthocyanins and tannins that may help to block the buildup
of cholesterol in arteries which in return protect heart damage. Juice of this
fruit may help to reduce the concentration of low density lipoproteins from the
body which may protect the body from stroke attack (Behrenbeck, 2001). Leaf
extract of pomegranate has potential to reduce serum cholesterol in mouse fed
with high fat diet according to the weight of rats 400 to 800mg of extract was administrated
for 5 weeks period. High fat diet with obesity symptoms rat were chosen. After
this induction results were significant in reducing total cholesterol and
triglycerides level of the body. Weight was reduced and intestinal absorption
of fat was decreased. Energy and body HDL levels decreased showing beneficial
effects of leaf extract of pomegranate (Lan et al., 2009)
Blood
Pressure
Systolic blood pressure can be
reduced by juice of pomegranate to a significant level. Potassium in it can
prevent arteries from stiffness and atherosclerosis. It improves blood flow to
the heart and reduces the incidents of heart attack. Clinical examination of
improving blood pressure and endothelial functions of the body by consuming
pomegranate juice have been performed. In order to measure the beneficial
effects of juicy part of pomegranate 21 hypertensive patients were selected.
Their age vary between 30 to 67 years. One group of 11 patients was given 150ml
of juice to be taken either in lunch or dinner for 2 weeks. Similarly other
group of 10 people was treated with the same amount of water. After the
completion of the study results were positive in reducing systolic (p=0.002)
and diastolic blood concentrations (0.038). It was also seen that serum level
of vascular endothelial adhesion molecule was decreased up to (p=0.008) which
has curative effects for patients regarding endothelial functions and blood
pressure profile [17-22].
Memory
and mood Enhancer
Flavonoids are believed to improve
memory from declining and delay the onset of Alzheimer disease. These
antioxidants have potential role for fighting against depression that can cause
memory loss. Vinegar of pomegranate juice contains flavonoids of deep red color
that helps prevent against radical formation. Pomegranate juice have natural
compound Estrone that improves mood in menopausal women. It is generally
believed that this compound can act as a replacement therapy for women
suffering from mood disturbances.
Cancer Cells
Pomegranate juice can hinder the
proliferation of cancerous cells in human body. It can block the flow of blood
towards the tumors resulting in reducing its size and ultimately its
destruction. Breast and prostate cancer cells have significant evidence of
declining. Inhibition of cancerous cells causing prostate cancer in adults has
been well recognized. USA has higher prevalence of prostate cancer. Pomegranate
extract has shown positive correlation with the reduction of PC-3 carcinoma
prostate cells it induces regular apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition to
these benefits it also stops the proliferation of these dangerous cells to
other parts of the body. In order to evaluate the effects of extract on cancer
cells scientist performed different experiments. 22 participants were taken and
8 ounces of pomegranate extract was given for 13 months. After this time period
results were drawn. Serum level of apoptosis of cancer cells reduced to a
significant level in vitro study. It was seen that 40 percent oxidative stress
in serum was reduced. Similarly there was a 90 percent blockage of invasion of
cells across matrix [23-26].
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Inflammation of joints can result in
pain and swelling in later age. Presence of Flavones in pomegranate extract has
antiinflammatory effects that may reduce collagen induced arthritis and painful
swelling of joints. Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenase enzymes inhibits by
extracts present in pomegranate seed oil. These key mediators of inflammation
decreases by 75 percent by seed oil while pomegranate juice causes 23.8 percent
reduction in these enzymes. In osteoarthritis these extracts diminishes matrix
metallo-proteinases which is involved in degradation of extracellular joint
matrix.It prevents collagen degradation and stops joint destruction.
Bacterial Infections
Pomegranate has millions of
bioactive compounds fighting against infections like diarrhea and ulcers.
Parasitic and bacterial infection reduces to the limit that may protect against
respiratory disorders and cancers. Ellagic and gallic acids as natural
antimicrobial agents has been used against Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli for their ability to precipitate membrane proteins and inhibit
enzymes that leads to lysis of cells. 80 percent of the inhibitory effects have
been shown by this method [27].
Carotid Artery Disease
Study conducted in 2004 shows that
daily consumption of 50ml of juice for 3years reduces the cholesterol damage of
artery walls by almost half and lessens the incidence of stroke buildup. In a
study 19 subjects with artery stenosis were given 50ml of pomegranate juice for
two years. Participants were treated with similar hypocholesterolemic and
antihypertensive medications. There was a 35% reduction in intima thickness of
right and left arteries during these 2 years similarly 90% lipid peroxidases
were reduced.
Breast Cancer
Extracts of pomegranate have anti
estrogenic properties. It can delay the onset of breast cancer by blocking
aromatase enzymes and cancer cell differentiation. Hormone levels in serum are
well controlled by pomegranate extracts. Few studies have shown plausible
effect of endocrinal breast cancer therapy in postmenopausal women where a non-
significant response to estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 breast tumors were
seen. Anticancer properties were tested at rate of 300ug/ml along with
tamoxifen. Cancer cell proliferation inhibits to a great amount.
Anti-artherogenic
effect
Seeds of pomegranate are rich in oil.
This oil consists of Punicic acid approximately 95% which exerts its functions
as an active component both in vivo and vitro studies. Process of apoptosis is
induces by this oil and prevents from metastasis. Anti-atherogenic effect of
Punicic acid present in seed oil of pomegranate was tested in laboratory for
investigation. In the trial 51 subjects were treated with 800mg of seed oil two
times a day for 4 weeks. Results have shown significant decrease in HDL level
approximately 2.75mmol/L whereas glucose metabolism remains constant.
Triglycerides concentration reduces to 5.7mmol/L and serum cholesterol has no
effect. Punicic acid therefore has the ability to prevent arteries from
dangerous accumulation of bad cholesterol and ultimately stroke.
Hypercholesterolaemia
A recent study shows that peel of
pomegranate has prebiotic potential for lowering down the fat content of the
body. It reduces the cholesterol of high fat diet over a period of 4 weeks and
gut microbiota supports its action. Polyphenols present in pomegranate has the
ability to prevent atherosclerosis and macrophage formation. This can be done
by either direct combination of polyphenols with lipoproteins of the body or by
indirect means through accumulation in arterial microphages. This in return
blocks the synthesis of oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and lipid rich
microphages. It also results in hydrolysis of lipids in atherosclerotic
lesions. These polyphenols result in prevention of oxidation and heart attack
in vitro as well as in vivo models.
Antiviral
Pomegranate has same effect in
fighting viruses as do vitamin C and E has. Infections can be minimized by
drinking juice regularly so that efficiency of immune system can be enhanced.
Antiviral properties are attributed to RNA replication of influenza virus by
pomegranate polyphenol extract. Punicalagin compounds at 40ug/ ml present in it
has inhibitory effect on RNA replication of virus. Similarly phenolics of peel
deactivate intracellular viral replication.
Skin Health
Pomegranates have vitamin C in it
which is excellent antioxidant for skin health. It delays the process of aging
and wrinkles. It has been said that if we mix powder of pomegranate peel with
lemon juice and small amount of honey and apply it on face for sometimes it can
remove dark circles around eyes and can treat pigmentation. Studies have shown
ellagitannins at 500-10,000mg concentration inhibits free radical generation
and protects it from DNA fragmentation, skin burns and depigmentation.
Tooth loss
Dental plaque and tooth loss can be
prevented by seeds of this fruit. It possesses anti-microbial functions which
can be helpful against oral bacteria. Health of gums can be improved by its
seeds. It has been demonstrated by performing a study regarding the ability of
peel or pulp of pomegranate richness in antioxidants. Ferric reducing
antioxidant power assay ranked pomegranate as the richest fruit containing
antioxidant potential among 28 fruits. Antioxidants were separated by the
combined mixture of water, acetone and methanol. Different compounds like
phenolic substances and anthocyanins were also evaluated by this study. Results
shows that in preventing the formation of hydroxyl, superoxide anions and CuSO4
low density lipoproteins induction peel extract has greatest potential as
compare to pulp extract. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds were also high in
peel extract that were beneficial against oxidation and atherosclerosis and can
be used as a natural supplement.
Weight Loss
Pomegranates are rich in fiber
content that can bind extra fat and cholesterol from the body and facilitates
its excretion and thus can prevent obesity in return. Leaves of this fruit
induce fat and weight loss up to a significant level. In this study water,
ethyl acetate and methanol were used to separate antioxidant fractions from
seeds and peel of pomegranate. Diphenyl Hydrazyl and B-carotene linoleate
models were utilized for this extraction. At 100ppm by using these two model’s
methanol extract for seeds show 22.6 percent and 23.2 percent antioxidant
potential. Similarly, for peel these models at 50ppm show 83 and 81 percent
results for methanol solution. As peel extracts show highest antioxidant
potential so it was used for testing its effects on low density lipoproteins
level, peroxidation of lipids as well as on hydroxyl radicals in humans. For
testing this method of thiobarbituric acid was used at 100ppm. This shows
inhibition of these dangerous mechanisms up to 56, 58 and 93.7 percent
respectively. So, this shows strong evidence of antioxidants potential in peel
and seeds of pomegranate.
Immune System
Various health conditions related to
throat and respiration can be resolved by pomegranates. As this fruit is rich
in iron content it ensures normal platelet count of the body by which a person
feels less fatigue symptoms. These fruits are often recommended for liver
prevention. Pomegranate juice helps in the reduction of platelet aggregation
and oxidative stress in mice and humans. In laboratory two human studies were
carried out. In the first part 13 people having age between 20 to 35 years
taking no medications and who were non-smokers were given daily 50ml of juice
for 2 weeks while in the second part increased doses were given up to 80ml for
10 weeks to 3 subjects. Body mass index of all subjects remains same during the
study. Blood samples of twelve hour fast were taken before study and after
juice supplementation after 2 weeks. Results on lipoproteins and lipid levels
were: Pomegranate juice inhibits aggregation and oxidation of atherosclerotic
lesion and attenuate platelet activation (Table 3).
Myocardial
perfusion
This study involves both the placebo
and treatment groups at same time. Treatment group of 23 patients were given
240ml of juice while placebo group of 16 subjects was served with same caloric
dose of sports drink. Patients in both groups were suffering from stress
induced ischemia. After 3 months it was shown that angina attack and stress
induced ischemia in treatment groups were reduced to 50 percent and (4.5±3.1 to
3.7±3.7) ratio while in placebo group it was increased up to 38 percent and
(5.9±4.3 to 7.1±5.5). Therefore, myocardial perfusion in these patients was
improved by consuming pomegranate juice.
Anti-diabetic
Effect
By various studies it has been
confirmed that by giving 200mg of peel extract according to weight per kg of
the body polyphenols present in it affects glycemic index of the body by either
inhibiting the uptake of glucose to peripheral tissues or by blocking its
absorption by the gut. Similarly seed extract of this fruit when given to
diabetes induced rats at an amount of 300 to 600mg for 12 hours reduces blood
glucose level up to 47 and 52 percent.
Pregnancy
Outcomes
As we have studied many times that
pomegranate are rich in antioxidants so they protect placenta from oxygen
reactive species. They also contain little amount of folate that helps fight
against birth defects. It can help in the purification of blood and can enhance
milk production. Acidity of urine reduces by the intake of pomegranate juice
and improves health of urinary bladder by preventing harmful bacteria from
entering into the urinary tract. This prevents inflammation and enhances
immunity of the body.
Conclusion
Pomegranate is been studied from
centuries and shows various outstanding therapeutic benefits both in vitro and
in vivo trials. It has been regarded best as compare to green tea due to its
antioxidant potential. All parts of this fruit have been utilized in food
industry for prevention and treatment of various diseases. It shows no toxic
effects to liver and other organs even if taken1420mg of tablet of pomegranate
extract and can be used as natural supplement. However, it is the need of the
time to promote its cultivation by traditional and non- traditional means in
order to gain benefits of this fruit as well as to compete in global market for
its export. In addition to this more studies and experiments are needed to
evaluate effects of pomegranate in treating diarrheal diseases and in
preventing fungal proliferation. Potential of this fruit in overcoming
infections can bring tremendous progress in nutritional and therapeutic industries
For more Lupine Publishers Open Access Journals Please visit our website: https://twitter.com/lupine_online
For more Food And Nutrition Please Click
Here: https://lupinepublishers.com/food-and-nutri-journal/
To Know more Open Access Publishers Click on Lupine Publishers
Follow on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/lupinepublishers
Follow on Twitter : https://twitter.com/lupine_online
No comments:
Post a Comment