Punica granatum: Cultivation and Medicinal Importances

By : Ritesh Kaur, C P Malik

Page No: 149-160

Abstract
Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate (Pg), is a member of the monogeneric family, lythraceae, and mainly found in Iran which is considered to be its primary centre of origin. Pg and its chemical components possess various toxicological and pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory (by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines), anti-cancer and anti[1]angiogenesis activities. They also show inhibitory effects on invasion/motility, cell cycle, apoptosis, and vital enzyms such as cyclooxygenase (COX), lipooxygenase (LOX), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), carbonic anhydrase (CA), 17beta[1]hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17b-HSDs) and serine protease (SP). In addition, they can stimulate cell differentiation and possess anti-mutagenic effects. However, the exact mechanisms for its pharmacological and toxicological properties remain to be uncertain and need further evaluation. These properties strongly suggest a wide range use of Pg for clinical applications. This review will discuss the areas for which Pg has shown therapeutic properties in different mechanisms.

Authors :
Ritesh Kaur : Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Asian Educational Institute, Patiala
C.P. Malik : Academic Advisor, Jaipur National University, Jaipur