Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE: PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL USES OF SOCOTRAN POMEGRANATE (POMEGRANATE)

Tushar P. Dukre*, Sagar S. Sangale and Akash K. Shelke

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Abstract

Socotran or Punica protopunica, commonly known as the pomegranate tree or Socotran pomegranate, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lythraceae. It is endemic to the island of Socotra (Yemen). Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. Pomegranate, Punica granatum provides a number of health advantages. Various disease risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, oxidative, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory activity, can be prevented or treated using pomegranates. It has been established that some pomegranate constituents, such polyphenols, may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. Pomegranate juice has greater antioxidant potential than red wine and green tea, which are produced by hydrolysable tannins and hydrosable tannins. Pomegranate juice helps lessen lipid peroxidation, free radicals, and macrophage oxidative stress. Pomegranate fruit extract also inhibits cell division and triggers apoptosis, which may contribute to its anticarcinogenic benefits. Additionally, ellagitannins prevent the promoter suppression of several inflammatory indicators and their production.

Keywords: Punica granatum, Botanical survey, Pharmacological and medicinal uses.