Punica granatum
Pomegranate
Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its profound health benefits. Rich in potent antioxidants like punicalagins and anthocyanins, its seeds, juice, and peels offer powerful anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties, making it a vital staple in traditional and modern holistic medicine.
- Scientific name: Punica granatum
- Family: Lythraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Punica granatum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Myrtales and the family Lythraceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic hierarchy concludes within the genus Punica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Lythraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Punica | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by various names across different languages, is most widely recognized in English as pomegranate (en, en-ca, en-gb). In French, it is referred to as grenadier commun, while in Amharic, it is called ሩማን.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| en | pomegranate | Wikidata |
| fr | grenadier commun | Wikidata |
| en-ca | Pomegranate | Wikidata |
| en-gb | pomegranate | Wikidata |
| am | ሩማን | Wikidata |
| ar | رمان | Wikidata |
| az | Adi nar | Wikidata |
| be | Гранат | Wikidata |
| bg | нар | Wikidata |
| bn | বেদানা | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Punica granatum, exhibits a varied distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted in Sweden. Moving toward Middle Europe, it is found within the borders of Austria. The species also inhabits Switzerland, which is another key location in Middle Europe. Finally, in Southwestern Europe, its range extends to the Baleares and Corse.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, offers various therapeutic benefits through its different components. The nutrient-rich juice extracted from the fruit is widely celebrated for its high antioxidant content, while the edible seeds provide essential healthy fats and fiber. Beyond the pulp, the thick rind and the outer peel are frequently utilized in traditional medicine due to their potent astringent and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the leaves are often employed in herbal remedies for their ability to help manage inflammation and digestive issues.- Total parts
- 36
- Scientific sources
- 75
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| peel | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| leaves | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| juice | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| rind | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fruit peel | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seed oil | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Punica granatum has 139 reported phytochemicals identified across 322 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ellagic acid, punicalagin, flavonoids, gallic acid, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 139
- Scientific sources
- 322
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ellagic acid | 28 | ★★★★★ |
| punicalagin | 20 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 19 | ★★★★★ |
| gallic acid | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| tannins | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| polyphenols | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| anthocyanins | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| ellagitannins | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| punicalin | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| punicic acid | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
Activities
Punica granatum has 47 reported activities identified across 157 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 47
- Scientific sources
- 157
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 41 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 23 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antiviral | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Punica granatum has 216 reported medicinal uses identified across 368 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer, diarrhea, obesity.
- Total uses
- 216
- Scientific sources
- 368
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| cancer | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| diarrhea | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| obesity | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| hypertension | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |