Overview

Pomegranate is a tree. Various parts of the tree and fruit are used to make medicine.

People use pomegranate for high blood pressure, athletic performance, heart disease, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Pomegranate has been used for thousands of years. It is in Greek, Hebrew, Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian mythology and writings. It is described in records dating from around 1500 BCE as a treatment for tapeworm and other parasites.

Many cultures use pomegranate as a folk medicine. Pomegranate is native to Iran. It is primarily cultivated in Mediterranean counties, parts of the United States, Afghanistan, Russia, India, China, and Japan. You'll see pomegranate in some royal and medical coats of arms.

How does it work ?

Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these effects when people drink the juice.

Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these effects when people drink the juice.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • High blood pressure. Some research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by about 5 mmHg. Lower doses might work the same as higher doses. Pomegranate juice doesn't seem to reduce diastolic pressure (the lower number).

Possibly Ineffective for

  • A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to improve symptoms or breathing in people with this condition.
  • High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking pomegranate doesn't seem to lower cholesterol in people with or without high cholesterol.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might help to keep the arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) clear of the build-up of fatty deposits.
  • Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract might make cycling feel easier. It might also increase how long cycling can be done. But doesn't improve cycling time in competitive athletes.
  • Heart disease. Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might improve blood flow to the heart. But drinking pomegranate juice doesn't seem to prevent narrowing of blood vessels in the heart (stenosis). There is also not enough information to know if drinking pomegranate juice helps prevent heart disease-related events such as heart attack.
  • Tooth plaque. Early research shows that rinsing with pomegranate extract mouthwash for one minute once or twice daily reduces dental plaque.
  • Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking fresh pomegranate juice 1.5 mL/kg improves blood sugar in some people with diabetes.
  • Serious kidney disease (end-stage renal disease or ESRD). The effects of pomegranate in people with ESRD are unclear. Results from research are inconsistent. Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice during or after dialysis helps to reduce blood pressure and to improve "good" (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. But other early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice before dialysis sessions or taking pomegranate extract for only 4 weeks doesn't improve blood pressure or cholesterol in people on dialysis.
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED). Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for 4 weeks does not improve erectile dysfunction in men.
  • Muscle soreness caused by exercise. Early research in trained men shows that drinking pomegranate juice twice daily for 15 days reduces muscle soreness after exercising in the elbow but not the knee. But other research in untrained men shows that drinking pomegranate juice twice daily for 9 days doesn't reduce muscle soreness in the elbow.
  • Symptoms of menopause. Early research shows that taking pomegranate seed oil for 12 weeks does not reduce hot flashes but might improve sleep in some women with symptoms of menopause.
  • A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for one month improves blood vessel function in adolescents with metabolic syndrome.
  • Muscle strength. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract can improve muscle strength recovery after exercise.
  • Obesity. Most research shows that taking pomegranate products doesn't help with weight loss. But many studies of these studies included people who were not overweight or obese. And some research does show benefit of certain pomegranate products. More research is needed to know if some products are better than others in people who are overweight or obese.
  • Thrush. Applying a gel containing pomegranate extract to the gums improves symptoms in people with thrush.
  • A serious gum infection (periodontitis). There is some evidence that painting the gums with pomegranate fruit peel extract in combination with gotu kola extract might improve gum disease.
  • Prostate cancer. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice or taking pomegranate extract for up to 2 years might slow the progression of prostate cancer. Other early research shows that taking a combination of pomegranate powder and other ingredients for 6 months can slows the rising of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels are linked with prostate cancer growth, with faster increases indicating more growth.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract twice daily for 12 weeks can improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Sunburn. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract by mouth does not prevent sunburn.
  • A sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis). Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract might clear up trichomoniasis infections in women.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hemorrhoids.
  • Intestinal worm infestations.
  • A hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS).
  • Sore throat.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate pomegranate for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pomegranate juice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience side effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit. Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

The root, stem, or peel of pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. The root, stem, and peel contain poisons.

When applied to the skin: Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pomegranate juice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience side effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit. Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

The root, stem, or peel of pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. The root, stem, and peel contain poisons.

When applied to the skin: Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pomegranate juice is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women. But there is not enough reliable information about the safety of using other forms of pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract. If you use pomegranate during pregnancy or breast-feeding, stick with the juice.

Low blood pressure: Drinking pomegranate juice can slightly lower blood pressure. Drinking pomegranate juice might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people who already have low blood pressure.

Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.

Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking pomegranate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications that are changed by the body might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the body.

    Some medications that are changed by the body include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), and others.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Drinking pomegranate juice and taking some medications that are broken down by the body might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before drinking pomegranate juice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the body.

    Some medications changed by the body include amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, others), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), midazolam (Versed), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), and many others.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate juice along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

    Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Pomegranate can lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

    Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is broken down by the body in the liver. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down rosuvastatin (Crestor). This might increase the effects and side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor).

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down carbamazepine (Tegretol). This might increase the effects and side effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol).

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Warfarin (Coumadin) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down warfarin (Coumadin). This might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin (Coumadin).

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications that are changed by the body might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the body.

    Some medications that are changed by the body include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and S-warfarin (Coumadin).

  • Tolbutamide (Orinase) interacts with POMEGRANATE

    Tolbutamide (Orinase) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down tolbutamide (Orinase). This might increase the effects and side effects of tolbutamide (Orinase).

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:
  • For high blood pressure: 43-330 mL of pomegranate juice has been used daily for up to 18 months.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.