Several studies have been conducted on the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate. In addition to its anti-cancer activity, pomegranate also shows cardio-protective activity. It is able to inhibit oxidative stress and free radicals, which are key causes of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate oil inhibits aromatase, a protein that is responsible for conversion of estrone into estradiol. This action is believed to be important in fighting cancer.
In addition to demonstrating antioxidant and cardio-protective effects, pomegranate may protect fertility. The fruit contains ellagic acid, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is found in all parts of the pomegranate fruit. It has also been linked to anti-allergic and anti-tyrosinase activity.
Pomegranate has been used as a medicine since ancient times. Pomegranate is a high-fiber fruit that is low in calories. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The seeds are enclosed in a water-laden pulp that has a white inner flesh. Its juice is sweet, and it may smell like a tomato or peach.
In addition, the pomegranate may have immune-boosting properties. In one study, a pomegranate extract was found to improve memory and learning. In another, fMRI scans showed that participants had more activity in the brain during memory tests when they were exposed to pomegranate juice.
Similarly, a pomegranate emulsion reversed an increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase. Inhibiting nitric oxide production by the body helps to prevent the formation of plaque on arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. The emulsion was also found to inhibit hepatocellular carcinogenesis in rats.
Several pharmaceutical companies have developed capsules containing pomegranate extracts. These extracts are used to treat various conditions, including obesity and diabetes. In a rat study, pomegranate extract was found to reduce fasting blood glucose. Moreover, it has been found to reduce inflammation in the arteries, which is a key cause of heart attacks.
Currently, there are three major varieties of pomegranate: Wonderful, Mollar de Elche, and Ganesh. Each variety has unique bioactive properties. The phytochemical composition of each variety determines its bioactive capacity. In recent years, the variety with the highest level of bioactivity was the Wonderful. However, the range of bioactivity for all varieties may vary. This is because of the diversity of each type of fruit.
Although most studies have been performed on in vitro, some have been done on humans. Most studies did not specify the variety, but the range of bioactivity was found to be very wide. The most common commercial varieties were likely used in these studies.
The bioactive capacity of different varieties depends on the variety’s phytochemical composition and intensity of the studies. In general, the higher the concentration of a certain compound, the more active it is. The most abundant bioactive compounds are ellagic acid, urolithins, and PP. In addition, the synergistic effects of these compounds may be more beneficial than those of single constituents.
In recent years, more clinical studies have been performed on pomegranate. These include a study on antioxidant and cardio-protective effects, and a study on the antioxidant and chemo-preventive properties of emulsions made from PS oil and pomegranate extracts. These studies have shown that emulsions made from PS oil have strong chemo-preventive properties against hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
