Medicinal Plant Virtual Tour - POMEGRANATE

Punica granatum       |        Lythraceae       |       pomegranate

Medicinal Properties:

There is evidence that this plant has been used medicinally as far back as the times of the Egyption pharaohs. The rind of the fruit, the juice of the fruit, the bark, the seeds and the extract from the flower have been used for various purposes. Extracts have shown antibacterial properties that provide resistance to MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other bacteria. Other pomegranate extracts have shown potential for serving as an effective microbicide for HIV prevention.  It has been used as a chemopreventive treatment on skin tumors. These fruits are high in radical scavenging antioxidants. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce symptoms of chronic periodontitis. The male flowers’ aqueous ethanolic extract has been found to lower blood glucose. 

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Medicinal Plants page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)