Pomegranate
History and Origin
The pomegranate is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and has been grown and eaten throughout the Mediterranean region since ancient times. The Pomegranate tree was introduced into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. In the U.S. it is grown for its' fruits mainly in the drier parts of California and Arizona.1 It has documented antimicrobial activity for gram-negative bacteria, Saccharomyces fungus, parasites, and viruses.3
Components and Activities
Pomegranate extract is primarily composed of alkaloids and polyphenols. The active constituent is Ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in several fruits and nuts. Pomegranate extract has demonstrated a variety of beneficial functions including antioxidant and anti-viral activity.2
A Japanese study found that ellagic acid potently suppresses lipid peroxidation in the skin.1 An Israeli research team noted that pomegranate’s antioxidant activity was similar to that of green tea and much greater than that of red wine.3 The researchers also found that pomegranate demonstrates robust anti-irritant effects.3
Potential Skincare Applications
Pomegranate functions as an astringent that also inhibits NF-kB.1 Topical application of this herb induced photoprotection to UVB in a human clinical trial.4
References
- Baumann, LS. Cosmeceutical Critique: Pomegranate.Skin & Allergy News 2004;35:1
- Ashoori F, Suzuki S, Zhou JH, Isshiki N, Miyachi Y. Involvement of lipid peroxidation in necrosis of skin flaps and its suppression by ellagic acid. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1994 Dec; 94(7):1027-37.
- De M, Krishna De A, Banerjee AB. Antimicrobial screening of some Indian spices. Phytother Res 1999;13:616–8.
- Murad H, Shellow VRW. Pomegranate extract both orally ingested and topically applied to augment the SPF of sunscreens. Cosmet Dermatol 2001;14(10):43–5.
- Schubert SY, Lansky EP, Neeman I. Antioxidant and eicosanoid enzyme inhibition properties of pomegranate seed oil and fermented juice flavonoids. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Jul; 66(1):11-7.
