Functional Foods · Fruit
Pomegranate
Punica granatum · also called Pomegranate, arils, granada (Spanish)
The pomegranate is a fruit packed with juicy seeds called arils. Pooled trials, mostly of the juice, found small drops in blood pressure and some blood sugar markers, but the results varied a lot and almost nothing has tested eating the arils themselves. A half cup of arils has about 72 calories and 3.5 g of fibre. The main cautions are a possible interaction between the juice and warfarin, allergy, and hepatitis A outbreaks linked to imported frozen arils.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Pomegranate
The pomegranate is a fibre-containing fruit eaten for its juicy arils. The research is mostly about juice, shows small changes in markers, and does not show it treats any disease. Its most important cautions concern warfarin, allergy and imported frozen arils.
What it is
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a small fruit-bearing tree that NCCIH says comes from the Middle East and is now grown in many parts of the world. The parts eaten are the arils, the juicy seed coverings, and the juice pressed from them.
Half a cup of arils (87 g) has about 72 calories, 3.5 g of fibre and 11.9 g of natural sugars, with smaller amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium. These per-portion figures are calculated from per-100 g values that come from a summary of the USDA FoodData Central record, which could not be re-opened when this page was written.
What the research shows
Pooled trials found lower blood pressure after pomegranate products, mostly juice. Systolic pressure fell about 5 mmHg in two juice reviews and 7.9 mmHg in a 2024 review of mixed forms. Results varied very widely between trials, and one review reports the benefit was lost after two months of juice.
A review of 32 trials found small falls in fasting glucose, insulin and HbA1c. A 2026 review of 17 juice trials found lower triglycerides and LDL and higher HDL, but NCCIH says no clear effects on blood fats have been shown across pomegranate products.
A systematic review of pomegranate and thinking skills found mostly animal studies and only four trials in people. None of these reviews tested eating the arils alone, and none followed heart attacks, strokes or diabetes complications.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Eaten as fresh arils or pressed into juice
- NCCIH notes traditional use for intestinal parasites, diarrhea and sore throat; that is not evidence that it works
Studied for research
- Blood pressure, in trials of juice and mixed forms, low certainty
- Blood sugar and insulin markers, small changes, low certainty
- Blood fats such as LDL and triglycerides, juice trials, mixed evidence
- Memory and thinking, mostly animal studies, insufficient evidence in people
Main compounds
- Polyphenols such as tannins and anthocyanins, in the juice
- Dietary fibre (about 4 g per 100 g of arils)
- Vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium in smaller amounts
Common forms
- Fresh arils (the form the nutrition figures describe)
- Pomegranate juice (has its own page and is not the same food)
- Frozen arils
- Extracts and peel (not covered here; NCCIH warns about peel, root and stem)
Research links: NCCIH: Pomegranate, usefulness and safety · Blood pressure and pomegranate, meta-analysis (Phytotherapy Research, 2024) · Warfarin and pomegranate juice, case report (Emergency Medicine Journal, 2010) · Hepatitis A and frozen pomegranate arils (Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2014) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Punica granatum
- Naming authority
- L. (GBIF accepted, usageKey 5420901)
- Common names
- Pomegranate (English)
- Family or group
- Lythraceae (GBIF).
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Myrtales > Lythraceae > Punica > Punica granatum
- Native range
- NCCIH: comes from the Middle East and is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia and the Southwestern United States.
- Habitat
- Not verified.
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: NCCIH calls it a small, fruit-bearing tree. The parts eaten or drunk are the seeds with their juicy coverings (arils) and the juice, as described in the existing summary; botanical detail was not verified from a source read.
- Cultivation
- NCCIH lists regions where it is grown; details not verified.
- Harvest and processing
- Eaten as fresh arils, pressed into juice, or sold as frozen arils (hepatitis A outbreaks involved frozen imported arils).
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional medicine, Middle East and elsewhere | NCCIH says pomegranate was used in traditional medicine for intestinal parasitic infections, diarrhea and sore throat, among other conditions, by mouth, on the skin and as a gargle or mouthwash. Traditional use is not evidence that it works. | NCCIH, read 2026-10-26 (s-nccih-pomegranate) |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols (tannins such as ellagitannins, punicalagin; anthocyanins and other flavonoids) | polyphenols | Juice (per a review abstract) Not given in the sources read | The juice review abstract says juice contains large amounts of these polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other activities in lab work. Not shown as the cause of any human effect. 9 | Lab and review |
| Dietary fibre (arils) | carbohydrate | Arils (with seeds) 4.0 g per 100 g (summary of USDA FDC 169134, not re-opened) | Provides fibre in the diet. Not tested here as a treatment. 17 | Composition data |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inhibition of liver and gut enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 | CYP3A4, CYP2C9 | A review reports pomegranate compounds inhibit these enzymes in lab and animal work; clinical studies were limited to a single dose of juice. 9 | Lab and animal |
| Antioxidant and other polyphenol effects | Often proposed as routes to possible blood pressure, sugar or brain effects. Not shown in the trials read. 9 10 | Lab only |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not researched.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Juice compounds inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 in lab and animal work (review).
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Nearly all human research is on pomegranate juice or mixed pomegranate products, so it does not show what eating the arils does. Juice is a separate food with its own page; NCCIH treats juice and extract together and says the peel, root and stem are a different matter. Extracts and peel are not assessed here.
Nutritional composition
Per 100 g of raw pomegranate arils (summary of USDA FoodData Central 169134, SR Legacy; the record could not be re-opened on 2026-10-26, so these figures are summary-only): 83 kcal, 13.7 g total sugars, 4.0 g fibre, 10.2 mg vitamin C, 16.4 micrograms vitamin K, 38 micrograms folate, 236 mg potassium, 0.16 mg copper, 0.12 mg manganese and 0.6 mg vitamin E. The summary gives a portion of 0.5 cup arils (87 g), which works out to about 72 kcal, 3.5 g fibre, 11.9 g sugars, 8.9 mg vitamin C, 14 micrograms vitamin K and 205 mg potassium. Per-portion figures are calculated from per-100 g values. Values vary with variety and ripeness. Whole arils keep their fibre; juice has less.
1 mixed findings2 low certainty1 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 4 benefits and uses checked for Pomegranate, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Blood pressure (pomegranate, mostly juice)Low certainty
- Blood sugar and insulin markers (pomegranate products)Low certainty
- Blood fats: LDL, triglycerides and HDL (pomegranate juice)Mixed findings
- Memory and thinkingNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Systolic blood pressureDiastolic blood pressureFasting blood glucoseHbA1cFasting insulin and HOMA-IRLDL cholesterolTriglyceridesHDL cholesterolTotal cholesterol
What is Pomegranate good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Nearly all of it is on pomegranate juice or mixed products, and it shows small changes in lab markers, not proof that pomegranate prevents or treats a disease.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Blood pressure (pomegranate, mostly juice)
Low certaintyPooled trials found blood pressure a few points lower after pomegranate products, most of them juice. Results varied a lot from trial to trial, and one review found the effect faded after about two months of juice. This is a small change in a marker, not proof that pomegranate treats high blood pressure.
3 studiesJuice in most trials; the 2024 review pooled several forms. No trial …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Three meta-analyses of randomised trials: 22 trials of pomegranate in different forms (2024), 8 placebo-controlled trials of juice (2017) and 14 trials of juice alone (2023, 573 people).
Results
Systolic pressure fell about 5 mmHg in the two juice-only reviews and about 8 mmHg in the 2024 review of mixed forms. Diastolic pressure fell about 2 to 3 mmHg. Heterogeneity was very high in the 2024 review.
Effect sizes as reported
2024 review: systolic -7.87 mmHg (95% CI -10.34 to -5.39), diastolic -3.23 mmHg. 2017 juice review: systolic -4.96 mmHg (-7.67 to -2.25), diastolic -2.01 mmHg. 2023 juice review: systolic -5.02 mmHg (-7.55 to -2.48). Heterogeneity 90% (2024).
Why this rating
The trials are small, differ in product and population, and heterogeneity is very high. Most used juice, not the whole fruit. The 2023 review reports the benefit was lost after two months.
Form and dose studied
Juice in most trials; the 2024 review pooled several forms. No trial in these reviews tested eating the whole fruit or arils alone.
Who was studied
Adults, including people with higher starting blood pressure (bigger falls above 130 mmHg systolic in the 2024 review).
Limits
Marker only; no trial here followed heart attacks or strokes. Reviews were mostly by overlapping author groups.
Why researchers looked
Pomegranate juice is rich in polyphenols, and high blood pressure is a common problem, so it has been tested in trials.
Traditional use
NCCIH notes pomegranate was used in traditional medicine for intestinal parasites, diarrhea and sore throat. Traditional use is not evidence for the uses below.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols (plant compounds such as tannins). Whether they explain any blood pressure effect is not shown in the trials read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Pomegranate juice may interact with some medicines, see the Safety tab. Not a replacement for blood pressure medicine.
Blood sugar and insulin markers (pomegranate products)
Low certaintyIn 32 pooled trials, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, HbA1c and an insulin-resistance score were all slightly lower after pomegranate products. The changes were small, and NCCIH describes the sugar-lowering effect as small. It does not show pomegranate treats diabetes.
1 studiesForms not itemised in the abstract.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2024 meta-analysis of 32 randomised trials in adults (PROSPERO-registered). NCCIH (April 2025) says studies show glucose may fall to a small extent.
Results
Small average falls in all four markers. The abstract does not itemise which pomegranate forms were used.
Effect sizes as reported
Fasting glucose -2.22 mg/dL (95% CI -3.95 to -0.50); fasting insulin -1.06 microunits/mL (-1.79 to -0.33); HbA1c -0.22 percentage points (-0.43 to -0.01); HOMA-IR -0.30 (-0.61 to -0.00).
Why this rating
The changes are small and two of the intervals nearly touch zero. Forms and doses were mixed and not listed in the abstract. The authors call for long-term trials.
Form and dose studied
Forms not itemised in the abstract.
Who was studied
Adults in randomised trials.
Limits
Markers only. Not a test of whole pomegranate fruit. Do not change prescribed diabetes medicine because of these results.
Why researchers looked
Plant polyphenols have been proposed to affect how the body handles sugar, so trials have measured sugar markers.
Traditional use
NCCIH notes pomegranate was used in traditional medicine for intestinal parasites, diarrhea and sore throat. Traditional use is not evidence for the uses below.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established in the trials read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People with diabetes should ask their care team about juice, because pomegranate juice has natural sugars.
Blood fats: LDL, triglycerides and HDL (pomegranate juice)
Mixed findingsA 2026 review of 17 juice trials found lower triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and higher HDL ("good") cholesterol, but no change in total cholesterol. NCCIH, looking at pomegranate products more widely, says no clear effects have been shown. The two statements differ.
1 studiesJuice only in the 2026 review.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2026 meta-analysis of 17 randomised trials (663 adults) of pomegranate juice. NCCIH (April 2025) reviewed products more widely.
Results
Triglycerides and LDL slightly lower, HDL slightly higher, total cholesterol unchanged. Effects looked larger in people with metabolic disorders. Heterogeneity was high.
Effect sizes as reported
Triglycerides -8.2 mg/dL; LDL -4.8 mg/dL; HDL +2.8 mg/dL; total cholesterol no overall effect. Confidence intervals were not in the abstract.
Why this rating
The 2026 juice review reports small benefits, NCCIH says no clear effects across products, heterogeneity is high and the abstract gives no intervals.
Form and dose studied
Juice only in the 2026 review.
Who was studied
Adults in randomised trials, effects larger with metabolic disorders.
Limits
Markers only. Juice, not the whole fruit. Confidence intervals not seen.
Why researchers looked
Polyphenol-rich juice has been tested for effects on blood fats.
Traditional use
NCCIH notes pomegranate was used in traditional medicine for intestinal parasites, diarrhea and sore throat. Traditional use is not evidence for the uses below.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established in the trials read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific beyond the sugar and medicine cautions on the Safety tab.
Memory and thinking
Not enough evidenceA systematic review found 24 articles on pomegranate and thinking skills, but 20 were animal studies and only 4 were trials in people. The reviewers say all were positive, but the abstract gives no numbers, so this is too thin to say whether eating pomegranate helps human memory.
1 studiesNot given in the abstract.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2023 systematic review with no pooling: 20 animal studies and 4 randomised trials in people.
Results
The authors report that every included study linked pomegranate with better scores in some thinking domains. The abstract gives no sizes, forms or amounts.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Only four human trials, details unseen, no pooled result, and a mostly animal evidence base. The authors' conclusion is stronger than the evidence supports.
Form and dose studied
Not given in the abstract.
Who was studied
Animals and adults.
Limits
Abstract only. Risk-of-bias results were not in the abstract. Not shown to prevent dementia.
Why researchers looked
Polyphenols are studied for brain effects, mostly in animals.
Traditional use
NCCIH notes pomegranate was used in traditional medicine for intestinal parasites, diarrhea and sore throat. Traditional use is not evidence for the uses below.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Animal and lab work only; not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Connections to the rest of health
How Pomegranate connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure Support | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Blood pressure (pomegranate, mostly juice): Pooled trials found blood pressure a few points lower after pomegranate products, most of them juice. Results varied a lot from trial to trial, and one review found the effect faded after about two months of juice. This is a small change in a marker, not proof that pomegranate treats high blood pressure. | 1 12 6 |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Blood sugar and insulin markers (pomegranate products): In 32 pooled trials, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, HbA1c and an insulin-resistance score were all slightly lower after pomegranate products. The changes were small, and NCCIH describes the sugar-lowering effect as small. It does not show pomegranate treats diabetes. | 2 |
| Cholesterol Balance | Potential benefit | Mixed findings | Blood fats: LDL, triglycerides and HDL (pomegranate juice): A 2026 review of 17 juice trials found lower triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and higher HDL ("good") cholesterol, but no change in total cholesterol. NCCIH, looking at pomegranate products more widely, says no clear effects have been shown. The two statements differ. | 7 |
| Memory Support | Not enough evidence | Memory and thinking: A systematic review found 24 articles on pomegranate and thinking skills, but 20 were animal studies and only 4 were trials in people. The reviewers say all were positive, but the abstract gives no numbers, so this is too thin to say whether eating pomegranate helps human memory. | 10 | |
| Brain Health | Not enough evidence | Memory and thinking: A systematic review found 24 articles on pomegranate and thinking skills, but 20 were animal studies and only 4 were trials in people. The reviewers say all were positive, but the abstract gives no numbers, so this is too thin to say whether eating pomegranate helps human memory. | 10 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Blood pressure (pomegranate, mostly juice) Studied for: Blood fats: LDL, triglycerides and HDL (pomegranate juice) | 1 12 6 7 |
| Blood Sugar Support | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Blood sugar and insulin markers (pomegranate products) | 2 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Memory and thinking | 10 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food allergy | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Allergic reactions to pomegranate have been reported (NCCIH); lipid transfer proteins are implicated. Allergic reactions to pomegranate have been reported (NCCIH). Preparation or compound: Pomegranate fruit |
16 3 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systolic blood pressure | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 12 6 |
| Diastolic blood pressure | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 12 |
| Fasting blood glucose | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered slightly. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
| HbA1c | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered slightly. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
| Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered slightly. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
| LDL cholesterol | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: lowered slightly. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
| Triglycerides | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: lowered slightly. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
| HDL cholesterol | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: raised slightly. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
| Total cholesterol | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: no clear change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols (tannins such as ellagitannins, punicalagin; anthocyanins and other flavonoids) | Biological association | Lab and review | The juice review abstract says juice contains large amounts of these polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other activities in lab work. Not shown as the cause of any human effect. Preparation or compound: Juice (per a review abstract) |
9 |
| Dietary fibre (arils) | Biological association | Composition data | Provides fibre in the diet. Not tested here as a treatment. Preparation or compound: Arils (with seeds) |
17 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 2 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Pomegranate. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing pomegranate summary, then re-read PubMed abstracts, the NCCIH page and two FDA pages, and checked the plant name against GBIF. Only abstracts were read for studies. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps. This page is smaller than some others because little research exists on the whole fruit.
Study library: every study we checked 17
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahari 2024 The effects of pomegranate consumption on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res · PMID 38410857 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis of randomised trials |
Adults in 22 randomised trials | Pomegranate in different forms (the abstract mentions juice but does not list the forms) fruit products (forms not itemised in the abstract) Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Not given in the abstract |
Pooled systolic pressure fell 7.87 mmHg and diastolic 3.23 mmHg. People who started above 130 mmHg systolic had a bigger fall. Results differed a great deal between trials (I-squared about 90%), and the authors say better trials are needed. SBP WMD -7.87 mmHg; DBP WMD -3.23 mmHg (SBP -10.34 to -5.39; DBP -5.37 to -1.09) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure Limitations: Very high heterogeneity (SBP I2 90.0%, DBP I2 91.8%). Different pomegranate forms pooled. Not a test of eating the whole fruit. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Bahari 2024 The effects of pomegranate consumption on glycemic indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 38194826 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis of randomised trials (PROSPERO CRD42023422780) |
Adults in 32 randomised trials | Pomegranate consumption (forms not itemised in the abstract) fruit products (forms not itemised in the abstract) Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Not given in the abstract |
Pooled fasting glucose fell 2.22 mg/dL, fasting insulin 1.06 microunits/mL, HbA1c 0.22 percentage points and HOMA-IR 0.30. The authors say long-term trials are needed. FBG WMD -2.22 mg/dL; insulin WMD -1.06 uU/mL; HbA1c WMD -0.22%; HOMA-IR WMD -0.30 (FBG -3.95 to -0.50; HbA1c -0.43 to -0.01; HOMA-IR -0.61 to -0.00) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR Limitations: Small changes; HbA1c and HOMA-IR intervals nearly touch zero. Forms of pomegranate not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract |
| Bolla 2014 Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) expresses several nsLTP isoforms characterized by different immunoglobulin E-binding properties. Int Arch Allergy Immunol · PMID 24941918 · DOI |
Laboratory study using blood serum from allergic patients mixed |
Pomegranate protein extracts tested with serum from pomegranate-allergic patients | Pomegranate fruit proteins (non-specific lipid transfer proteins) fruit |
Pomegranate allergy is linked to sensitisation to lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs). Four nsLTPs were found that bound IgE from allergic patients to different degrees, with partial cross-reactivity with peach nsLTP (Pru p 3). Three isoforms were named Pun g 1.0101, 1.0201 and 1.0301. Qualitative (laboratory) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Which pomegranate proteins allergic patients react to Limitations: Laboratory work; says which proteins can trigger reactions, not how common allergy is. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Collier 2014 Outbreak of hepatitis A in the USA associated with frozen pomegranate arils imported from Turkey: an epidemiological case study. Lancet Infect Dis · PMID 25195178 · DOI |
Outbreak investigation |
165 patients in ten US states, 2013 | Frozen imported pomegranate arils in one retailer product arils (frozen, in a mixed product) |
Of 165 patients, 69 (42%) were admitted to hospital, two developed fulminant hepatitis and one needed a liver transplant; none died. 93% had eaten the same product, which contained imported frozen pomegranate arils from Turkey. No hepatitis A virus was detected in the product itself. The product was recalled and post-exposure vaccination was given. Descriptive outbreak study Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Source of a hepatitis A outbreak Limitations: Product tracing and patient interviews, not a trial. Virus was not found in the product tested. Funding and conflicts: Funded by US CDC, FDA and state health departments Read: abstract |
| Franklin 2019 Outbreak of hepatitis A genotype IB in Australia associated with imported frozen pomegranate arils. Epidemiol Infect · PMID 30869018 · DOI |
Outbreak investigation with case control study |
30 cases in Australia in the first half of 2018 | Imported frozen pomegranate arils (from Egypt) arils (frozen) |
Of 30 cases, 25 (83%) were hospitalised and one died. Imported frozen arils were strongly implicated (adjusted odds ratio 43.4), and hepatitis A virus was found by PCR in two samples of the product. Adjusted OR 43.4 (4.2-448.8) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Source of a hepatitis A outbreak Limitations: Wide confidence interval from a small case-control study. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Ghaemi 2023 Impact of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res · PMID 37461211 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis of clinical trials |
14 clinical trials, 573 people | Pomegranate juice alone juice Subgroups of 300 mL a day or less versus more Subgroup of two months or less versus longer · vs Not given in the abstract |
Pooled systolic pressure fell 5.02 mmHg. The fall was seen with juice taken for two months or less. The authors call it counterintuitive that more than 300 mL a day showed no systolic effect, and they report the benefit was lost after two months of juice. SBP MD -5.02 mmHg (-7.55 to -2.48) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure Limitations: Effect faded with longer use; unexplained. Juice only. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Ghaemi 2026 Pomegranate juice consumption and lipid profile: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Avicenna J Phytomed · PMID 42153011 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis of randomised trials |
17 randomised trials, 663 adults | Pomegranate juice juice Subgroups by dose were analysed (amounts not given in the abstract) Subgroups by duration were analysed · vs Not given in the abstract |
Juice went with lower triglycerides (8.2 mg/dL) and LDL (4.8 mg/dL) and higher HDL (2.8 mg/dL). No overall effect on total cholesterol. Heterogeneity was high, and effects looked larger in people with metabolic disorders. TG MD -8.2 mg/dL; LDL-C MD -4.8 mg/dL; HDL-C MD +2.8 mg/dL; TC no overall effect (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL Limitations: High heterogeneity. Juice only. Confidence intervals were not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract |
| Jarvis 2010 Possible interaction between pomegranate juice and warfarin. Emerg Med J · PMID 20029019 · DOI |
Case report |
One reported patient on warfarin | Pomegranate juice juice Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract |
The authors report a potential interaction between pomegranate juice and warfarin. They say the case does not definitively prove the link, and that lab studies show the juice inhibits liver enzymes involved in warfarin metabolism. Qualitative (case report) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Warfarin effect (anticoagulation) Limitations: Single case; cannot prove cause. Juice, not the whole fruit. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Mansoor 2023 Impact of Pomegranate Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4- and CYP2C9-Mediated Drugs Metabolism: A Preclinical and Clinical Review. Molecules · PMID 36903363 · DOI |
Narrative review of animal and human studies mixed |
Preclinical studies and clinical studies of pomegranate juice with drugs processed by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 | Pomegranate juice juice |
Observational reports said juice prolonged the effects of warfarin and sildenafil; theophylline showed no interaction. Pomegranate compounds block the liver and gut enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. In animals, prolonged juice raised levels of several drugs. Clinical studies were limited to a single dose of juice. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Drug levels and drug interactions Limitations: Animal-heavy; human data are single-dose. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared by the authors (one author is affiliated with Herbresearch Germany) Read: abstract |
| Molani-Gol 2023 Pomegranate and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review. Curr Pharm Des · PMID 37005403 · DOI |
Systematic review (animal and human studies, no pooling) mixed |
24 articles: 20 animal studies and 4 randomised trials in people | Pomegranate (forms and amounts not given in the abstract) Not given in the abstract Not given in the abstract · vs Not given in the abstract |
The reviewers say all included animal and human studies linked pomegranate with better scores in some thinking domains, and conclude it could improve cognition. Only 4 of 24 articles were trials in people, and the abstract gives no numbers. Qualitative; no pooled effect in the abstract (Not given) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cognitive function Limitations: Mostly animal evidence. Four human trials, details not in the abstract. Authors' conclusion is stronger than the evidence base supports; no risk-of-bias results are given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Funder not named in the abstract (PubMed lists it as non-US-government research support) Read: abstract |
| Norwood 2015 A Comprehensive Review of Potential Warfarin-Fruit Interactions. J Pharm Pract · PMID 25112306 · DOI |
Review of case reports and controlled trials |
23 citations: 15 case reports and 7 controlled trials of fruit products and warfarin | Fruit products with warfarin, including pomegranate juice juice and other fruit products |
Most cases involved cranberry. Pomegranate juice was one of several fruit products named in reports of suspected warfarin interactions. The authors say it is hard to judge their relevance because scientific evidence is scarce, and suggest asking about pomegranate juice when INR is unstable. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Warfarin interaction reports Limitations: Mostly case reports. Controlled trials covered cranberry and grapefruit, not pomegranate. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Sahebkar 2017 Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res · PMID 27888156 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials |
8 randomised placebo-controlled trials | Pomegranate juice juice Varied; subgroups above and below 240 mL a day were analysed Subgroups under and over 12 weeks · vs Placebo |
Pooled systolic pressure fell 4.96 mmHg and diastolic 2.01 mmHg after juice. The systolic result held up when single trials were left out. SBP WMD -4.96 mmHg; DBP WMD -2.01 mmHg (SBP -7.67 to -2.25; DBP -3.71 to -0.31) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure Limitations: Only 8 trials; juice, not the whole fruit. Older review (2017). Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| s-fda-grapefruit FDA: Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix (content current as of 07/01/2021) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-fda-produce-safely FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-punica-granatum GBIF Backbone: Punica granatum L. (usageKey 5420901) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nccih-pomegranate NCCIH (NIH): Pomegranate: Usefulness and Safety (last updated April 2025) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-169134 USDA FoodData Central: Pomegranates, raw (FDC 169134) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: summary-only |
What we do not know yet
- No trial in the reviews tested eating whole arils on their own; nearly all the human research is on juice or mixed forms.
- The 2024 blood pressure and blood sugar reviews do not list, in their abstracts, which forms were pooled.
- No trial followed heart attacks, strokes or diabetes complications.
- The USDA record could not be re-opened, so nutrition values are from our earlier summary and not re-checked.
- Interaction reports are about juice; whole arils have not been studied. LactMed, EFSA and CDC notices were not checked.
- Choking risk in young children, pesticides and metals, kidney and potassium advice, FODMAP and histamine were not researched.
- The four human trials in the memory review were not identified.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Metabolic 6
Fasting blood glucose
Lowered slightly in trials
Blood sugar after not eating for several hours.
Low certaintyHbA1c
Lowered slightly in trials
A blood test that reflects average blood sugar over about three months.
Low certaintyLDL cholesterol
Lowered slightly in trials
The so-called bad cholesterol carried in the blood.
Mixed findingsTriglycerides
Lowered slightly in trials
A type of fat in the blood.
Mixed findingsHDL cholesterol
Raised slightly in trials
The so-called good cholesterol.
Mixed findingsTotal cholesterol
No clear change in trials
All the cholesterol carried in the blood.
Mixed findingsOther 3
Systolic blood pressure
Lowered in trials
The top number: pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A main measure of blood pressure control.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically significant but variable and short term.
Safety implication
Not a replacement for blood pressure treatment.
Diastolic blood pressure
Lowered in trials
The bottom number: pressure in the arteries between beats.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A main measure of blood pressure control.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small average falls.
Safety implication
None specific.
Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR
Lowered slightly in trials
Insulin level after fasting, and a score estimating insulin resistance.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- If you take warfarin, ask your prescriber or pharmacist before drinking pomegranate juice regularly. A case report describes a possible interaction between pomegranate juice and warfarin, and the authors say it does not definitively prove the link. A review of warfarin and fruit lists pomegranate juice among fruits named in suspected interaction reports and says the scientific evidence is scarce. A review of juice and drug-processing enzymes notes observational reports of effects on warfarin and sildenafil. This is a possible, not a proven, interaction, and all of it is about juice. Eating the whole fruit or arils has not been studied for this. Case report 8 11 9
- Other medicines: juice may affect liver and gut enzymes (lab and animal evidence). A review reports that pomegranate compounds block the enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which help the body process many medicines. In animals, prolonged juice raised levels of several drugs. In people, clinical studies were limited to a single dose of juice, and theophylline showed no interaction. What this means for any one medicine is not settled. A pharmacist can check your list. Lab and animal 9
- Allergy to pomegranate is documented and can be serious. NCCIH says allergic reactions to pomegranate have been reported. Laboratory work with serum from allergic patients links pomegranate allergy to lipid transfer proteins, which also occur in peach, with partial cross-reactivity. If you react to peach or other fruit, ask an allergist. Swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing is an emergency. Authoritative guidance 16 3
- Imported frozen pomegranate arils have caused hepatitis A outbreaks. In 2013, 165 people in ten US states fell ill with hepatitis A linked to a product containing imported frozen pomegranate arils from Turkey. 69 were admitted to hospital, two developed fulminant hepatitis, one needed a liver transplant and none died. In 2018 in Australia, 30 cases were linked to imported frozen arils from Egypt, with 25 hospitalised and one death. These are rare events tied to specific frozen products, not to fresh fruit in general. Anyone who has eaten a recalled product should contact a doctor or the local health department. Outbreak investigation 4 5
- Do not use pomegranate root, stem or peel. NCCIH says pomegranate root, stem and peel may not be safe in large amounts because they contain substances that can have harmful effects. This page gives no preparation instructions for them. Authoritative guidance 16
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive symptoms NCCIH says pomegranate usually does not cause side effects, but some people have digestive tract symptoms. No frequency was given. | Not established | mild, usually Not stated in the source. | Authoritative guidance 16 |
| Allergic reaction Reported by NCCIH; no frequency in the sources read. | Not established | mild to severe Not stated in the sources read. | Authoritative guidance 16 3 |
| Hepatitis A infection from contaminated imported frozen arils Rare outbreaks of contamination, not an effect of the fruit itself. | Not established | serious Hospital care was needed in 42% (US) and 83% (Australia) of reported cases. | Outbreak investigation 4 5 |
Liver
No liver injury from eating pomegranate was found in the sources read. LiverTox was not checked. Hepatitis A (a liver infection) has been linked to contaminated imported frozen arils, see key safety. 4 5
How often. No frequency found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Pomegranate supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 5
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other blood thinners prescription | Possibly through liver enzymes that process warfarin (lab studies cited by the case report). Not proven. | Case report plus review; evidence scarce. Juice only. | Case report Very low certainty 8 11 9 | Ask the prescriber or pharmacist before making pomegranate juice a regular drink. Tell the surgical team about regular juice if you take blood thinners. |
| Sildenafil prescription | Possibly liver and gut enzymes (CYP3A4). | A review notes observational reports that juice prolonged its effect; animal studies raised levels. | Review of observational and animal Very low certainty 9 | Ask a pharmacist. |
| Medicines processed by CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 prescription | Pomegranate compounds block these enzymes in lab and animal studies. | Human studies were limited to a single dose of juice. Not settled. | Lab and animal Not enough evidence 9 | A pharmacist can check your own medicines. |
| Theophylline prescription | The review says no interaction was shown. | Review Very low certainty 9 | Not a reason to stop checking with a pharmacist. | |
| Grapefruit-type interactions food-drug | The FDA grapefruit notice names grapefruit, Seville oranges, pomelos and tangelos; pomegranate is not named. | Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence 13 | Do not assume pomegranate is exactly like grapefruit; do not assume it is different. Ask a pharmacist. |
Who should check first 2
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Pomegranate flesh and juice are ordinary foods and NCCIH believes juice is safe. NCCIH says the root, stem and peel may not be safe in large amounts.
Animal. Not reviewed.
Human doses studied. Trials in the reviews used juice or other pomegranate products for weeks to months; the abstracts report no safety concerns, but safety was not their main question.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not reviewed.
Toxic or hazardous parts. Root, stem and peel (NCCIH). Details of the substances were not in the source read.
The main food-safety issue found is hepatitis A in imported frozen arils. Pesticide residues, heavy metals and bacteria on pomegranate were not researched.
Hepatitis A from frozen arils, USA 2013. 165 patients in ten states, 69 hospitalised, two fulminant hepatitis, one transplant, none died. Virus was not detected in the product itself; the vehicle was identified by tracing. 4
Hepatitis A from frozen arils, Australia 2018. 30 cases, 25 hospitalised, one death. Virus was found by PCR in two samples of the arils. The authors recommend a re-assessment of the risk of imported frozen fruit. 5
Washing produce. The FDA says to wash produce under running water, not with soap, detergent or produce wash, and notes washing reduces bacteria but will not eliminate them. Whether this protects against hepatitis A on frozen arils was not in the sources read. 14
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health) (United States) | Pomegranate: Usefulness and Safety. Juice is believed to be safe. Root, stem and peel may not be safe in large amounts. Allergic reactions have been reported. Juice in pregnancy or breastfeeding may be safe. source | April 2025 |
| FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Grapefruit notice: names grapefruit, Seville oranges, pomelos and tangelos; pomegranate not named source | Content current as of 07/01/2021 |
| FDA (United States) | Consumer advice on washing fresh produce source | 2026-10-26 (page read) |
When to get medical help
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing, wheezing or a tight throat
- Feeling faint, dizzy or collapsing after eating pomegranate
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools, or a sudden change in INR if you take warfarin and have had pomegranate juice
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe tiredness after eating frozen fruit (possible hepatitis A)
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is pomegranate good for?
Does pomegranate lower blood pressure?
Does pomegranate help with blood sugar or diabetes?
Does pomegranate lower cholesterol?
Is pomegranate good for memory?
Not shown. A systematic review found 24 articles, 20 of them in animals and only 4 trials in people, with no numbers in its abstract.
How many calories and how much fibre are in pomegranate?
A summary of USDA data lists raw arils at about 83 calories and 4 g of fibre per 100 g. A half cup (87 g) works out to about 72 calories and 3.5 g of fibre. These values could not be re-checked against the USDA record.
Can I drink pomegranate juice with warfarin?
Does pomegranate affect other medicines?
A review reports that pomegranate compounds block the liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 in lab and animal work, and human studies were limited to a single dose of juice. A pharmacist can check your own medicines.
Is pomegranate safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
NCCIH says drinking pomegranate juice during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be safe, and little is known about other forms or parts of the plant. We did not check other official bodies.
Can pomegranate cause an allergic reaction?
Can frozen pomegranate arils make you ill?
Are the peel, root and stem safe to use?
NCCIH says pomegranate root, stem and peel may not be safe in large amounts. This page gives no preparation instructions for them.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing pomegranate summary, then re-read PubMed abstracts, the NCCIH page and two FDA pages, and checked the plant name against GBIF. Only abstracts were read for studies. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps. This page is smaller than some others because little research exists on the whole fruit.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 17
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Bahari H, Omidian K, Goudarzi K, et al.. The effects of pomegranate consumption on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytother Res. 2024. PMID 38410857. DOI 10.1002/ptr.8170. (abstract)
- Bahari H, Ashtary-Larky D, Goudarzi K, et al.. The effects of pomegranate consumption on glycemic indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2024. PMID 38194826. DOI 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.102940. (abstract)
- Bolla M, Zenoni S, Scheurer S, et al.. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) expresses several nsLTP isoforms characterized by different immunoglobulin E-binding properties.. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2014. PMID 24941918. DOI 10.1159/000362761. (abstract)
- Collier MG, Khudyakov YE, Selvage D, et al.. Outbreak of hepatitis A in the USA associated with frozen pomegranate arils imported from Turkey: an epidemiological case study.. Lancet Infect Dis. 2014. PMID 25195178. DOI 10.1016/S1473-3099(14)70883-7. (abstract)
- Franklin N, Camphor H, Wright R, et al.. Outbreak of hepatitis A genotype IB in Australia associated with imported frozen pomegranate arils.. Epidemiol Infect. 2019. PMID 30869018. DOI 10.1017/S0950268818003515. (abstract)
- Ghaemi F, Emadzadeh M, Atkin SL, et al.. Impact of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytother Res. 2023. PMID 37461211. DOI 10.1002/ptr.7952. (abstract)
- Ghaemi F, Emadzadeh M, Almahmeed W, et al.. Pomegranate juice consumption and lipid profile: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2026. PMID 42153011. DOI 10.22038/ajp.2025.26398. (abstract)
- Jarvis S, Li C, Bogle RG. Possible interaction between pomegranate juice and warfarin.. Emerg Med J. 2010. PMID 20029019. DOI 10.1136/emj.2007.055855. (abstract)
- Mansoor K, Bardees R, Alkhawaja B, et al.. Impact of Pomegranate Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4- and CYP2C9-Mediated Drugs Metabolism: A Preclinical and Clinical Review.. Molecules. 2023. PMID 36903363. DOI 10.3390/molecules28052117. (abstract)
- Molani-Gol R, Foroumandi E, Alizadeh M, Kheirouri S. Pomegranate and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review.. Curr Pharm Des. 2023. PMID 37005403. DOI 10.2174/1381612829666230330163645. (abstract)
- Norwood DA, Parke CK, Rappa LR. A Comprehensive Review of Potential Warfarin-Fruit Interactions.. J Pharm Pract. 2015. PMID 25112306. DOI 10.1177/0897190014544823. (abstract)
- Sahebkar A, Ferri C, Giorgini P, et al.. Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Pharmacol Res. 2017. PMID 27888156. DOI 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.018. (abstract)
- . FDA: Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix (content current as of 07/01/2021). . . (full-text)
- . FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely. . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Punica granatum L. (usageKey 5420901). . . (full-text)
- . NCCIH (NIH): Pomegranate: Usefulness and Safety (last updated April 2025). . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Pomegranates, raw (FDC 169134). . . (summary-only)
