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Pomegranate

Pomegranate as a functional food: meta-analyses of blood pressure, the mostly animal evidence on cognition, and cautions.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

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Overview

Pomegranate arils and juice are rich in polyphenols such as ellagitannins. Studies often use juice, which has sugar and no fiber.

What the research shows

  • A 2024 meta-analysis of 22 randomized trials found pomegranate consumption lowered systolic blood pressure by 7.87 mmHg (95% CI -10.34 to -5.39) and diastolic by 3.23 mmHg; people with a baseline systolic pressure over 130 mmHg had larger reductions, and heterogeneity was high. [1]
  • Two earlier meta-analyses focused on pomegranate juice and blood pressure. [2][3]
  • For cognition, a systematic review included 24 articles, 20 of them animal studies and only 4 randomized trials. [4] Proper evidence in people is thin.

Not shown: that pomegranate treats high blood pressure. Do not stop a prescribed medicine.

Safety and individual considerations

  • Pomegranate juice can add sugar; check the label. [5]
  • If you take blood pressure medicine, a pharmacist can check the combination; we did not find a source we could read on specific drug interactions, so we make no claim.

Related

Blueberries · Beetroot

Frequently asked questions

Does pomegranate juice lower blood pressure?

Meta-analyses of trials report lower blood pressure, but with high heterogeneity. [1]

References

  1. Bahari H et al. The effects of pomegranate consumption on blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2024. PMID 38410857.
  2. Sahebkar A et al. Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res 2017. PMID 27888156.
  3. Ghaemi F et al. Impact of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2023. PMID 37461211.
  4. Molani-Gol R et al. Pomegranate and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review. Curr Pharm Des 2023. PMID 37005403.
  5. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. Check the site for the current edition.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.