Punica Granatum: A Natural Reservoir of Anti-Inflammatory Phytoconstituents

Abstract

Inflammation is a central pathological process underlying several acute and chronic diseases, ranging from arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Conventional anti-inflammatory therapies, though effective, are often limited by adverse effects and incomplete disease resolution, prompting the search for safer and multi-targeted alternatives. Punica granatum (pomegranate), a fruit-bearing shrub widely cultivated across Asia and the Mediterranean, has attracted substantial attention as a functional food and phytopharmaceutical resource. Rich in ellagitannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other phenolic constituents, pomegranate exhibits broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in cell-based assays, animal models, and human clinical studies. The mechanisms of action are diverse and include suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, downregulation of COX-2 and iNOS, and enhancement of antioxidant defense via the Nrf2 pathway. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemistry, mechanistic pathways, preclinical studies, and clinical trials investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of P. granatum. Applications in nutraceuticals, formulation challenges, and prospects for drug discovery are also highlighted.