The Pomegranate (Punica granatum): An Exhaustive Monograph on Ethnobotany, Nutritional Biochemistry, and Therapeutic Applications
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) represents a convergence of ancient agricultural history and cutting-edge nutritional science. For millennia, this fruit has served as a potent symbol of fertility, abundance, and resilience across diverse civilisations, from the arid plateaus of Iran to the Mediterranean basin. In the contemporary era, the pomegranate has transcended its mythological status to become a subject of rigorous clinical investigation. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the fruit’s botanical characteristics, its complex phytochemical profile—dominated by unique hydrolyzable tannins and conjugated fatty acids—and its multifaceted role in the management of chronic human diseases. Through an examination of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and oncological pathways, we elucidate the mechanisms by which this “seeded apple” acts as a functional food. Furthermore, we explore the practicalities of its consumption, culinary integration, and the critical safety considerations regarding pharmaceutical interactions.






