Therapeutic efficacy of Punica granatum peel in the prevention of hypertension

Abstract

Pomegranate is scientifically known as Punica granatum, extensively cultivated in India that generates million tons of fruit waste mainly peel and pomace annually. Pomegranate peel is a rich source of bioactive compounds as compared to other part of the fruit. Major bioactive compounds present in the peel are ellagic acid, gallic acid, punicalagin, tannins, flavonoids etc. that have the potential to provide many therapeutic applications such as antihypertensive, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties and many more. Hypertension is connected with many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, anti-inflammatory, end stage renal disease, cerebrovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Finding from several studies exhibits that the presence of bioactive 
compounds in the pomegranate peel acts as antioxidant which helps to reduce the risk of hypertension by inhibiting the activity of serum angiotensin converting enzyme which eventually decreased the systolic blood pressure. Pomegranate fruit as whole is also 
known as heart healthy fruit, due to its anti-hypertensive activity which ultimately improves the heart health. Overall this review explores the antihypertensive activity of P. granatum peel.