Pomegranate

Pomegranate, an antioxidant, is used to treat or prevent high blood pressure as well as treat high cholesterol. Can interact with other over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Pomegranate Overview

Reviewed: July 22, 2014
Updated: 

Pomegranate is a fruit that grows on a tree. The whole fruit, peel, and seeds are used for medicinal purposes. 

Pomegranate is used most often for to treat or prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate cancer, and various other uses.

Pomegranate is thought to work by antioxidant activity.

Pomegranate is used most often to treat or prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate cancer, and various other uses. Pomegranate extract and seed oil is also used in skin care products.

Pomegranate has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Pomegranate may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Pomegranate

The side effects of pomegranate extract supplements are unknown. Consumption of the fresh fruit and juice of pomegranates is generally considered safe. 

This is not a complete list of pomegranate side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Pomegranate Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • Tolbutamide
  • Carbamazepine 
  • Warfarin 

This is not a complete list of pomegranate drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Pomegranate Precautions

Special precautions & warnings:

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using pomegranate extract supplements if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.