Pomegranate
Punica granatum
B Limited clinical evidencePomegranate and its juice are linked to small blood pressure drops in studies; people on warfarin or statins should take care. Avoid eating peel in quantity.
PomegranateOn this page
At a glance
Pomegranate is a fruit whose arils and juice are eaten as food. Most studies used the juice: a meta-analysis of randomized trials linked regular pomegranate juice with small reductions in blood pressure. The root, stem and peel may not be safe in large amounts.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.
How do we rate evidence levels? →In a meta-analysis of eight randomized trials, regular pomegranate juice was associated with small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The NIH notes that more research is needed to confirm this effect. [3][1]
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Studies suggest pomegranate products may lower blood glucose to a small extent; no clear effect on cholesterol has been shown. [1]
How is it used?
Food
The arils are eaten as food or the juice is drunk. Most studies used pomegranate juice; the sources give no verified amount for supplements.
[1]Safety & interactions
- The root, stem and peel contain substances that may be harmful; do not eat or drink them in large amounts. There are no safety data for pomegranate peel tea.
- Allergic reactions to pomegranate have been reported; stop and see a doctor if itching, swelling or shortness of breath occur.
- If you take warfarin, talk to your doctor before starting or stopping regular pomegranate juice.
- Pomegranate juice may raise the risk of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) in people taking statins; see a doctor if muscle pain or dark urine occurs.
- Drinking pomegranate juice may be safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; little is known about other forms (extracts, peel) and other plant parts.
- Pomegranate juice is not a substitute for blood pressure medicine; do not change your treatment without your doctor.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | A case report suggests pomegranate juice may interact with warfarin; bleeding risk may increase. Ask your doctor about INR monitoring. [2] | Moderate |
| Statins (cholesterol medicines) | Pomegranate juice may increase the risk of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) in people taking statins. [2] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Digestive symptoms in some people; diarrhea at higher amounts
- Nausea, constipation and decreased appetite (mild to moderate, in a prostate study)
- Allergic reactions (rare)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Does pomegranate juice lower blood pressure?
A meta-analysis of randomized trials linked regular pomegranate juice with small reductions in blood pressure. The NIH says more research is needed to confirm this; it does not replace blood pressure medicine.
Is pomegranate peel tea safe?
There are no safety data for pomegranate peel tea. The NIH and MSKCC note that the root, stem and peel contain substances that may be harmful and should not be consumed in large amounts.
Can I eat pomegranate while pregnant?
According to the NIH, drinking pomegranate juice may be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little is known about other forms such as extracts or peel; ask your doctor before using supplements.
Does pomegranate juice interact with medicines?
A case report describes an interaction with warfarin, and it may raise the risk of muscle breakdown in people taking statins. Talk to your doctor if you use these medicines.
Does pomegranate lower blood sugar?
Studies suggest pomegranate products may lower blood glucose to a small extent. If you take diabetes medicine, monitor your blood sugar and talk to your doctor.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- PomegranateNIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) · 2025 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- PomegranateMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2022 · Reference bookSource accessed:
- Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPharmacological Research · 2017 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Pomegranate (Punica granatum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pomegranate/
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