This herb was used in ancient Egypt for inflammation of the skin, mucosa, and joints. Punica granatum may contain a more potent antioxidant mixture than grapeseed, Pycnogenol, blueberry, cranberry red wine, or green tea. The major constituents are tannins (25-28%), including punicalagin, polyphenols such as ellagic acid, ascorbic acid, niacin, potassium, piperidine alkaloids and phytoestrogens. Pomegranate functions as an astringent that also inhibits NF-kappa B. It has documented antimicrobial activity for gram-negative bacteria, saccharomyces fungus, parasites, and viruses (22). Topical and oral administration of this herb induced photoprotection to UVB in a human clinical trial (50).
Topically applied, pomegranate can induce contact urticaria/angiodema and conjuctivitis. It is administered as a decoction (3,22).