What Is Pomegranate Juice?

Pomegranate juice has become a popular drink, in large part due to much-trumpeted health claims. Pomegranates are the fruit of the Punica granatum tree. The fruit itself is bitter, so only the seeds are eaten. One pomegranate has nearly 30 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, about 40% of the daily recommendation.

Pomegranate has been studied for its effects on lowering inflammation, improving heart health, and more. Research supports some health claims but has also found some safety concerns.

This article reviews research on pomegranate juice's uses, benefits, side effects, and interactions.

Uses of Pomegranate Juice

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Much of the research on pomegranate and pomegranate juice is preliminary. Studied conditions included:

• Heart health
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Dental plaque
  

Heart Health

A review of research says pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure and improve high blood pressure (hypertension) risk factors.

A recent randomized controlled trial similarly demonstrated that eight-week pomegranate juice consumption showed beneficial effects on blood pressure.

Other research suggested pomegranate juice had an impact on the following heart health indications:

• Blood pressure
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad") cholesterol
• Triglyceride levels
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque build-up in the insides of your arteries)
• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease

It's important to note that most studies have not been done on humans, so it's challenging to say what benefits there are without further human studies. More research is needed to confirm pomegranate juice's benefits.

Inflammation

A review of studies suggests pomegranate may help fight chronic inflammation. It may have use in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  

A more recent meta-analysis and systematic review also revealed the potential of pomegranate products to fight inflammation.

However, more extensive and better-designed trials are needed.

Infection

Inflammation is part of the immune response to infection. Studies suggest pomegranate juice may help ward off infections. In one study, people undergoing dialysis had fewer hospitalizations for infections and fewer signs of inflammation. More research is needed to confirm these claims.

Dental Plaque

Limited evidence suggests pomegranate juice may help control dental plaque.

In a small study, 30 people used either a pomegranate dental rinse, an antiseptic dental rinse, or water. Researchers found the pomegranate solution performed just as well as the antiseptic solution. It had no adverse side effects.

It also appeared to inhibit the growth of germs that contribute to periodontitis (an inflammatory gum disease).

Other Uses

Research is ongoing into other health effects of pomegranate, including:

• Cancer prevention
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney disease

More research is needed to determine whether pomegranate is safe and effective for these conditions.

What Are the Side Effects of Pomegranate Juice?

Pomegranate juice consumed in moderate amounts is most likely safe for most people. But certain people should exercise caution.

It's possible to be allergic to pomegranate, which can cause:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction)

If you have oral allergy syndrome, you may be sensitive to pomegranate. This condition involves allergies to birch pollen and many fruits.

Some people have digestive side effects from pomegranate, such as diarrhea, which is the most common. Pomegranate root, stem, and peel contain substances that may be harmful in large amounts.

Pomegranate juice may also interact negatively with some medications.

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea is the most common side effect of pomegranate juice.

Severe Side Effects

Animal studies and human clinical trials have noted no severe side effects, including toxicity. However, pomegranate root, stem, and peel contain substances that may be harmful in large amounts.

Precautions

If you have oral allergy syndrome, you may be sensitive to pomegranate. This condition involves allergies to birch pollen and many fruits.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your healthcare provider if pomegranate juice is safe.

Dosage: How Much Pomegranate Juice Should I Take?

Pomegranate is available in many forms, including:

• Pills
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Softgels
• Granules
• Powder
• Liquid
• Paste

Labels often suggest a daily dose of eight ounces for adults. As a general rule, never take more than the recommended dose. Check with your child's pediatrician for suggestions on juice consumption for different age groups.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Pomegranate Juice?

Animal studies and human clinical trials have investigated the toxicity of pomegranate, and no adverse side effects have been noted. Pomegranate is safe at high doses in adults. However, this may be different for children.

Interactions

Some early evidence suggests combining pomegranate with statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) is dangerous. Statins include but are not limited to the following:

• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Mevacor (lovastatin)
• Zocor (simvastatin)

The combination of pomegranate and statins may cause rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle fibers and possibly kidney failure. This may be due to pomegranates blocking an enzyme in the intestines, allowing you to absorb more medication. Grapefruit juice is better known for this effect, and many medication labels warn against drinking it.

Pomegranate juice may interact with other medications, such as:

• Antiarrhythmics: Drugs for irregular heart rhythms, including Cordarone (amiodarone), Norpace (disopyramide), and quinidine
• Anticoagulants: Drugs that affect blood coagulation, like Jantoven (warfarin)
• Calcium channel blockers: Drugs that lower blood pressure, including Plendil (felodipine), Cardene (nicardipine), Procardia (nifedipine), Nimotop (nimodipine), and Sular (nisoldipine)
• Immunosuppressants: Drugs for autoimmune disease, including Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Neoral (cyclosporine), and Prograf (tacrolimus)
• Protease inhibitors: Anti-retroviral drugs, including Norvir (ritonavir)

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review any supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Pomegranate Juice

You'll find pomegranate juice at most grocery stores. It may be in the juice aisle or alongside whole fruit.

Organic juice may help you avoid harmful chemicals. Check the label to see if other juices or sweeteners are added.

Consider whether you want pasteurized juice. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria, but it may also kill other compounds in the juice.

Some people choose to make their own fresh pomegranate juice. To do this, liquify pomegranate seeds in a blender. Then strain the juice to remove any unwanted roughage.

Similar Supplements

Grapefruit juice may have similar properties as pomegranate juice.

Grapefruit has been found to have antimicrobial, antiparasitic, insecticidal, antioxidant, and cardiovascular effects. Like pomegranate juice, it contains numerous bioactive compounds.

Sources of Pomegranate Juice & What To Look For

Pomegranate juice may be consumed from the fruit's seeds. Pomegranate seed oil is also frequently consumed and may contain other parts of the fruit.

Food Sources of Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate may be consumed in its whole form. The seeds may be eaten from the fruit in their natural form.

Pomegranate Supplements

Pomegranate is available in many forms, including:

• Pills
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Softgels
• Granules
• Powder
• Liquid
• Paste
  

Summary

Some early evidence suggests pomegranate juice may improve heart health, fight inflammation and infection, and prevent dental plaque. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Ask your healthcare provider if pomegranate juice is safe for you. It may cause side effects, like diarrhea, allergies, or adverse drug interactions in some people.