The therapeutic properties of pomegranate (Pg) fruit (Punica granatum L.) have long been recognized. This report discusses some of the cardiovascular effects of this fruit. Research has shown that Pg juice has positive effects on cardiac mechanical activity, reducing myocardial cell death, improving redox status, and decreasing the incidence of arrhythmias following ischemia and reperfusion in isolated rat hearts (1). These effects were found to be linked to nitric oxide, as inhibition of nitric oxide synthase eliminated most of these benefits (2). Additionally, three weeks of intragastric gavage of mesocarp extract significantly improved ventricular performance and reduced the extent of the size of infarcted area in isolated rat hearts following ischemia and reperfusion. Clinical trials on patients with acute coronary syndrome demonstrated that five days of treatment with Pg juice resulted in significant reductions in the severity, duration, and frequency of angina pectoris, as well as decreased levels of serum malondialdehyde and troponin (3). Furthermore, ellagic acid, a prominent polyphenol in Pg, exhibited cardioprotective effects in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and heart failure in rats. Specific inhibitors suggested the involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and PI3-K-associated signaling pathways in these effects. Finally, ellagic acid was able to prevent endothelial dysfunction in the culture medium through adropin and nitric oxide. Overall, the research suggests that the powerful polyphenols in Pg fruit, particularly ellagic acid, may have significant preventive and therapeutic effects against cardiovascular damage, making Pg fruit a promising candidate for further exploration in the field of cardiovascular health.

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