Punicalagin, one of the most abundant polyphenols present in pomegranates, has adequate potential to prevent from atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dementia.
In one of the research studies inclusion of pomegranate in the diet for one year exerted an antihypertensive effect and reduced myocardial ischaemia in patients with coronary heart disease. While the studies based on animal trials showed that treatment of diabetic animals with punicalagin reduced cardiac triglycerides, cholesterol, and myocardial damage. In other animal trials, punicalagin treatment improved glutathione content and prevented lipid peroxidation in the pancreas, leading to normal blood glucose and insulin levels. Recent studies are focusing on the prevention of mild cognitive impairment using punicalagin as the active ingredient.
For further readings
Effect of punicalagin on multiple targets in streptozotocin/high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice
