Review article
THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WILD POMEGRANATE JUICE (Punica granatum L.)
Nikolina Kajić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2475-3704
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Biskupa Čule bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Leona Puljić
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Biskupa Čule bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Martina Arapović
orcid.org/0009-0001-8318-3038
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Biskupa Čule bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aleksandra Šupljeglav Jukić
orcid.org/0000-0001-6793-4340
; University “Džemal Bijedić”, Agro-Mediterranean Faculty, Sjeverni logor bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit tree that grows in a wide range of subtropical and tropical geographic locations around the world. Wild pomegranate fruits are rich in nutritional and phytochemical components, and the most appreciated form of consumption is freshly squeezed juice. The chemical composition of wild pomegranate juice varies depending on the genotype, climatic conditions, degree of fruit ripeness and processing method. The juice is rich in organic acids and sugars that determine its organoleptic properties, while phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins and ellagitannins, contribute to its bioactive properties. These phytochemical compounds are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and potentially cardioprotective effects.
The therapeutic potential of wild pomegranate juice includes the prevention of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammatory processes, antibacterial activity and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. The results of various studies indicate a significant possibility of using wild pomegranate in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
This paper emphasizes the importance of further research aimed at optimizing the conditions for the production of wild pomegranate juice and the application of its bioactive properties in the medical and food industries.
Keywords
wild pomegranate juice; phytochemical composition; phenolic compounds; antioxidant effect; anticancer potential
Hrčak ID:
333487
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2025.
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