Pomegranate juice as a functional food; A comprehensive review of its polyphenols, therapeutic merits, and recent patents

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicacea family regarded as the ‘miracle fruit’ for its seeds being consumed as food, juice and as a functional food. Significant modern pharmacological and clinical evidence has highlighted the wide medicinal applications of pomegranate fruit parts and its juice. Pomegranate juice (PJ) superior to other fruit juices is a fortified source of dietary polyphenols with potential antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols of PJ include tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The presence of these beneficial phytochemicals is directly linked to its favoured health benefits viz., obesity and diabetes management and anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review capitalizes on PJ with emphasis on the interrelationship between its holistic chemical composition, metabolism and biological effects compared to seeds. Moreover, the review recapitulates on the diverse health benefits of PJ and related patents in the field of PJ production to ensure the best produced juice quality.