Reporting of adverse effects of pomegranate in clinical studies: a systematic review.

Hamid Zare, Ehsan Amiri Ardekani, Ali Tavakoli, Ryan Bradley, Fatemeh Tavakoli, Mehdi Pasalar

Journal: Journal of complementary & integrative medicine 2024;21(2):154-166

PMID: 37116077

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Numerous studies have shown the pharmacological effects of pomegranate, such as: anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, and antihypertensive features. Pomegranate consumption has also revealed some adverse effects. This systematic review aimed to explore the adverse effects of pomegranate reported in clinical studies.

CONTENT

The keywords "pomegranate", "", "side effect", "clinical trial", and "case report or case series" were searched for in valid databases. Reports about adverse effects of pomegranate were also collected from several international registries.

SUMMARY

This systematic review included a total of 66 clinical articles. Eleven articles have reported side effects of pomegranate. Twenty-one articles have recorded no side effects in the pomegranate group while 34 articles have not mentioned any side effects for this plant. The study also included 7 case report studies. The most common side effects included gastrointestinal problems, flu-like symptoms, and urinary problems. In case report studies, the most significant reported side effect was allergic reaction.

OUTLOOK

In summary, pomegranate and its extract seem to be safe according to the reported adverse effects. Meanwhile, conducting more robust controlled trials with pomegranate products and documentation of any probable side effect is warranted.

Address: Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.; Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.; Iranian Association of Indigenous Knowledge, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.; Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.; Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.; Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, USA.; Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0247

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Plant Extracts, Pomegranate