I copied the following from the MedlinePlus website. Sorry for the long post but I thought some might find it interesting that one juice can impact so many things. How can anyone know what drugs or supplements really do to each of us since we are all physically different, eat differently, etc.? I guess this is why we need to pay very close attention to what makes us feel the way we do. When we feel different, good or bad, did we do or ingest something different? If the feeling is continues and is not positive, maybe we should change the something.
More evidence is needed to rate pomegranate for these uses.
How does it work?
Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these effects when people drink the juice.
Are there safety concerns?
Pomegranate juice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience side effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit.
Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate including itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
Pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when the root and stems are taken by mouth in large amounts. The root contains a poison.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pomegranate juice is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women. However there is not enough reliable information about the safety of using other forms of pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract. If you use pomegranate, stick with the juice during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Check with your healthcare provider first.
Low blood pressure: Drinking pomegranate juice can slightly lower blood pressure. Drinking pomegranate juice might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people who already have low blood pressure.
Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.
Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking pomegranate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Are there interactions with medications?
Moderate
Be cautious with this combination.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down carbamazepine (Tegretol). This might increase the effects and side effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Medications changed by the body (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates
Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications that are changed by the body can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the body.
Some medications that are changed by the body include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and S-warfarin (Coumadin).
Medications changed by the body (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Pomegranate might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Taking pomegranate along with some medications that are changed by the body can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking pomegranate, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the body.
Some medications that are changed by the body include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), and others.
Medications changed by the body (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Some medications are changed and broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the body breaks down some medications. Drinking pomegranate juice and taking some medications that are broken down by the body can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before drinking pomegranate juice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the body.
Some medications changed by the body include amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, others), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), midazolam (Versed), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), and many others.
Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors)
Pomegranate juice seems to lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate juice along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Pomegranate seems to lower blood pressure. Taking pomegranate along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is broken down by the body in the liver. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down rosuvastatin (Crestor). This might increase the effects and side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Tolbutamide (Orinase) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down tolbutamide (Orinase). This might increase the effects and side effects of tolbutamide (Orinase).
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin (Coumadin) is broken down by the body. Drinking pomegranate juice might decrease how fast the body breaks down warfarin (Coumadin). This might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin (Coumadin).
Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure
Pomegranate seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking pomegranate along with other herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some of these products include danshen, ginger, Panax ginseng, turmeric, valerian, and others.
Are there interactions with foods?
There are no known interactions with foods.
What dose is used?
The appropriate dose of pomegranate depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pomegranate. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Other names
Anardana, Dadim, Dadima, Extrait de Feuille de Grenade, Extrait de Grenade, Extrait de Polyphénol de Grenade, Feuille de Grenade, Fleur de Grenade, Fruit du Grenadier, Fruit of the Dead, Granada, Grenade, Grenadier, PE, PLE, Pomegranate Extract, Pomegranate Flower, Pomegranate Fruit, Pomegranate Leaf, Pomegranate Leaf Extract, Pomegranate Polyphenol Extract, Pomme Grenade, Punica granatum, Roma, Shi Liu Gen Pi, Shi Liu Pi.
