Editor's Note: This review evaluates the effect of pomegranate on blood pressure in adults, using evidence from eight randomized clinical trials  comprising of 619 participants.Two studies reported significant reductions in systolic blood pressure favoring pomegranate; three studies reported no significant differences between groups; and three studies failed to report between-group differences. Two studies reported significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure favoring pomegranate; four studies reported no significant between-group differences; and two studies did not report between group differences. No adverse events were observed.  

Nutrition Research
October 2017


Hypertension is one of the most important preventable causes of premature death. Studies have been conducted assessing the impact of pomegranate on blood pressure, with varying results. The aim of this review was to critically appraise and evaluate the effect of pomegranate on blood pressure in adults, using evidence from randomized clinical trials(RCTs). We conducted electronic searches in Medline, Embase, Amed, and The Cochrane Library, and included  RCTs  assessing the effectiveness of pomegranate on blood pressure. We assessed the reporting quality using the Cochrane criteria. We included 8 RCTs comprising 619 participants. The studies varied in their reporting quality, and compared pomegranate juice or capsules with a control. Two studies reported significant reductions in systolic blood pressure favoring pomegranate: p = .002 and p < .001 respectively; 3 studies reported no significant differences between groups; and 3 studies failed to report between-group differences. Two studies reported significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure favoring pomegranate: p = .038, p < .001, respectively; 4 studies reported no significant between-group differences; and 2 studies did not report between group differences. No adverse events were observed. The limited evidence from clinical trials to date fails to convincingly show a beneficial effect of pomegranate on blood pressure. We have identified evidence gaps and highlight areas for future research to be conducted, including performing studies of high quality and longer duration.

[ READ MORE... ]  

For more news from AHPA, follow us on social media:
       
The links above are provided as a convenience, however, web pages are often updated by their host sites and this link may not remain active. AHPA gathers information from many organizations. Some sites require you to register in order to read articles.