What are the functions and benefits of pomegranate peel?
Sep 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, pomegranate peel, as a common food by-product and traditional Chinese medicine, has various functions and benefits, including astringent and antidiarrheal effects, antibacterial and intestinal protective properties, hemostatic action, vermifuge and insecticidal effects, as well as antioxidant and color-preserving capabilities. When using pomegranate peel, it should be noted that due to its strong astringent nature, individuals with constipation should use it cautiously. When used as a traditional Chinese medicine, appropriate combinations and dosage control are required based on specific conditions.
Under normal circumstances, pomegranate peel, as a common food by-product and traditional Chinese medicine, has various functions and benefits, primarily including astringent antidiarrheal effects, antibacterial intestinal protection, hemostasis, anthelmintic action, and antioxidant properties with color-preserving effects. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Astringent and Antidiarrheal Effects: Pomegranate peel contains tannins and other components that exert an astringent effect, making it suitable for diarrhea and dysentery caused by intestinal dysfunction. By reducing secretion from the intestinal mucosa and enhancing its astringency, it helps alleviate the frequency of diarrhea, relieve intestinal discomfort, and promote the gradual restoration of normal intestinal function.
2. Antibacterial and Intestinal Protection: The active ingredients in pomegranate peel demonstrate inhibitory effects against various intestinal pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Shigella. These components inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, reduce damage to the intestinal mucosa, help maintain intestinal microbial balance, and protect intestinal health.
3. Hemostatic Effect: Pomegranate peel has hemostatic properties and can be used to alleviate various types of bleeding symptoms, such as menorrhagia, hematochezia, and traumatic bleeding. For conditions like menorrhagia and hematochezia, it helps stop bleeding by regulating blood circulation and enhancing vascular constriction.
4. Anthelmintic Action: Pomegranate peel contains alkaloids such as pelletierine, which have paralyzing and lethal effects on intestinal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. These components disrupt the nervous and muscular functions of parasites, rendering them immobile and allowing their expulsion from the body through feces, thereby achieving an anthelmintic effect.
5. Antioxidant and Color-Preserving Effects: Rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and tannins, pomegranate peel not only helps scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative damage within the body but also finds application in food processing. It can be used as a natural color preservative added to foods such as fruit juices and jams to delay oxidation and discoloration.
When using pomegranate peel, caution should be exercised due to its strong astringent properties, especially for individuals suffering from constipation. When used as a traditional Chinese medicine, it should be appropriately combined with other ingredients according to specific conditions, with controlled dosage to avoid indiscriminate use, ensuring both efficacy and safety.
