مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Effectiveness of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Preventing Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Hypertension
Effectiveness of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Preventing Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Hypertension
Najmeh Sadat Taghavi,1,*
1. Doctorate in Naturopathy, Titu University of Belgium, Turkish Branch
Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly preeclampsia, affect approximately 5–8% of pregnancies and are major contributors to maternal and fetal mortality. The disorder arises from abnormal placentation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Conventional pharmacologic options remain limited by safety concerns during pregnancy, motivating interest in dietary and botanical interventions. Pomegranate, long used in traditional medicine, contains polyphenols and anthocyanins with strong antioxidant capacity. Because oxidative stress and endothelial injury are central to preeclampsia pathogenesis, pomegranate’s bioactive compounds are biologically plausible preventive agents. Research indicates improvements in nitric oxide bioavailability, vascular tone, and lipid peroxidation, suggesting potential benefit against pregnancy-related hypertension.
Methods: This study integrates a systematic literature review and an exploratory observational analysis. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library using combinations of “pomegranate,” “Punica granatum,” “preeclampsia,” and “gestational hypertension.” Eligible studies included clinical, animal, and in vitro research published between 2000 and 2025 evaluating effects on blood pressure, oxidative stress, endothelial function, and pregnancy outcomes. Data extraction focused on intervention type, dose, duration, and outcomes. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured for the observational component involving moderate-risk pregnant women who consumed standardized pomegranate juice daily for twelve weeks versus controls. Statistical analyses used SPSS 26, with significance at p < 0.05.
Results: Mechanistic evidence: Pomegranate polyphenols neutralize free radicals, suppress lipid peroxidation, and inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. These mechanisms may alleviate systemic inflammation and vascular stress characteristic of preeclampsia. Enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability and improved uteroplacental perfusion have been demonstrated in animal models.
Preclinical studies: Rat and mouse models of preeclampsia show that pomegranate juice reduces blood pressure, proteinuria, and oxidative stress while improving placental structure and angiogenic balance. These findings provide strong biological plausibility.
Human evidence: Randomized trials in nonpregnant adults reveal modest short-term reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Limited pregnancy-specific studies indicate reduced placental oxidative markers and improved Doppler flow, though data remain insufficient to confirm prevention of preeclampsia.
Safety: Pomegranate juice is generally safe, yet high-dose extracts require further evaluation. Potential drug interactions via cytochrome P450 pathways warrant caution in medicated pregnancies. No serious adverse effects have been reported in existing trials.
Conclusion: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) demonstrates promising potential as a natural intervention for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds directly target mechanisms central to preeclampsia development. While preclinical and early human studies suggest beneficial effects on blood pressure, vascular health, and placental function, the current evidence base remains preliminary. Large, well-designed clinical trials are urgently needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term safety. If validated, pomegranate could become an affordable, culturally accepted, and nutritionally sound addition to prenatal care strategies, contributing to global reductions in maternal and neonatal morbidity.