# Dadima Twak

> Dadima Twak (Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Lythraceae (formerly Punicaceae) family. WHO monograph published for Pericarpium Granati (pomegranate rind); documented in Indian Pharmacopoeia; ESCOP and EMEA have referenced pomegranate preparations.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp)
- **Family:** Lythraceae (formerly Punicaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO monograph published for Pericarpium Granati (pomegranate rind); documented in Indian Pharmacopoeia; ESCOP and EMEA have referenced pomegranate preparations

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Dadima](/herb/dadima/) Twak |
| Latin/Botanical | *Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Punicalagin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#punicalagin)
- [Punicalin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#punicalin)
- Ellagic acid
- Gallic acid
- Pelletierine
- Isopelletierine
- [Catechin](/reference/catechin/)
- [Epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin)
- [Corilagin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#corilagin)
- Tannic acid

## How does it work?

- Punicalagin and ellagic acid are hydrolyzed by gut microbiota to urolithins (A, B, C, D), which exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways
- Pelletierine and isopelletierine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) exhibit anthelmintic activity by paralyzing tapeworm musculature through nicotinic receptor agonism, validated since antiquity
- Gallic acid and [catechins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#catechins) provide [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity through disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity and inhibition of biofilm formation by chelating metal ions essential for bacterial adhesion

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anthelmintic activity (against tapeworms) validated through identification of pelletierine alkaloids in rind, confirming traditional Ayurvedic use of [Dadima](/herb/dadima/) Twak for Krimi (intestinal parasites)
- Antidiarrhoeal properties validated through tannin-mediated astringent effects on intestinal mucosa, supporting traditional use for Atisara (diarrhea) and Pravahika (dysentery)
- Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and gastrointestinal bacteria confirmed, supporting traditional use of pomegranate rind decoction for Mukha Roga (oral diseases)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Dogara AM, Hama HA, Ozdemir D 2024. [Update on the Potential of Punica granatum L. Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Uses: A Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39649727/). *Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences*. PMID [39649727](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39649727/) · [doi:10.1155/adpp/6523809](https://doi.org/10.1155/adpp/6523809)  
  Comprehensive review documenting that pomegranate peel contains the highest concentration of bioactive polyphenolic compounds among all plant parts, with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, [cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/), [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), and antimicrobial properties.
- Azmat F, Safdar M, Ahmad H and others 2024. [Phytochemical profile, nutritional composition of pomegranate peel and peel extract as a potential source of nutraceutical: A comprehensive review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38370077/). *Food science & nutrition*. PMID [38370077](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38370077/) · [doi:10.1002/fsn3.3777](https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3777)  
  Pomegranate peel extract showed significant [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) capacity with highest concentrations of phenolic acids, [anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins), and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), positioning it as a nutraceutical ingredient.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- WHO monograph for Pericarpium Granatum confirmed no genotoxic effects; Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (2019) deemed pomegranate-derived ingredients safe for use
- Pelletierine alkaloids in bark/rind can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea at high doses; traditional preparation methods (decoction) help control alkaloid concentration
- Pomegranate juice/extract may interact with CYP3A4-metabolized drugs (statins, calcium channel blockers) similarly to grapefruit; monitor patients on warfarin for enhanced anticoagulant effects

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Punicalagin
- Punicalin
- Catechin
- Epicatechin
- Corilagin
- Ellagic acid
- Gallic acid
- Pelletierine
- Isopelletierine
- 
- Tannic acid

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath (decoction concentrate)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg tablet/capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Punicalagins and [ellagitannins](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ellagitannins) from pomegranate rind undergo hydrolysis in the gut to release ellagic acid, which is further metabolized by gut microbiota to urolithins (A, B). Bioavailability of parent [tannins](/reference/tannins/) is low (<1%); urolithin production varies with individual microbiome composition. Enhancement strategies: co-administration with [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Piper longum) or [black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/) to slow gut transit and increase tannin exposure; nano-encapsulation of ellagic acid improves systemic availability 3-6 fold; SNEDDS formulations show promise for lipophilic urolithin delivery.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water; for anthelmintic use, on an empty stomach in the morning

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to not less than 40% total tannins (as punicalagin); ellagic acid content NLT 5% by HPLC. Aqueous extract ratio 10:1 typical.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule in blister pack)

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Tannins oxidize on prolonged light exposure leading to darkening and potency loss.

**Marker Compounds:** Punicalagin (alpha and beta), Ellagic acid, Punicalin, Gallic acid, Granatin B

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kashayam)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 ethanol:water)
- Hot water reflux extraction (80-90 deg C, 2-4 hours)
- Spray-dried aqueous extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Kutaja (Holarrhena) for antidiarrheal synergy
- With Musta (Cyperus rotundus) for GI astringent action
- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for comprehensive anthelmintic effect
- With Sunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) to balance astringent-induced constipation

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/dadima-twak/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.