Dadima Twak
Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp)
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.
| Botanical name | Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp) |
|---|---|
| Family | Lythraceae (formerly Punicaceae) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Also known as | Dadima Twak, DadimaTwak, Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp) |
| Pharmacopoeia status | WHO monograph published for Pericarpium Granati (pomegranate rind); documented in Indian Pharmacopoeia; ESCOP and EMEA have referenced pomegranate preparations |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5420901 · Wikidata Q52558783 · NCBI Taxonomy 22663 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dadima Twak |
| Latin/Botanical | Punica granatum L. (fruit rind/pericarp) |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Punicalagin
- Punicalin
- Ellagic acid
- Gallic acid
- Pelletierine
- Isopelletierine
- Catechin
- Epicatechin
- 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 exhibit anthelmintic activity by paralyzing tapeworm musculature through nicotinic receptor agonism, validated since antiquity
- Gallic acid and catechins provide 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 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. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 39649727 · doi: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, 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. Food science & nutrition. PMID 38370077 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.3777
Pomegranate peel extract showed significant antioxidant capacity with highest concentrations of phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and 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 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 is low (<1%); urolithin production varies with individual microbiome composition. Enhancement strategies: co-administration with Pippali (Piper longum) or 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
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses2
- 2024. Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic reviewInternational journal of impotence research. PMID 37697053 · doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00763-9
- 2023. Pomegranate and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic ReviewCurrent pharmaceutical design. PMID 37005403 · doi:10.2174/1381612829666230330163645
Randomised controlled trials1
- 2017. Cardioprotective Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Juice in Patients with Ischemic Heart DiseasePhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 28913846 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5901
Other clinical studies and reviews9
- 2024. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Extract Effects on InflammagingMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39275022 · doi:10.3390/molecules29174174
- 2024. Update on the Potential of Punica granatum L. Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Uses: A ReviewAdvances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 39649727 · doi:10.1155/adpp/6523809
- 2024. Phytochemical profile, nutritional composition of pomegranate peel and peel extract as a potential source of nutraceutical: A comprehensive reviewFood science & nutrition. PMID 38370077 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.3777
- 2022. Medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and the molecular mechanisms of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) plant extracts: A reviewBiomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. PMID 36076615 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113256
- 2019. Nutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancerArchivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica. PMID 31577095 · doi:10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139
- 2017. Pomegranate for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer: An UpdateMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 28125044 · doi:10.3390/molecules22010177
- 2017. Anticancer Activity of Punica granatum (Pomegranate): A ReviewPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 28185340 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5784
- 2017. Pomegranate Consumption and Blood Pressure: A ReviewCurrent pharmaceutical design. PMID 27748197 · doi:10.2174/1381612822666161010103339
- 2015. Anti-Aging Potential of Phytoextract Loaded-Pharmaceutical Creams for Human Skin Cell LongetivityOxidative medicine and cellular longevity. PMID 26448818 · doi:10.1155/2015/709628
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