PUNICA GRANATUM (COLD PRESSED POMEGRANATE) SEED OIL

The medieval Latin “pomum granatum” (meaning, seeded apple) is the source of the word pomegranate. It is botanically known as Punica granatum, belong to the Punicaceae family. Pomegranate is native to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and northern India. 

Traditional use of pomegranate in these countries include treatment for skin inflammation, rheumatism, and sore throats. In Ayurvedic medicine, pomegranate has a reputation for nourishment and restoration of skin balance. 

Literatures show that it was brought to California by the Spanish settlers in 1769 and has been commercially cultivated for its juice. It provides about 16% of the adult vitamin C needs per 100 mg serving.

Pomegranate contains pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and antioxidant polyphenols. These substances include ellagic acid, anthocyanidins and anthocyanin flavonoids. Additionally, abundant concentration of punicic acid (0ver 70%), a conjugated alpha-linoleinic acid and omega-5 polyunsaturated fatty acid, beneficial to healthy skin are reported by researchers. 

Skin uses:

  • Protect against UVA and UVB induced cell damage
  • Inhibits skin edema
  • Collagen production
  • Free radical scavenger
  • Boost restoration and repair of the skin
  • Promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis
  • Thickening of the epidermis

References

Afaq, Farrukh, et al. "Protective effect of pomegranate‐derived products on UVB‐mediated damage in human reconstituted skin." Experimental dermatology 18.6 (2009): 553-561.

Alam, Murad, ed. Evidence-based procedural dermatology. Springer, 2019.

Aslam, Muhammad Nadeem, Ephraim Philip Lansky, and James Varani. "Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells." Journal of ethnopharmacology 103.3 (2006): 311-318.

Boroushaki, Mohammad Taher, Hamid Mollazadeh, and Amir Reza Afshari. "Pomegranate seed oil: A comprehensive review on its therapeutic effects." Int J Pharm Sci Res 7.2 (2016): 430.

Farris, Patricia K., ed. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic practice. Wiley-Blackwell, 2014.

Jurenka, Julie. "Therapeutic applications of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): a review." Alternative medicine review 13.2 (2008).