INTRODUCTION

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is considered one of the oldest known edible fruits and is the symbolic of abundance and prosperity. For thousand of years, many cultures have believed that pomegranate have beneficiary effects on health, fertility, longevity and rebirth. The recent interest for this fruit is not only because of the pleasant taste, but also due to the scientific evidences that suggest therapeutic activity such as anti-atherogenic, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antiinflammatory effects. These beneficial effects were attributed to the antioxidative properties of pomegranate phenolic compounds, tannins and anthocyanins as well as other phytochemicals. The constituents of pomegranate have been thoroughly investigated, however, clinical trials are in progress to explore the therapeutic potential of pomegranate products, particularly determining preventive efficacy of pomegranate extracts in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, diabetes and ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage. The pomegranate , is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern. India and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa and Europe. The fruit was carried in desert caravans for its thirst-quenching juice, appears in Egyptian my-thology and art, and is referenced in the Old Testament of the Bible. From Spain, it was introduced into the Americas by Spanish missionaries during the sixteenth century. Its colorful, orange-red flowers and dense, bushy growth habit make pomegranate an attractive ornamental. Pomegranate has re-newed interest today as a commercial or-chard crop, because of the health promotions associated with its high level of antioxidants in the pulp or juice. Pomegranate is a member of the Lythraceae family which includes about 620 species. The family also includes the widely cultivated crape myrtle trees. While pomegranate can be trained as a small tree, it is more com-monly grown as a bushy shrub. The leaves are deciduous, usually glossy and dark green. The plant usually has spines (thorns) along its branches. The fruit may be yellow to bright red in color, and up to about 4 inches in diameter. The rind is smooth, but leathery, with a persistent, tubular calyx at the blossom end. The numerous seeds are surrounded by a white, pink to purplish or crimson pulp which is juicy, sweet and variable in acidity acid. In fact, some can be quite tart.Pomegranate is common to the tropics, sub-tropics and subtemperate regions, and is well adapted to areas with hot, dry summer.

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