Anartwak / Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Anartwak (Punica granatum), commonly known as Pomegranate, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the region of Iran to northern India and cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India. In Ayurveda, the bark of the pomegranate tree (referred to as Anartwak) is highly valued for its astringent, anthelmintic, and digestive properties. It is primarily used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms, and bleeding disorders.

Pomegranate Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Species: Punica granatum

Pomegranate Common Name

English: Pomegranate
Sanskrit: Dadima, Anartwak (for bark)
Hindi: Anar
Gujarati: Dalim
Marathi: Dalimb
Tamil: Mathulai
Telugu: Danimma
Malayalam: Mathalam

Pomegranate Uses

Digestive Health - Acts as a grahi (absorbent) to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

Anthelmintic Activity - Effective in expelling intestinal worms, especially tapeworms.

Hemostatic and Astringent - Stops internal bleeding such as bleeding gums, piles, or menorrhagia.

Oral Health - Used in gargles to treat sore throat, mouth ulcers, and gingivitis.

Cardio-Protective and Antioxidant - Contains polyphenols which help reduce oxidative stress and support heart health.

Phytochemical Constituents

The bark and other parts of Punica granatum are rich in various bioactive compounds, including:

Tannins: Punicalagin, Punicalin, Gallagic acid
Alkaloids: Pelletierine, Isopelletierine (especially in bark)
Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
Ellagic acid and other polyphenolic compounds
Gallic acid, Catechins, and Anthocyanins

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part-I, Vol-III. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharangdhar Samhita, Chapter: Atisaar Chikitsa (Treatment of Diarrhea).

Jurenka, J. (2008). "Therapeutic applications of pomegranate (Punica granatum): A review." Alternative Medicine Review, 13(2), 128-144.

Lansky, E.P., & Newman, R.A. (2007). "Punica granatum (pomegranate) and its potential for prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 109(2), 177–206.

European Medicines Agency. (2014). "Community herbal monograph on Punica granatum L., cortex."

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Indian Materia Medica – K.M. Nadkarni, Vol I & II.