Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a deciduous shrub, native to Iran. Now-a-days, besides its use as a fruit, its medicinal properties have attracted the interest of researchers of many countries. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how this fruit acts as antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic activities. The fruit also improves cardiovascular and oral health. These health benefits of pomegranate have been attributed to its wide range of phytochemicals and the ellagic acid is one of the main components of pomegranate with phenolic structure and antioxidant activity which are predominantly impact on human health. However, pomegranate fruits are prone to postharvest water loss, chilling injuries, physical disorders and fungal diseases. The aim of this review was to present an overview of the functional and medical properties of this fruit and to present the recent advancements, current status and developments in the pomegranate processing and their utilization. It also focuses on the increasing interest in the search for new pomegranate derived food products, the application of the new post harvest technologies and identifies future prospects for the development and utilization of pomegranate processing. | Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) processing, value addition and their medicinal properties related to human health: A review
