Research progress in anti-diabetic actions of pomegranate (Punica granatum L. )

There are anti-diabetic constituents in several parts of pomegranate including juice, peels, flowers, seeds, and leaves in vivo or vitro research. The anti-diabetic activities, major active compounds and mechanisms of different parts in pomegranate were summarized in this paper. Polyphenols were the major active components for anti-diabetic activity. The sensitivity of insulin receptor and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor were improved as well as the activity of α-glucosidase was inhibited, which were major reasons for hypoglycemic activity of pomegranate. The results provide a powerful support for further development of pomegranate utilization.