Delima


Delima

Two species of deciduous shrubs or small trees belongs to this genus, distributed from E Mediterranean regions to the Himalayas. Punica granatum, which is evergreen in the subtropics and deciduous in temperate regions, has been cultivated since earliest times. The apocryphal apple that tempted Adam in the Garden of Eden may have been a pomegranate. Five pomegranate trees were planted in the garden belonging to Ineni, chief builder to the pharoah Tuthmosis I (1528-1510BCE), in Thebes, and pomegranates feature in ancient Egyptian tomb painting. The pomegranate reached China from Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, in 126BCE, and soon became popular for ceremonies, because of its auspicious red color. In Classical times the pomegranate was a symbol of fertility, and was eaten by childless women. It was first mentioned as a cure for tapeworms in the Ebers papyri (c.1500BCE), and as a Chinese medicinal herb around CE470. Pomegranate rind and bark contain unusual, and very toxic alkaloids, known as pelletierines, that paralyze tapeworms. When given in carefully measured dose, followed promptly by a purgative, the worms are easily expelled. Roundworms and pinworms are similarly affected. Interestingly, though known about in Classical times, this use of pomegranate was neglected in Western medicine until it was investigated by the British in India after an Englishman was cured of tapeworms by an Indian practitioner. Punica is a contraction of the Latin punicum malum, "Carthaginian apple".

Native to Iran and northern India, the pomegranate tree produces a round, leathery fruit that is full of juicy red seeds. Pomegranates are high in polyphenols, particularly the pnicalagins, which are found only in pomegranates and have superior free-radical scavenging ability. In 2005, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA noted that pomegranate juice may protect against the development of prostate cancer.

Dense, twiggy, sometimes spiny shrub or small tree with light green, shiny, oblong leaves, to 8cm (3in) long. Orange-red, funnel-shaped, 5-petaled flowers, to 4cm (1½in) across, are followed by spherical, yellow-brown, leathery-skinneds fruits, to 12cm (5in) in diameter, that contain numerous seeds in a pink, juicy pulp.


Common Name:
Delima
Other Names:
Granatum, Grenadier, Pomegranate
Botanical Name:
Punica granatum
Genus:
Punica
Family:
Punicaceae
Native Location:
W Himalayas
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun. Remove suckers as they appear unless required for propagation. Punica granatum and varieties tolerate short periods just below freezing, especially when older. Successful fruiting requires long, hot summers followed by autumn temperatures of 13-16°C (55-61°F).
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 22°C (72°F); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by root suckers in autumn.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn; the bark is peeled and dried for use in decoctions and liquid extracts. Fruits are picked when ripe in autumn, and the rind removed and dried for use in decoctions and powders; seeds and pulp are separated from the biter pith and eaten fresh or pressed for juice.
Height:
6m (20ft)
Width:
5m (15ft)
Variations:
Daru
Is very hardy, bearing small yellow-green, acidic fruits, traditionally sun-dried as a souring agent.
Native Location: W Himalayas
nana
Is dwarf, with narrower leaves, smaller flowers, and fruits about the size of a nutmeg
Height: 1m (3ft)
Width: 1m (3ft)
f. plena
Has double flowers.
Wonderful
Bears large, purple-red fruits with deep pink flesh. Makes excellent juice.
Originated in California in 1896 and is now a major commercial variety.
Hardiness:
Z7-10
Parts Used:
Root bark, fruit rind (shi liu pi) and juice, seeds, Bark, flowers, fruit, fruit peel, Root
Chemical Constituents:
  • Isopelletierine
  • Methyl-isopelletierine
  • Pelletierine
  • Pseudo-pelletierine
  • Tannins
    		•
    Properties:
    A bitter-sweet, astringent, warming herb that destroys intestinal parasites. It is also anti-viral and controls diarrhea.
    Known Effects:
    		 Rind and Bark:
  • Shrinks tissues
  • Prevents secretion of fluids
  • Destroys intestinal worms
  • Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally

    • Miscellaneous Information:
  • Fruits are edible and non-toxic.
  • Bark and rind contain herbal-medicinal properties.
    		•
    Possible Additional Effects:
    May treat stasis ulcers and bed sores
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for chronic diarrhea, amebic dysentery, and intestinal worms. Externally for vaginal discharge, mouth sores, and throat infections.
    To treat tapeworm, diarrhea, dysentery, sore throat, and hemorrhoids.
    Typical Dose:
    A typical dose of pomegranate to treat tapeworms is approximately 60 ml of a decoction made of 1 part pomegranate bark powder mixed with 5 parts water, boiled for 30 minutes, and taken in four doses throughout the day.
    Possible Side Effects:
    Pomegranate's side effects include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and allergic reactions.
    Drug Interactions:
    Taking pomegranate juice with these drugs may increase the action of the drug:
    Benazepril, (Lotensin)
    Captopril, (Capoten, Novo-Captopril)
    Cilazapril, (Inhibace)
    Delapril, (Adecut, Delakate)
    Enalapril, (Vasotec)
    Fosinopril, (Monopril)
    Imidapril, (Novarok, Tanatril)
    Lisinopril, (Prinival, Zestril)
    Moexipril, (Univasc)
    Perindopril Erbumine, (Aceon, Coversyl)
    Quinapril, (Accupril)
    Ramipril, (Altace)
    Spirapril, (Spirapril)
    Trandolapril, (Mavik)
    Supplement Interactions:
    • The tannins in pomegranate may cause the alkaloids in certain other herbs to separate and settle, increasing the risk of toxic reactions.
    • Increased risk of low blood pressure (hypotension) or increased therapeutic effets when used with herbs and supplements with hypotensive activity.
    Culinary Uses:
    Fruits are eaten fresh, especially in fruit salads and desserts. Juice is made into sauces, jellies, and syrup; also into thick paste or molasses (dibs rumman), used in Middle Eastern cuisine, and the cordial grenadine, a flavoring for drinks (especially cocktails), fruit salad, sorbet, and ice cream. Dried fruits of the variety 'Daru' are used as a souring agent, and as a condiment known as anardana.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    For use by qualified practitioners only.
    This herb, especially in the form of bark extracts, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

    Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis

    • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, supplement, other prescription or non-prescription drugs

    • Pregnancy:
    Taken internally as a medicinal herb, dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use. Eating fruit as part of your diet will not cause problems.
    Breastfeeding:
    Taken internally as a medicinal herb, dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use. Eating fruit as part of your diet will not cause problems.
    Infant and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    Taken internally, dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
    Storage:
  • Store in a cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the drug.

    • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to Do
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Dilated Pupils Seek emergency treatment.
    Dizziness Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Double Vision Seek emergency treatment.
    Nausea or Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Weakness Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 337-338
    The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pg. 373
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals, & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 417-418