Pomegranate whole fruit extract comes from the entire fruit: peel, seeds, and pulp. This delivers a broader set of polyphenols than juice alone, including punicalagins and ellagic acid, in a more concentrated form.
People take it to support cardiovascular health, namely healthy blood pressure and arterial flexibility. Others use it simply for general antioxidant protection.
Take the extract once or twice daily with a meal to improve absorption. Capsules, tablets, and liquid concentrates are all available.
Cautions: The extract can affect liver enzymes and may interact with certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, statins, and blood thinners like warfarin. It can also lower blood pressure on its own, so speak with a healthcare provider before combining it with antihypertensives. Stop taking it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.