title: Effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) has been claimed to provide several health benefits. Pomegranate juice is a polyphenol-rich fruit juice with high antioxidant capacity. Several studies suggested that pomegranate juice can exert antiatherogenic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, the potential cardioprotective benefits of pomegranate juice deserve further clinical investigation. To systematically review and meta-analyze available evidence from randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of pomegranate juice consumption and blood pressure (BP). A comprehensive literature search in Medline and Scopus was carried out to identify eligible RCTs. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed using a random-effects model. Quality assessment, sensitivity analysisand publication bias evaluations were conducted using standard methods. Quantitative data synthesis from 8 RCTs showed significant reductions in both systolic [weighed mean difference (WMD): -4.96mmHg, 95% CI: -7.67 to -2.25, p<0.001) and diastolic BP (WMD: -2.01mmHg, 95% CI: -3.71 to -0.31, p=0.021) after pomegranate juice consumption. Effects on SBP remained stable to sensitivity analyses. Pomegranate juice reduced SBP regardless of the duration (>12 wks: WMD=-4.36mmHg, 95% CI: -7.89 to -0.82, p=0.016) and <12 wks: WMD=-5.83 mmHg, 95% CI: -10.05 to -1.61, p=0.007) and dose consumed (>240cc: WMD=-3.62mmHg, 95% CI: -6.62 to -0.63, p=0.018) and <240cc: WMD=-11.01mmHg, 95% CI: -17.38 to -4.65, p=0.001, pomegranate juice per day) whereas doses >240cc provided a borderline significant effect in reducing DBP. The present meta-analysis suggests consistent benefits of pomegranate juice consumption on BP. This evidence suggests it may be prudent to include this fruit juice in a heart-healthy diet.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Research Centre, Royal Perth Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: Amirhossein
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sahebkar
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giorgini
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bo
authors.affiliation: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Hradec Kralove, Czechia.
authors.forename: Petr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nachtigal
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy. Electronic address: davide.grassi@cc.univaq.it.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grassi
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D005502:Food; D000067030:Fruit and Vegetable Juices; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D029561:Lythraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents
keywords: Antioxidants; Blood pressure; Cardiovascular risk; Flavonoids; Pomegranate