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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Granatum Punica
Brand Name
Granatum Punica
Generic Name
Granatum Punica
Active Ingredient
Punica Granatum Root BarkCategory
Copper-containing Intrauterine Device [EPC]
Variants
7
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2593 |
| 1 [hp_M]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2598 |
| 200 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2596 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Granatum Punica, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 6 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2592 |
| 30 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2594 |
| 500 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2597 |
| 100 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-2595 |
Detailed information about Granatum Punica
Punica Granatum Root Bark is a botanical extract classified as an allergenic extract and historically used for its anthelmintic properties. It contains potent alkaloids such as pelletierine and is primarily used today in standardized allergenic testing.
There is no standardized oral adult dosage for Punica Granatum Root Bark in modern conventional medicine due to its high toxicity profile. In diagnostic allergy settings, the dosage is determined by the concentration of the extract (e.g., 1:10 w/v or 1:100 w/v) and is administered in minute quantities (microliters) during skin testing.
Historically, decoctions were made using 60 grams of fresh bark in 600 mL of water, boiled down to 300 mL. This was administered in divided doses over several hours. However, this practice is considered obsolete and dangerous by modern standards.
Punica Granatum Root Bark is generally not approved for pediatric use in an internal capacity. Children are significantly more susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of pelletierine alkaloids. In allergy testing, pediatric use must be performed by a board-certified allergist using highly diluted, standardized extracts.
Because the alkaloids and their metabolites are cleared renally, individuals with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) below 60 mL/min are at a significantly increased risk of systemic toxicity if any absorption occurs. No established guidelines exist for dose adjustment; therefore, use is generally avoided.
Patients with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C) may experience reduced metabolism of the bark's alkaloids, leading to prolonged circulation and increased risk of central nervous system effects.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk for adverse reactions due to potential age-related declines in renal function and a higher prevalence of polypharmacy, which increases the risk of drug-drug interactions with the bark's tannins and polyphenols.
If being used for diagnostic allergy testing:
For historical or traditional preparations (if prescribed by a specialist):
In the context of diagnostic testing, a missed appointment should be rescheduled. For any other prescribed use, do not double the dose to catch up, as this significantly increases the risk of alkaloid poisoning. If a dose is missed, contact your healthcare provider for instructions.
Signs of Punica Granatum Root Bark overdose (Pelletierine poisoning) include:
In the event of a suspected overdose, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Gastric lavage and supportive care for respiratory function are typically required.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not adjust your dose or attempt to prepare home remedies from Punica Granatum Root Bark without medical guidance.
When administered orally (as in traditional or historical contexts), the most common side effects are gastrointestinal and neurological in nature:
Punica Granatum Root Bark contains alkaloids that are chemically related to nicotine and are potent neurotoxins. This substance should never be used as a dietary supplement or home remedy without direct medical supervision. Its use in 2026 is largely restricted to controlled diagnostic environments.
No FDA black box warnings for Punica Granatum Root Bark are currently active for its use as an allergenic extract. However, practitioners must be aware of the inherent toxicity of the raw botanical material.
Punica Granatum Root Bark must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Punica Granatum Root Bark is classified as Category X for internal use during pregnancy. It is strictly contraindicated. The bark contains pelletierine and tannins that can induce uterine contractions and have been historically linked to pregnancy termination. Furthermore, the neurotoxic alkaloids can cross the placental barrier, posing a significant risk of teratogenicity or fetal death. There is no clinical scenario where the internal use of the root bark outweighs the risk to the fetus.
It is unknown if the alkaloids from Punica Granatum Root Bark pass into human breast milk. However, given the low molecular weight of pelletierine, passage is highly likely. Due to the extreme sensitivity of the infant nervous system to alkaloids, breastfeeding is not recommended if the mother has ingested the bark. For diagnostic skin testing, the systemic absorption is generally considered negligible, but a consultation with a lactation specialist is advised.
Internal use of Punica Granatum Root Bark in children is dangerous and not recommended. Pediatric patients have a much higher surface-area-to-volume ratio and immature metabolic pathways, making them highly susceptible to respiratory failure and convulsions from even small doses of pelletierine. In allergy clinics, use is restricted to diagnostic testing under the supervision of a pediatric allergist.
The primary active constituents of Punica Granatum Root Bark are the punicine (pelletierine) alkaloids. These nitrogenous compounds act as agonists at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located at the neuromuscular junction of various helminths (parasitic worms). By binding to these receptors, the alkaloids induce a state of persistent muscular depolarization, leading to spastic paralysis of the parasite. This paralysis prevents the worm from maintaining its attachment to the host's intestinal wall, allowing it to be expelled via peristalsis or a purgative.
In humans, at higher doses, these same alkaloids can interact with nicotinic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to the observed toxic effects such as tremors, mydriasis, and respiratory depression.
Common questions about Granatum Punica
In modern clinical practice for 2026, Punica Granatum Root Bark is primarily used as an allergenic extract for diagnostic testing. Healthcare providers use it to identify specific allergies to pomegranate proteins or related botanical chemicals through skin prick or intradermal tests. Historically, it was used to treat tapeworm infections due to its alkaloid content, but this use is now rare because of the risk of toxicity. It is also studied in research settings for its high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols. You should only use this substance under the direct guidance of a medical professional.
The most common side effects associated with the ingestion of Punica Granatum Root Bark include nausea, dizziness, and abdominal cramping. These symptoms are often caused by the high tannin content and the presence of pelletierine alkaloids, which can irritate the stomach and affect the nervous system. Some patients may also experience lightheadedness or a dull headache shortly after administration. If used for skin testing, the most common side effect is localized itching and redness at the test site. Always report any side effects to your doctor immediately.
No, you should not consume alcohol while using Punica Granatum Root Bark. Alcohol can significantly increase the absorption of the bark's toxic alkaloids into your bloodstream, which raises the risk of severe poisoning. Furthermore, alcohol has additive effects on the central nervous system, which can worsen dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination problems caused by the bark. Combining the two can lead to unpredictable and dangerous neurological reactions. Discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider before any procedure involving this extract.
Punica Granatum Root Bark is considered unsafe and is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. It contains alkaloids that can stimulate uterine contractions, which may lead to miscarriage or preterm labor. Historically, the root bark was even used as an abortifacient in traditional medicine, highlighting its danger to a developing fetus. Additionally, the toxic compounds in the bark can cross the placenta and potentially cause harm to the baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must avoid this substance entirely.
The time it takes for Punica Granatum Root Bark to work depends on how it is being used. For diagnostic allergy testing, a reaction usually appears on the skin within 15 to 20 minutes of application. If used historically for its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) effects, the alkaloids typically begin to paralyze the parasites within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion. However, because of the high risk of side effects, the 'work' of the drug must be closely monitored by a professional. It is not a fast-acting treatment for any common ailment and requires careful timing.
Since Punica Granatum Root Bark is not used for long-term or chronic conditions, there is generally no risk of withdrawal or a need for a tapering schedule. It is typically administered as a single diagnostic dose or a very short course for specific conditions. However, if you are using it under a doctor's supervision for a specific infection, stopping early could mean the infection is not fully treated. Always follow the specific duration of use recommended by your healthcare provider. Do not stop a prescribed regimen without consulting your doctor first.
If you miss a dose of Punica Granatum Root Bark, contact your healthcare provider for instructions on how to proceed. Because this substance has a narrow therapeutic window and can be toxic, you should never 'double up' on a dose to make up for a missed one. If the bark was being used for a diagnostic test, you will likely need to reschedule the appointment. If it was being used for a specific treatment, your doctor will advise you on the safest way to resume the schedule. Always keep your healthcare provider informed of any deviations from your treatment plan.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Punica Granatum Root Bark causes weight gain. It is not intended for long-term use, and its primary effects are localized to the immune response or the gastrointestinal tract. Any changes in weight while taking this substance would likely be unrelated to the bark itself and should be discussed with a doctor. The side effects are more likely to involve gastrointestinal upset, which could temporarily decrease appetite rather than increase weight. If you notice sudden weight changes, seek medical advice to find the underlying cause.
Punica Granatum Root Bark has a high potential for drug interactions and should be used with extreme caution if you are taking other medications. The tannins in the bark can bind to many oral drugs, preventing them from being absorbed properly by your body. It can also interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and drugs processed by the liver's CYP3A4 enzyme. You must provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements you are taking. Your healthcare provider will determine if it is safe to combine them.
Punica Granatum Root Bark is a botanical product and is not typically marketed under a 'brand name' in the way synthetic drugs are. It is available as various standardized and non-standardized extracts from different laboratory suppliers, particularly for use in allergy clinics. Because it is a natural substance, it is essentially 'generic' by nature, but the quality and concentration can vary significantly between manufacturers. Always ensure that any extract used is from a reputable, clinical-grade source. Your healthcare provider will select the appropriate preparation for your needs.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Punica Granatum Root Bark)
> Warning: Stop using Punica Granatum Root Bark and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Because Punica Granatum Root Bark is not intended for chronic use, long-term data is sparse. However, repeated exposure to high tannin concentrations can lead to chronic constipation and potential irritation of the gastric mucosa. There is also a theoretical risk of chronic nephrotoxicity if the alkaloids are consumed repeatedly over time.
Currently, the FDA has not issued a formal Black Box Warning for Punica Granatum Root Bark extracts used in diagnostic testing. However, historical medical literature consistently warns that the root bark should be treated as a potent poison with a very narrow therapeutic window. The risk of neurotoxicity and respiratory failure is the primary concern for any internal consumption.
Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider or through the FDA MedWatch program.
If a patient is undergoing a procedure involving Punica Granatum Root Bark or is using it under a specialized protocol, the following may be monitored:
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after the administration of Punica Granatum Root Bark if you experience dizziness, blurred vision, or drowsiness. These effects can significantly impair your reaction time and coordination.
Alcohol should be avoided when using Punica Granatum Root Bark. Alcohol can potentiate the neurotoxic effects of the alkaloids and may increase the absorption of toxins through the gastric mucosa, leading to a higher risk of systemic poisoning.
There are no known withdrawal symptoms associated with the discontinuation of Punica Granatum Root Bark, as it is not used for long-term therapy. However, if being used to treat a parasitic infection (in rare, specialized cases), the full course must be completed as directed to ensure the parasite is fully eradicated.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially any history of seizures or vision problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Punica Granatum Root Bark.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including those for allergies or parasites.
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis by a healthcare provider:
Patients who are allergic to other members of the Lythraceae family or those with known allergies to birch pollen may show cross-sensitivity to Punica Granatum Root Bark extracts during diagnostic testing.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of gastrointestinal or neurological disease, before prescribing or using Punica Granatum Root Bark.
Elderly patients (65 years and older) should be treated with extreme caution. This population often has reduced renal clearance and may be taking multiple medications that interact with the bark's tannins. There is an increased risk of falls due to the dizziness and vertigo associated with the bark's alkaloids. If used for diagnostic testing, the skin of elderly patients may be thinner, potentially affecting the interpretation of the skin prick test.
In patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min), the excretion of pelletierine metabolites is significantly delayed. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the blood, resulting in prolonged neurological symptoms. Internal use is generally avoided in this population.
Patients with cirrhosis or other forms of hepatic impairment may have reduced ability to metabolize the polyphenolic compounds and alkaloids in the bark. This can increase the systemic bioavailability of the toxins. Close monitoring for signs of encephalopathy or increased sedation is required if any exposure occurs.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and often require safer alternatives to Punica Granatum Root Bark.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Variable (highly dependent on tannin concentration) |
| Protein Binding | Unknown in humans; high affinity for proteins (tannins) |
| Half-life | Estimated 2-4 hours (alkaloids) |
| Tmax | 1-1.5 hours post-ingestion |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (Primary) |
| Excretion | Renal (Major), Fecal (Minor) |
Punica Granatum Root Bark is categorized as a botanical anthelmintic and an allergenic extract. It belongs to the broader therapeutic class of anti-parasitic agents and diagnostic allergens.