Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a shrub widely known for its healthy red fruits, that contains hundreds of edible seeds called arils. These seeds are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Ancient Egyptians realized the benefits of pomegranate as a remedy for a variety of ailments and, in recent times, pomegranate has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects, such as antiparasitic, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, and antitumour activities. Specific applications in relation to poultry include:

• Antioxidant: Pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants.
• Anticancer: Two studies conducted in mice with prostate cancer showed proof that pomegranate fruit extract inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis via modulation of proteins regulating apoptosis.
• Anti-inflammatory: Pomegranate fruit extract suggests pomegranate constituents prevent collagen degradation and may potentially inhibit joint destruction related to osteoarthritis.
• Antimicrobial: Several in vitro studies showed that pomegranate extract may inhibit growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.