Can Pomegranate Peel Reduce Inflammation? The Science-Backed Benefits

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

According to numerous studies, the peel of a pomegranate contains significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants and polyphenols than its juice and seeds, making it a potent source of anti-inflammatory compounds. This discovery has sparked a growing interest in whether pomegranate peel can reduce inflammation in the body and how it compares to other anti-inflammatory agents. Exploring the scientific evidence reveals how this often-discarded byproduct might offer significant health advantages.

Quick Summary

Pomegranate peel is a powerful source of anti-inflammatory compounds, including punicalagins and ellagic acid, that suppress key inflammatory markers. Studies indicate that it has strong potential to reduce inflammation in the gut and joints, surpassing the benefits of the fruit's edible parts.

Key Points

Rich in Antioxidants: Pomegranate peel contains significantly higher levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, particularly punicalagins, compared to the edible arils and juice.
Suppresses Inflammatory Pathways: Key compounds in the peel help to inhibit the NF-κB pathway, a central regulator of the body's inflammatory response, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Supports Gut and Joint Health: Research indicates that pomegranate peel extracts can mitigate inflammation associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress: The high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, which is a major contributing factor to chronic inflammation and cellular damage.
Best Consumed as a Powder or Extract: Due to its bitter taste and tough texture, pomegranate peel is most effectively and safely consumed after being dried and ground into a powder for teas, or taken in supplement form.
Consult a Professional for Safe Use: Dosage is not standardized, and extracts can interact with medications or cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so medical advice is recommended before use.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Pomegranate Peel

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. While many fruits contain beneficial compounds, research suggests that pomegranate peel, often discarded as waste, is a potent source of powerful anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

Bioactive Compounds at the Core

The primary anti-inflammatory activity of pomegranate peel is attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds. The most notable are punicalagins, hydrolysable tannins that are converted into urolithins by gut bacteria. Ellagic acid is another key component, known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and regulate key inflammatory pathways in the body.

Clinical and Laboratory Evidence

Numerous studies, including in-vitro, animal, and limited human clinical trials, have provided compelling evidence for pomegranate peel’s anti-inflammatory potential.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Research involving arthritic mice demonstrated that punicalagin, a key compound in the peel, significantly inhibited joint inflammation and cartilage damage. In human studies, supplementation with pomegranate peel extract has been shown to reduce disease activity markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Gastrointestinal Health: For inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in vitro and ex vivo studies showed that pomegranate peel extracts suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in intestinal cells, suggesting potential for managing gut inflammation.
General Systemic Inflammation: In obese volunteers, pomegranate peel extracts effectively reduced inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and IL-6. This systemic effect points to a broader application for reducing chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome.

Mechanisms of Action: How Pomegranate Peel Works

The anti-inflammatory benefits are achieved through several biochemical pathways. Key among them is the suppression of the NF-κB pathway, a central regulator of inflammatory responses that controls the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. Punicalagins and ellagic acid also help to modulate the gut microbiota, leading to the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites like urolithins. Additionally, the antioxidant properties combat the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, a major driver of inflammation.

Pomegranate Peel vs. Pomegranate Juice for Inflammation


Feature	Pomegranate Peel	Pomegranate Juice
Polyphenolic Content	Significantly higher concentration	Lower concentration
Antioxidant Activity	Stronger activity due to high polyphenol content	Weaker antioxidant activity than the peel
Primary Bioactives	Rich in punicalagins, ellagic acid, and gallic acid	Contains some anthocyanins, but less total bioactive compounds
Effectiveness	Studies suggest more potent anti-inflammatory effects	Less potent, though still beneficial
Consumption Method	Typically dried, powdered for tea, or taken as an extract	Commonly consumed as a beverage

How to Safely Use Pomegranate Peel for Health

While pomegranate peel is rich in health-boosting compounds, its bitter taste and tough texture make it unpalatable when eaten raw. The most common and effective ways to use it are:

Pomegranate Peel Powder: Dry the peels thoroughly in direct sunlight or a food dehydrator until brittle. Grind them into a fine powder using a blender or mortar and pestle. This powder can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or made into a potent herbal tea.
Pomegranate Peel Tea: Steep the dried peel powder or fresh peels in hot water for about 5 minutes to create a medicinal tea. This is a traditional remedy for sore throats and digestive issues.
Extracts and Supplements: Commercially available extracts and capsules offer a concentrated dose of the active compounds. These are often used in clinical studies and can provide a more consistent dosage.

Important Considerations and Safety

Dosage: Optimal dosage for human consumption is not yet standardized and can vary greatly depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Consult a healthcare provider before using as a therapeutic agent.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those with existing plant allergies. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, or a runny nose.
Drug Interactions: Pomegranate has been shown to affect blood pressure and may interfere with certain medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor, especially before and after surgery.
Large Amounts: WebMD warns that consuming large amounts of the root, stem, or peel can be potentially unsafe due to the presence of poisons. Stick to reputable products or established preparation methods for the peel only.

Conclusion

Based on extensive research, the answer to "Can pomegranate peel reduce inflammation?" is a definitive yes. The discarded peel is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, most notably punicalagin and ellagic acid, which are more concentrated than in the fruit's edible parts. Studies confirm its effectiveness in managing specific inflammatory conditions and its potential for broad systemic anti-inflammatory benefits. While incorporating dried peel powder into your routine is a simple way to harness these benefits, it's essential to do so safely and in consultation with a health professional, especially given the lack of standardized human dosing and potential interactions. Pomegranate peel represents a valuable and often overlooked natural resource for combating chronic inflammation.

Can Pomegranate Peel Reduce Inflammation?


Aspect	Summary
Effectiveness	Yes, studies show strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Primary Compound	Punicalagins, which are converted to urolithins.
Mechanism	Suppresses NF-κB inflammatory pathway; reduces oxidative stress.
Key Conditions	Rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal inflammation.
How to Consume	Best consumed as a powder in tea or supplements.
Compared to Juice	The peel has significantly higher levels of anti-inflammatory compounds.
Safety	Generally safe in appropriate doses, but consult a doctor for advice, especially with other medications.
Side Effects	Allergic reactions and potential blood pressure effects are possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomegranate peel fights inflammation through its high concentration of bioactive compounds, mainly punicalagins and ellagic acid, which act as potent antioxidants and suppress inflammatory pathways, such as the NF-κB pathway. These compounds reduce oxidative stress and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body.

Yes, multiple studies suggest that pomegranate peel is more effective. The peel contains a much higher concentration of total phenolic compounds and antioxidants compared to the juice, making it a more potent source of anti-inflammatory agents.

Pomegranate peel is generally safe in small amounts, but large quantities of extracts, roots, or stems may be potentially unsafe. Some people, particularly those with existing plant allergies, may experience allergic reactions, and the extract can affect blood pressure. A patch test is recommended for topical application.

Pomegranate peel is technically edible, but its tough texture and bitter taste make it unpleasant to eat raw. It is typically dried and ground into a powder to be used in teas, smoothies, or other preparations.

To make pomegranate peel powder, you should first separate the peels and dry them thoroughly. This can be done by leaving them in direct sunlight for a few days, using a food dehydrator, or a low-temperature oven. Once brittle, grind them into a fine powder using a blender.

The primary anti-inflammatory compounds are hydrolysable tannins, especially punicalagins. When consumed, these are metabolized by gut bacteria into urolithins, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents.

Yes, animal studies have shown that punicalagin, a compound in pomegranate peel, can inhibit joint inflammation and cartilage damage. Some human studies have also reported reduced disease activity and improved serum markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients with pomegranate peel extract supplementation.