Abstract
Punica granatum (P. granatum) is a fruit-bearing tree from the Punicaceae family, indigenous
to Iran. This plant has healing qualities that have drawn the interest of the medical community as
an alternative treatment for malignancies and non-malignancies. Its healing quality is due to the
phytochemicals present in the plant. These include ellagic acid, punicic acid, phenols, and flavonoids.
In traditional medicine, P. granatum has been used in treating diseases such as dysentery, bleeding
disorders, leprosy, and burns. This review explores the effects of the phytochemical constituents
of P. granatum on photodynamic therapy for cancer, chronic inflammation, osteoarthritis, and viral
infections. Its antioxidant and antitumor effects play a role in reduced free radical damage and cancer
cell proliferation. It was concluded that P. granatum has been used for many disease conditions for a
better therapeutic outcome. This paper will give visibility to more studies and expand the knowledge
on the potential use of P. granatum in photodynamic cancer treatment.