Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Punica granatum Linn. (Dadima) is a widely acclaimed fruit in Ayurveda, described as tridoshahara (balancing all three doshas) and grahi (astringent and absorbent), with recognized therapeutic applications in digestive, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. While modern pharmacology has extensively documented its bioactive compounds—such as punicalagins, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins the reinterpretation of these findings through the lens of Maulik Siddhant (fundamental Ayurvedic principles) remains underexplored. Objective: This study aims to critically analyze Punica granatum by mapping Ayurvedic concepts of Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, and Prabhava with modern phytochemical and pharmacological evidence to provide a structured and comprehensive reinterpretation grounded in both classical and modern evidence. Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, were examined for references to Dadima. These were systematically correlated with phytochemical data from modern pharmacognostic and biomedical studies. Statistical tools, including chi-square tests and Spearman’s rho correlation, were applied to test associations between Ayurvedic constructs and evidence-based pharmacological outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed a strong correspondence between Kashaya rasa and antioxidant evidence, supported by hydrolysable tannins (punicalagins, ellagitannins). Pharmacological claims clustered around antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial actions, which were consistent with Ayurvedic categorizations of Sheeta virya and Madhura vipaka. Statistical findings confirmed a moderate but significant association between classical classifications and modern evidence. Discussion: These results validate the hypothesis that Ayurvedic attributes of Punica granatum are scientifically meaningful when correlated with phytochemical and pharmacological profiles. The reinterpretation underscores the relevance of Maulik Siddhant in guiding modern biomedical explorations and highlights the therapeutic potential of Dadima in managing oxidative stress, cardiovascular risk, and digestive health. Conclusion: The study establishes Punica granatum as an exemplary case of Ayurveda-science integration. By demonstrating the congruence between traditional principles and biomedical findings, it advocates for broader applications of Dadima in integrative medicine, functional foods, and public health strategies. Practical recommendations include the promotion of standardized Dadima-based formulations, utilization in food preservation, and interdisciplinary collaborations to reinforce Ayurveda’s evidence-based global relevance.