Description: Pomegranate extract is primarily composed of alkaloids and polyphenols. The active constituent that appears to be responsible for its multiple health benefits is Ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in several fruits and nuts. Pomegranate extract has demonstrated a variety of beneficial functions including antioxidant and anti-viral activity. In 1996, a Nottingham, PA University research team learned that pomegranate extract could destroy several viruses nearly on contact. The discovery of this anti-viral activity instigated further experimentation and clinical trials. One study confirmed that Ellagic acid effectively protects cells from damaging free radicals. Additional phenolic compounds found in pomegranate known as anthocynadins (also well known scavengers of free radicals) combine synergistically with Ellagic acid to greatly augment pomegranate's potency as an antioxidant.