Pomegranate Juice And Hypertension Medications

The pomegranate is an ancient fruit, described in records dating from 1,500 B.C., notes MedlinePlus. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that pomegranate juice is used as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions and diseases, among them high blood pressure, or hypertension. The use of pomegranate for hypertension can be a problem, however, as it may interact with some medications.

Pomegranates

Native to Iran, pomegranates are the fruit of the Punica granatum tree. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C; one pomegranate can provide about 40 percent of the daily requirement. The juice extract from pomegranates is a good source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage and lower inflammation in the body. According to Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck of the Mayo Clinic, pomegranate contains more antioxidants than other juices, and these antioxidants are thought to have heart-protecting properties.

Pomegranate Juice and Blood Pressure

MedlinePlus notes that pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure. In one study, participants who drank 50 ml of the juice daily for one year had a lower systolic pressure -- the top number -- but the juice doesn't seem to affect the diastolic blood pressure -- the bottom number. However, other research has not shown that pomegranate juice has any effect on blood pressure. But pomegranate juice could cause your blood pressure to drop too low if you drink it with medications for high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Medications

Medications for high blood pressure include drugs in a class called ACE inhibitors. MedlinePlus reports that pomegranate juice may interact with these medications and cause blood pressure that is too low. Capoten, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril and Altace are ACE inhibitors. Other blood pressure meds that may interact with pomegranate juice include Cozaar, Diovan, Cardizem, Norvasc, Hydrodiuril and Lasix.

Research

One research study published in February 2007 in "The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" compared the effect of pomegranate juice and grapefruit juice on the drug midazolam. The research was focused on an enzyme called CYP3A, which allows the body to metabolize and eliminate a drug.The researchers found that while grapefruit juice impaired the metabolism of midazolam, pomegranate juice had no effect. However, this study tested only one drug, and not all drugs are metabolized by the same enzyme.

Considerations and Warnings

Although pomegranate juice is probably safe, according to MedlinePlus, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. Pomegranate juice may be a part of a healthy diet for many people, but if you take antihypertensive medications, consult with a healthcare professional.