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Pomegranate peel and fruit extracts: A review of potential anti-inflammatory and anti-infective effects
Abstract
Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) has been used for centuries in many cultures for the prevention and treatment of a wide number of health disorders such as inflammation, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, dental plaque and to combat intestinal infections and malarial parasites.
This review aims at providing an up-to-date overview of the chemical constituents, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Punica granatum L. Moreover, the focus of this review is the possible exploitation of this species to treat different diseases and to suggest future investigations.
An extensive and systematic review of the extant literature was carried out, and the data under various sections were identified by using a computerized bibliographic search via PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined. The most relevant articles were selected for screening and inclusion in this review.
A variety of pomegranate ethnomedical uses have been recorded. Additionally, over the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase of interest in pomegranate as a medicinal and nutritional product due to its n1ewly identified potential health effects, which include treatment and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. From the toxicological perspective, pomegranate fruit juice, extracts and preparations have been proven to be safe.
The ethnopharmacological relevance of pomegranate is fully justified by the most recent findings indicating the fruit is a medicinal and nutritional agent useful for treating a wide range of human disorders and maladies. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mode of action of the active constituents and to fully exploit pomegranate's preventive and therapeutic potential.
... Furthermore, the documented role of Zn and Se in synthesizing growth hormone could be another possible reason [41,42]. For PPE, growth-promoting activity could occur via different mechanisms as it contains great amounts of polyphenols comprising flavonoids (ellagitannins, gallotannins, anthocyanins, gallagyl esters, hydroxycinnamic acids, and dihydroflavonol, hydroxybenzoic acids) and hydrolyzable tannins (gallic acid and ellagic acid) [43]. The bioactives mentioned above can protect the intestinal mucosa from oxidative damage and pathogens while also limiting peristaltic activity in digestive diseases, hence avoiding diarrhoea [44]. ...
... The hepatorenal protective effects of Se and Zn could be mainly related to their antioxidant activity [15,50]. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of different solvent extracts of PPE have been earlier recognized in the studies of Ismail et al. [43] and Imbabi et al. [46]. ...
... There was a trend towards an increase in the levels of GPx and a decrease in MDA in the serum of NZW rabbits in the Zn, Se, and PPE-supplemented groups. Research has shown that PPE and its solvent extracts have antioxidant properties [43]. Se can be found in rabbits and other animals as a cofactor of various enzyme complexes, including SOD, GPx [56], and thioredoxin reductase, an important enzyme in thyroid hormone metabolism [57], and taking Se supplements can protect cells from radical damage [58]. ...
... Nar kabuğu ekstraktının etnofarmakolojik profili, onu antimikrobiyal ve anti-mutajenik özelliklerinden dolayı değerli bir geleneksel miras haline getirmektedir. Ayrıca, nar kabuğunun fitokimyasal konsantrasyonu, meyvenin diğer herhangi bir fraksiyonunun özütüyle zenginleştirilmeden etkili olacak kadar yüksektir (6). ...
... Ellajik asidin, bazı hafif kronik bozuklukların çok düşük ilerleme oranlarıyla tedavi edilmesi için bir araç olarak etkinliği, literatürde geniş çapta belgelenmiştir. Ayrıca, kanser tedavisi için önleme ajanı olarak potansiyel bir aday olduğu da gösterilmiştir (6). Ellajik asidin yüksek yağlı diyetlerin düzenli alımında vücutta biriken beyaz yağ dokusunun oluşumunu ve trigliserit düzeylerini azalttığı gösterilmiştir (11). ...
... Kurutulmuş Nar kabuğundan etil asetat, aseton, metanol ve su ile ekstrakte edilen fenolikler daha yüksek antioksidan aktivite gösterir, ancak sıvı ekstraktlar metanolik ekstraktlara göre daha yüksek anti-mutajenik aktivite sergiler. Metanolün yüksek polaritesi nedeniyle, nar kabuğunun metanolik özütleri diğer çözücülerden daha yüksek antioksidan aktiviteye sahiptir (6). Çözücü tipi, katı-sıvı oranı, ekstraksiyon sıcaklığı ve kabuk partiküllerinin boyutu antioksidan ekstraksiyonunu önemli ölçüde etkilediği gösterilmiştir. ...
Nar kabuğu, potansiyel sağlık yararları ile birlikte güçlü antioksidan aktivite içerir. Nar kabuğunun, polifenol bakımından zengin olması nedeniyle antikanser potansiyelinin araştırıldığı çalışmalar mevcuttur. Nar kabuğunun, in vitro, in vivo ve klinik deneylerde farklı kanser hücre dizileri üzerinde antiproliferatif etkiler göstermiştir. Bu derlemenin amacı nar kabuğunun çeşitli kanser hastalıklarına karşı fonksiyonel özelliklerini ve tıbbi faydalarını değerlendirmektir. Ek olarak, nar kabuğunun in vitro ve in vivo insan ve hayvan klinik deneylerinde kullanımının çeşitli sağlık sorunları üzerine etkisine de yer verilmiştir. Mevcut veriler, Punica granatum (nar) kabuğunun bazı hastalık durumlarının gelişmesinde engelleyici ve potansiyel terapötik olarak kullanılabileceğini ve insan sağlığına fayda sağladığını göstermektedir. Bu derlemede nar kabuğunun potansiyel sağlık yararları, geleneksel tıbbi tedavide kullanımı ve kanser ilerlemesini engelleme mekanizması vurgulanmıştır.
... The global pomegranate market is marked by a rising trend in health-conscious consumption, with pomegranate-based products gaining popularity (Valero, Mirdehghan, Sayyari, & Serrano, 2015). In traditional medicine, pomegranate peels have been used for various purposes, including treating digestive disorders, diarrhea, and parasitic infections (Ge et al., 2021;Ismail, Sestili, & Akhtar, 2012). The high antioxidant content of pomegranate peels makes them effective in scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress. ...
... For example, the presence of hydroxyl groups and conjugated double bonds in flavonoids and phenolic acids contributes to their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. The ellagitannins found in pomegranate peels, such as punicalagins and punicalins, possess a complex structure consisting of ellagic acid moieties linked to glucose units (Ismail et al., 2012). This unique structure enables ellagitannins to exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties (Tamborlin et al., 2020). ...
... Breast cancer cell proliferation and the generation of estrogenic receptor-positive tumors can be checked by anti-aromatase compounds. Urolithin B isolated from pomegranate peel is an ellagitannin metabolite, were identified by a microsomal aromatase assay as the active ingredient with maximum anti-aromatase activity, in addition to inhibition of testosterone induced MCF7 cell proliferation (Ismail et al., 2012). An aqueous peel extracts of punicalagin and ellagic acid-enriched fraction (562.26 ± 47.14 mg/L and 66.38 ± 0.21 mg/L) of pomegranate were evaluated for anti-apoptotic activity on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human monocyte cell line (THP-1). ...
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) a popular fruit known for its rich nutritional value and diverse bioactive compounds. While the edible seeds and juice of pomegranates have gained significant attention, pomegranate peels, which are often discarded as waste, have emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with numerous health benefits. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the biological properties, health benefits, and food applications of bioactive compounds derived from pomegranate peels. Pomegranate peels contain a wide array of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, and organic acids that exhibit various biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. The antioxidant properties of these compounds help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, pomegranate peel extracts have exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways. The antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel extracts make the latter potential candidates for food preservation and as natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents. In addition to their health benefits, bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel extracts can be used as natural food additives and preservatives due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, bioactive compounds derived from pomegranate peels possess diverse biological properties and offer significant health benefits.
... Polyphenols are the primary elements of the 124 phytochemicals found in pomegranate fruits, albeit the ones that are harmful to plant-parasitic nematodes have not yet been identified. In traditional medicine, pomegranates have also been used as an alcohol extract (Viuda-Martos et al., 2010;Akhtar et al., 2015 andGarcía-Villalba et al., 2015) and as a treatment for intestinal worms (Ismail et al., 2012). Many of the phenolic compounds are nematicidal, meaning they hinder the movement of nematodes or repel them (Ohri andPannu, 2010 andNtalli andCaboni, 2012). ...
... Many of the phenolic compounds are nematicidal, meaning they hinder the movement of nematodes or repel them (Ohri andPannu, 2010 andNtalli andCaboni, 2012). About 48 flavonoids, including anthocyanins, and phenolics, including tannins, are found in the peel and other fruit parts (Viuda-Martos et al., 2010;Ismail et al., 2012 andAkhtar et al., 2015). Because they contain more polyphenols, especially ellagitannins, than seeds, as waste byproducts of the pomegranate juice industry, pomegranate husk and peel may include substances that could function as biological nematicides (Seeram et al., 2005;Akhtar et al., 2015 andGarcía-Villalba et al., 2015). ...
... and ultimately improve the resulting economic income,and these results correspond to (Sultana et al., 2010) [22] Troponin/ng/ml It is noted from Table 4 that there was an insignificant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentration of cardiac troponin in the 2 ed and 3 rd treatment groups compared with control group. The significant decline (p<0.05) and within normal limits level of troponin in the treatment groups compared to the control group may be due to the effect of the feed treatment with pomegranate juice residues, which contain several important substances such as tannins that act as antioxidants and keep heart cells from breaking down, thereby reducing the level of troponin (Ismail et al. 2012) [25] , as they have a significant role in protecting and treating cardiac cell wounds, thus decreasing the concentration of cTn I (Stoner and Gupta 2001) [26] , These results correspond to by (Taskin and Deger (2021) [27] . The reason for the low cTn I may be due to the abundant content of vitamin( C and E) (Rowayshed et al., 2013) [15] , Which act as antioxidants that protect heart cells from free radicals and break down, which leads to a decrease in the level of cTn I in the blood (Khan et al., 2020). ...
... and ultimately improve the resulting economic income,and these results correspond to (Sultana et al., 2010) [22] Troponin/ng/ml It is noted from Table 4 that there was an insignificant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentration of cardiac troponin in the 2 ed and 3 rd treatment groups compared with control group. The significant decline (p<0.05) and within normal limits level of troponin in the treatment groups compared to the control group may be due to the effect of the feed treatment with pomegranate juice residues, which contain several important substances such as tannins that act as antioxidants and keep heart cells from breaking down, thereby reducing the level of troponin (Ismail et al. 2012) [25] , as they have a significant role in protecting and treating cardiac cell wounds, thus decreasing the concentration of cTn I (Stoner and Gupta 2001) [26] , These results correspond to by (Taskin and Deger (2021) [27] . The reason for the low cTn I may be due to the abundant content of vitamin( C and E) (Rowayshed et al., 2013) [15] , Which act as antioxidants that protect heart cells from free radicals and break down, which leads to a decrease in the level of cTn I in the blood (Khan et al., 2020). ...
Using of 15 local Awassi lambs, 3 to 4 months old, to study the effect of adding pomegranate juice waste to the concentrated diet. The lambs were divided into three groups equally at random. The first group was considered a control group and was fed a concentrated diet with an amount of 3% of body weight in addition to green fodder, and the second group (2% PSbP). They were fed the same diet as before, with the addition of 2% of pomegranate seed by product (PSbP) with concentration diet, while 5% of pomegranate seed by product (5% PSbP) was added to the concentration diet of the third group, and the following criteria were studied (final body weight, lamb growth curve, economic feasibility of fattening, troponin concentration, and liver function), and the results showed that there was a significant positive effect of the additives on body weight, the growth curve, the economic feasibility of fattening and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) Concentration in the 2 ed and 3 rd groups compared to the control group, while there was no significant effect of the treatment on liver function.
... 18,19 Pomegranate peel contains considerable amounts of phenolic compounds such as hydrolyzable tannins (punicalin, gallic, punicalagin, pedunculagin, and ellagic acid) and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins, and other complex flavonoids). 20 The pomegranate peel extract (PPE) comprises 10 times higher antioxidant activity, total flavonoid, and phenolic contents compared to the pulp extract. 21 Some findings suggested that PPE stimulated type I procollagen synthesis and inhibited the MMP-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production by dermal fibroblasts. ...
... 48 The anti-inflammatory components of PPE such as punicalin, granatin B, punicalagin, and strictinin A significantly reduced the production of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide via inhibiting the expression of the pro-inflammatory proteins in the macrophage cells. 20,40 This evidence suggested novel pharmacological actions of pomegranate extract for the treatment of OA and other inflammatory and degenerative diseases. 42,49 Our results confirmed the impact of PPE on ameliorating inflammation in studied patients. ...
Objective
Osteoarthritis (OA) as a common musculoskeletal disorder is the main cause of disability in the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on some inflammatory markers and matrix maloproteinase1 (MMP1) in women with knee OA.
Methods
Sixty obese women with knee OA aged 38 to 60 years were included in this clinical trial. The women were allocated into intervention (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups along with standard drug therapy receiving 500 mg PPE or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Three-day food records, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood samples, and physical activity questionnaires were gathered at the baseline and the end of the study.
Results
The supplementation of PPE significantly reduced the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), MMP1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels of the patients within the intervened group (all, P < .05) and compared with the placebo (P = .002, .045, .040, and .003, respectively) at the end of the study. The serum NF-ĸB levels significantly increased within the placebo group at the end of the trial (P = .002). Changes in other variables in the placebo group were not significant (P > .05).
Conclusions
The findings of this clinical trial indicated that PPE supplementation decreased serum inflammatory markers including hs-CRP, NF-ĸB, and MCP-1 and MMP1 levels in women with knee OA. PPE supplementation may be useful as a part of an integrated approach to modulating inflammatory complications in women with knee OA.
... The peel of pomegranates is rich in tannins, anthocyanins, and anthocyanins, which have been linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Incorporating these bioactive compounds into fortified cookies provides a convenient and tasty way for individuals to increase their intake of these beneficial compounds, especially for those who may not regularly consume fruits [7]. The development of fortified products with microencapsulated bioactive compounds extracted from fruit wastes acts as a novel method to enhance the formation of functional food. ...
Pomegranate production exceeds 2 million tons per year around the world, and the pomegranate fruit is widely employed in conventional medicine ascribed to its advantageous and therapeutic characteristics. Fortifying cereal products with natural plant extracts is an intriguing way to meet people’s dietary needs. The present study aimed to address challenges associated with food waste and mitigate the occurrence of diverse metabolic disorders by the utilization of discarded pomegranate peel. The peel contains a high amount of bioactive substances such as phenolic acid, anthocyanins, vitamins, and minerals. The bioactive constituents derived from the peel of pomegranate by applying ultrasound techniques and extracted bioactive compounds were enclosed in maltodextrin and gum Arabic through the process of spray drying. The cookies were developed by incorporating various concentrations (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of microencapsulated peels of pomegranate extract as the substitute. Further, the cookies were assessed for their antioxidant, physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics. In addition to the use of scanning electron microscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to examine the structure of cookies. The results of the study indicated that augmenting the percentage of microencapsulated pomegranate peel extract powder in the cookie recipe led to a statistically significant improvement in various parameters, including total phenolic content from 2.51 ± 0.01 to 74.74 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g, ash content, fiber content from 0.75 ± 0.01–5.51 ± 0.50, 2.46 ± 0.15–24.63 ± 0.01, and antioxidant activity from 22.40 ± 0.21 to 69.63 ± 0.02. The hardness of cookies was increased by increased incorporation of microencapsulated pomegranate peel powder. The value of L* and b* of the cookies’ color decreased, while a* values increased, corresponding to the percentage of microencapsulated pomegranate peel substitution. Based on the findings of the current investigation, the microencapsulation is promising approach for developing pleasant novel cookies enriched in phenolic compounds and that may serve as an effective way to address the issue of food waste through fortification.
... The dried material was ground into a powder and stored at -25°C. Pomegranate extract was produced from the powder according to Ismail et al. (2012). The extract was transferred to clean, opaque glass bottles and stored at 4°C for further use. ...
Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum), fruit rich in bioactive constituents, is used as a feed supplement against bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. Aim: This study examined the effects of supplementing the diet of the common carp (Cyprino carpio) infected with Aeromonas veronii on growth and some hematological, biochemical, and immunological health indicators. Methods: Carp was fed for 7 weeks a diet of 30% crude protein and 7% crude fat, supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% pomegranate peel, and growth was monitored. Hematological, biochemical, and immunological analyses were performed, including liver and antioxidant enzymes. Results: Bacteria from infected fish were identified by biochemical characteristics as A. veronii. Growth indicators (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate), and feed utilization (relative growth rate and protein efficiency ratio) improved significantly in fish fed on 0.5% or 1.0% pomegranate-supplemented diets compared with the negative control (0%). red blood corpuscles, white blood cells, and Hct increased at all supplementation levels, and the highest hemoglobin was in the 1.5% group. Biochemical parameters, except globulin, decreased in fish-fed supplemented diets. No significant differences were observed in total protein and albumin levels. There was a significant improvement in immunological parameters and antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with pomegranate peel is a promising strategy for enhancing C. carpio's health in the presence of A.veronii. Further work is necessary to determine the optimal supplementation level and its long-term effects.
... The dried material was ground into a powder and stored at -25°C. Pomegranate extract was produced from the powder according to Ismail et al. (2012). The extract was transferred to clean, opaque glass bottles and stored at 4°C for further use. ...
Background
Pomegranate (Punica granatum), fruit rich in bioactive constituents, is used as a feed supplement against bacterial pathogens in aquaculture.
Aim
This study examined the effects of supplementing the diet of the common carp (Cyprino carpio) infected with Aeromonas veronii on growth and some hematological, biochemical, and immunological health indicators.
Methods
Carp was fed for 7 weeks a diet of 30% crude protein and 7% crude fat, supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% pomegranate peel, and growth was monitored. Hematological, biochemical, and immunological analyses were performed, including liver and antioxidant enzymes.
Results
Bacteria from infected fish were identified by biochemical characteristics as A. veronii. Growth indicators (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate), and feed utilization (relative growth rate and protein efficiency ratio) improved significantly in fish fed on 0.5% or 1.0% pomegranate-supplemented diets compared with the negative control (0%). red blood corpuscles, white blood cells, and Hct increased at all supplementation levels, and the highest hemoglobin was in the 1.5% group. Biochemical parameters, except globulin, decreased in fish-fed supplemented diets. No significant differences were observed in total protein and albumin levels. There was a significant improvement in immunological parameters and antioxidant enzymes.
Conclusion
Dietary supplementation with pomegranate peel is a promising strategy for enhancing C. carpio’s health in the presence of A.veronii. Further work is necessary to determine the optimal supplementation level and its long-term effects.
... In this scenario, applying natural extracts as antifungal drugs is an emergent prospective field that has offered promising and interesting benefits (Nayak et al., 2017). Thus, numerous plant extracts have been investigated for wound treatment, including pomegranate peel extract (PPE), which have wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory functions that are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds, including flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins, and other complex flavonoids) and hydrolyzable tannins (punicalin, pedunculagin, punicalagin, gallic, and ellagic acid) (Ismail et al., 2012). These ingredients have been recognized as the fundamental bioactivity sources accounting for pomegranate's desirable medicinal properties such as its excellent efficacy in dermal wound healing (Lukiswanto et al., 2019). ...
Smart innovative nanocomposites based on active ingredients and metallic nanoparticles with effective wound healing and antifungal properties are efficient in overcoming the limitations of traditional therapeutic products. Open wounds provide an ideal niche for colonization by Candida albicans (C. albicans) which poses substantial global health issues owing to delayed wound healing and disordered healing mechanisms. Therefore, proficient innovative therapies that control C. albicans infection and promote wound healing are of imperative importance for the management of wounds and prevention of infection and possible complications. This study aims to design a novel nanocarrier platform based on a hydrogel loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and doped with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and hyaluronic acid (HA), offering an unprecedented opportunity to achieve skin repair and manage C. albicans colonization with an efficient wound healing process. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=100) were assigned to 5 groups and infected with C. albicans and distributed as follows: control positive (untreated) and four cutaneous wound-healing model groups treated topically with commercial cream and PPE-HA-AgNPs at full, 50%, and 25% concentrations for 15 days, respectively. Our findings revealed that the severity of clinical signs, C. albicans burden, and the expression of biofilm-related genes ALS1, HYR1, and PLB1 were diminished following treatment with PPE-HA-AgNPsIII. Notably, the formulated nanocomposite was very effective in extending the release of PPE-HA-AgNPs in infected wounds with retention percentages of 65.4% for PPE-HA-AgNPsIII. Topical administration of PPE-HA-AgNPsIII successfully alleviated the extensive inflammatory response and healed wounded skin via downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 and IL-1 beta, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. Interestingly, PPE-HA-AgNPsIII modulated angiogenic and wound healing markers as evidenced by the downregulation of MMP-9 and the upregulation of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (up to 10 days post-treatment), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), bFGF, EGF, Ki-67, and collagen I and III with efficient wound closure capability. This was evidenced by the lessening of histopathological severity, which accelerated the healing of the infected skin wounds post-treatment with PPE-HA-AgNPs. Overall, our formulated PPE-HA-AgNPs provide an effective innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds infected with C. albicans with maximized wound healing efficacy, indicating their potential in clinical practice.
... These actions alter plasma membrane permeability, increase cell protein concentrations, and ultimately cause cell death 35 . While research on P. granatum derivatives' antibacterial activity has been well-documented 36,37 , the impact on in vivo circumstances is less well understood. ...
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Punica granatum extract on such pathogenic bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Materials and methods: The samples from 130 patients with skin infections in Baghdad, Iraq, aged between 15 and 60 over years were collected for this study. The study collected. Each isolate was positively identified using morphological, cultural, and biochemical assays as detailed in the reference. The P. granatum peels were air-dried and powdered. Then 25g were extracted using 500 mL of water and ethanol on Soxhlet equipment for 72 hours. The extracts were then cooled, filtered, and concentrated at 40oC to get the crude extract; it was kept at four degrees centigrade in dark vials until use. The extracts were tested for the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, as well as steroidal terpenes. The efficacy of antimicrobial effects was calculated using well-diffusion techniques on Muller Hinton Agar (MHA). The plates were injected with a standardized suspension of the test isolates against McFarland tube 0.5. Five wells, each measuring five millimeters in diameter, were evenly spaced out using a sterile standard core borer. The well bottoms were sealed with sterile molten nutritional agar to prevent the extract from leaking out from beneath the agar. The aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts dissolved in DMSO served as positive controls, while sterile water and 10% DMSO served as negative controls. Each extract was diluted to a final concentration of 50, 100, or 200mg/ml, and 25 ml was added to the appropriate well on the infected plate. The plates were then incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. A millimeter-calibrated ruler was used to measure the size of the resultant inhibitory zones. The zone of inhibition of the test microorganisms at that dose was calculated as the mean of three measurements. Results: Clinical isolates of E. coli and S. aureus were inhibited by pomegranate extracts at a concentration of 200mg/ml compared to other concentrations, and this extract concentration showed a non-significant difference with chloramphenicol (P<0.01). The study revealed that pomegranate peel extract significantly reduced E. coli levels in feces and increased survival rates in rats. On the first day, E. coli concentrations were much higher in the control group (G2) compared to the treatment group (G3). By day 6, all rats in the control group had died, while all rats in the treatment group survived. Pomegranate peel extract shows notable antibacterial properties, impacting bacterial membrane permeability and cell survival. The variation in extract composition affects its efficacy. Conclusion, Pomegranate peel extract significantly reduced E. coli levels and improved survival rates in rats. On day 6, all rats in the control group died, while all in the treatment group survived. The extract's antibacterial effects and impact on bacterial membranes highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent.
... Biji buah delima merupakan cadangan vitamin, protein, mineral, serat dan, yang terpenting, asam lemak yang kaya dengan efek menguntungkan bagi kesehatan. Menurut penelitian sebelumnya terdapat beberapa kandungan dari daging buah delima yaitu tanin, flavonoid, alkaloid, glukosa, fruktosa dan sukrosa [2]. Biji buah delima memiliki kandungan senyawa salah satunya yaitu senyawa fenolik yang dianggap sebagai jenis antioksidan yang sangat berlimpah. ...
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to the Magnoliophyta class and is cultivated as a horticultural plant. White pomegranate is more often used as a traditional medicinal plant than red pomegranate because the taste of the fruit is more astringent. This is mainly caused by the presence of phenol, flavonoid and tannin compounds which work synergistically. The aim of this research is to determine the secondary metabolite compounds contained in the ethanol extract of white pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) by phytochemical screening. The type of research carried out was qualitative descriptive experimental research. Analysis of secondary metabolite profile test data using qualitative descriptive. The results of the research showed that the metabolite profile test of the ethanol extract of white pomegranate with 96% ethanol solvent had positive results for the presence of secondary metabolite compounds, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolics. Keywords: white pomegranate, secondary metabolite profile ABSTRAKDelima (Punica granatum L.) termasuk dalam kelas Magnoliophyta dan dibudidayakan sebagai tanaman hortikultura. Delima putih lebih sering digunakan sebagai tanaman obat tradisional daripada delima merah karena rasa dari buahnya yang lebih sepat. Hal ini terutama disebabkan oleh keberadaan senyawa fenol, flavonoid, dan tanin yang bekerja secara sinergis. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu menentukan senyawa metabolit sekunder yang terdapat dalam ekstrak etanol buah delima putih (Punica granatum L.) secara skrining fitokimia Jenis penelitian yang dilakukan adalah penelitian eksperimental dekskriptif kualitatif. Analisis data uji profil metabolit sekunder menggunakan dekskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada uji profil metabolit ekstrak etanol buah delima putih dengan pelarut etanol 96% memiliki hasil positif adanya senyawa metabolit sekunder yaitu alkaloid, flavonoid, tanin, dan fenolik. Kata Kunci: buah delima putih, profil metabolit sekunder
... Plenty of research work has confirmed the biological properties exist in PFP extracts, signifying their preventive and remedial role in medical pitch [7][8][9]. Hence, till today in both the developing and developed worlds recommend PFP to treat common health problems [10]. Since huge quantity of waste created, so worthful efforts have been made for the valorisation of PFP [11]; however, a big amount of this waste is still discarded as it is to the environment and it leads to glitches [3]. ...
The present work focuses on preparation of hydroxyapatite from pomegranate peels by precipitation method. The hydroxyapatite derived from pomegranate fruit peels (HA-PP) was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS and BET techniques. The HA-PP has mesoporous in structure and had an area of 99.021 m²/g. Further HA-PP was used as adsorbent for the removal of Cr (VI) ion particles from K2Cr2O7. The adsorption trials were executed and found the optimized solution using response surface methodology (RSM). The experiments included parameters like pH 2, initial chromium concentration 200 mg/L, adsorbent loading 0.8 g, and contact time 60 min, respectively. Cr (VI) removal was 89.4 % at the optimum combination of these process parameters. A mathematical and statistical optimizing technique response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to verify the interactive effects of various parameters on the adsorption capacity. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to predict the adequacy of the model (F 82.16) shows developed model is valid with R² value 0.987, and p-value (>0.1). In this the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model are well explained for Cr (VI) adsorption onto HA-PP. This reaction is spontaneous and endothermic, as indicated by the negative change in the standard free energy (ΔG⁰ = −0.1732) and ΔH⁰ (+4.71) value at the selected temperature. The ΔS⁰ (+15.89) further confirms that the randomness increased at the solid-solution interface during adsorption.
... Pomegranate peel accounts for about 50% of the total weight of fruit, and a large amount of peel waste is produced in the processing of pomegranate products every year, which may lead to a variety of environmental problems [22]. Pomegranate peel is rich in polyphenols, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins [23]. Pomegranate peel bioactive compounds could be harmlessly employed as antibacterial agents, biological preservatives and food disinfectants [24]. ...
In this study, active packaging films were developed by incorporating nano TiO 2 and pomegranate peel extract (PPE) into high-amylose corn starch (HCS)/konjac glucomannan (KG) matrix for the first time. The aim of present work was to investigate the influence of nano TiO 2 and PPE on physicochemical and functional properties of HCS/KG-based films. The films were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM, and the tensile, antibacterial and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The results showed that the crystallinity of the composite films was increased and the microstructure was more uniform and dense after adding TiO 2 and PPE, and the intermolecular hydrogen bonds were formed between TiO 2 , PPE, and film matrix. Incorporation of TiO 2 and PPE significantly improved tensile properties and decreased water solubility and water vapor permeability of the composite films (p < 0.05). HCS/KG films incorporated with TiO 2 and PPE presented remarkable anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and exhibited strong antioxidant activity due to the polyphenol compounds in PPE. All films properties not only changed with the content of TiO 2 and PPE, but also improved synergistically when they were added together. The developed composite films were used as coating for the preservation of Agaricus bisporus, and the weight, firmness and total soluble solids of A. bisporus were significantly maintained and browning was effectively inhibited during storage. Therefore, HCS/KG composite film/coating containing TiO 2 and PPE has great potential as an attractive commercialization technology to ensure the quality and extend the shelf life of foods.
... 12 It is a member of the biological activities of pomegranate plant extracts, which include antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cancer prevention, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective characteristics, as well as enhancements of sperm quality. [13][14][15][16][17] Pomegranate's therapeutic potential is linked to its phytochemical components, including tannins, ellagic acid, gallic acid, catechins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. 12,18,18 Several researchers have found that pomegranate peel extract contains more physiologically active components than edible pulp. ...
One of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levofloxacin (LEV), is used to treat a variety of illnesses leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Peel from Punica granatum is a waste product abundant in phytochemicals with various biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate P. granatum peel extract's (PGPE) potential to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and liver damage caused by LEV. There were four groups of rats: control, PGPE, LEV, and PGPE + LEV, respectively, and they were orally administered their daily treatments for 2 weeks. Results revealed that PGPE has a large number of phytochemical components with high antioxidant activity. PGPE intake alone enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased oxidative stress. On the other hand, pretreatment of the LEV group with PGPE restored oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, liver function biomarkers, and hematological parameters. Also, normalization of gene expressions (cyclooxygenase-2, transforming growth factor-beta1, caspase-3, heme oxygenase-1, B cell lymphoma-2, interleukin [IL]-10, and IL-1) and improvement in liver architecture, and immunohistochemical alpha-smooth muscle actin, were seen in comparison to the LEV group. Conclusively, PGPE exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant properties that shield rat liver from the damaging effects of LEV and offer a fresh viewpoint on the application of fruit waste products.
... Its high phenolic compound has been attributed to its antibacterial, antiseptic, antirheumatic and antioxidant capabilities. However, its efficacy is mostly dependent on the stability, size and size distribution of the nanoparticle, its surface function, its morphology, its shape and the material used in its synthesis [Khezerlou et al., 2018;Ismail et al., 2012]. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are among the most well-understood inorganic metal oxides nanoparticles, due to their ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions, strong antimicrobial properties, and low human toxicity [Tang and Ly, 2014]. ...
Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology book series aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology. The field of advanced and applied Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology has not only helped the development in various fields in Science and Technology but also contributes the improvement of the quality of human life to a great extent. The focus of the book would be on state-of-the-art technologies and advances in Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology and to provides a remarkable opportunity for the academic, research and industrial communities to address new challenges and share solutions.
... These "prebiotic-like" effects of polyphenols have been observed using both in vitro studies with human gut microbiota and in vivo in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Polyphenols also encourage the establishment of other advantageous species, such as Roseburia spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and AkkermansiaAkkermansia (Ismail et al., 2012;Espín et al., 2017). ...
Aim: The purpose of this umbrella review is to bring together the most recent reviews concerning the relationship between gut-microbiota and sport activity. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and focused on reviews and systematic reviews published between 2015 and June 2021 that dealt with the topic of microbiota and physical activity. Only articles written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals were considered. Key words related to the term microbiota alone or in conjunction with other terms such as "supplements", "diet", "probiotics", "prebiotics", "health", "physical activity", and "pathogens" were analyzed. The selection process was done first by analyzing the titles, then the abstracts, and finally the full text. Results: After screening the title and abstract, 29 articles were excluded. Therefore, 20 studies were included in the present umbrella review. The figure shows the steps of the selection process (Figure 1). The specifications of the presented articles are listed in Table 2. Conclusions: Exercise appears to be an environmental factor that can determine changes in the gut microbial composition with possible benefits for the host. Increased microbiota diversity improves metabolic profile and immunological responses and may provide a possible biomarker for health improvement. Exercise altered microbiota could be used to look for new approaches in the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
... [7] Human clinical data have also revealed encouraging anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate juice supplementation. [8] Further clinical research is required to support the use of pomegranate extracts and isolated compounds as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals. In addition to their metabolic bioactivities, emerging studies have highlighted the antimicrobial effects of pomegranates against various pathogens. ...
Pomegranates, which are renowned for their diverse bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, have garnered significant interest in the field of natural medicine. This study aimed to systematically investigate the phytochemical content, bioavailability, and antimicrobial effects of extracts derived from different parts of three Jordanian pomegranate cultivars, Kodari, Qerati, and Black. Comprehensive quantitative analyses revealed significantly higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacities in peel extracts, particularly in the Black and Qerati cultivars. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Bioavailability was determined using stimulated gastrointestinal digestion assays, revealing controlled release in gastric fluid compared to more substantial release in intestinal fluid, thereby suggesting potential implications for bioavailability. Furthermore, antimicrobial assays showed promising antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus in a time-dependent manner, although the efficacy varied among the cultivars and components. These findings underscore the multifaceted bioactive potential of pomegranate extracts, particularly those derived from optimized peel extracts, positioning them as promising natural preservatives or functional ingredients. However, further research is warranted to delve into specific bioactive constituents, absorption mechanisms, and their potential applications in diverse fields, such as foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. By expanding the current understanding of the factors influencing pomegranate bioactivities, this study lays the groundwork for tailored utilization of pomegranate fractions based on ideal phytochemical profiles and targeted effects.
... Due to the antioxidant property of pomegranate, it helps in stabilizing sunflower oil and provides thermal stability (Iqbal et al., 2008). The fruit skins of pomegranates include phenolic compounds such as flavonoids (anthocyanin, catechins) and tannins (punicalin, pedunculagin, punicalagin, ellagic and gallic acid) (Ismail et al., 2012). ...
India has the biggest market for fruits, vegetables, and flowers in Asia and generates enormous amounts of garbage every day. Numerous food sectors throughout the globe generate a substantial amount of waste in the form of peels or by-products. The environmental system is severely harmed by these wastes. Today, numerous methods are employed to come up with other applications for these wastes since the by-products are a great source of diverse bioactive compounds beneficial to human health, such as creatine, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. The current review offers several unique perspectives on using fruit peels to minimise waste generation and its detrimental effects. An innovative bio-refinery strategy would try to turn fruit peel waste into a greater variety of useful compounds. The leftovers from most extraction procedures may also be utilised as sustainable resources to make biofuels. This paper also discusses the use of various techniques employed while analysing substances in plant-based goods, including the latest advanced technology. Moreover, to make certain effective waste management solutions, a careful assessment of the economic and environmental advantages relative to current choices is required.
... [4] The flavonoids and phenols present in dried leaves of green tea and pomegranate peel, respectively, have proven to protect against diseases induced by oxidative stress. [5,6] Since there is a need for more published research assessing the efficiency of antioxidants on shear bond strength (SBS) of bleached enamel, this study was designed to assess the SBS of composites to bleached enamel using a 5% solution of grape seed, pomegranate peel, green tea extracts, and a 10% sodium ascorbate. ...
Aim
This study aims to assess and evaluate the application of 10% sodium ascorbate, 5% green tea extract, 5% pomegranate peel extract, and 5% grape seed extract on shear bond strength of composite to bleached enamel.
Materials and Methods
Sixty extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into seven groups. The enamel surface of these specimens was bleached with hydrogen peroxide (35%), except group VII (control group). Postbleaching, the specimens of group II were placed in artificial saliva for 2 weeks before restoration and the specimens of groups III and IV and groups V and VI underwent antioxidant application; 10% sodium ascorbate, 5% green tea extract, 5% pomegranate peel extract, 5% grape seed extract, respectively, for 10 min, followed by composite resin restoration, respectively. The specimens of group I were restored with composite resin immediately after bleaching. The specimens’ shear bond strength was tested using universal testing equipment. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference in the effects of various antioxidants on the shear bond strength of bleached enamel.
Conclusion
Within the constraints of the study, it was concluded that the application of antioxidants efficiently recovered the bond strength of bleached enamel. The application of 5% grape seed extract treatment demonstrated better bond strength among the antioxidants tested.
Clinical Significance
Antioxidants can be used immediately following bleaching to restore resin composite bond strength without the requirement of delay in the treatment to reduce the nascent oxygen species in bleached teeth.
... Despite the significant increases in SOD and TAC, current results indicate no significant differences in catalase activity between groups treated with vitamin C and organic selenium or between groups treated with organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel. The dismutation of superoxide (O 2 ) to H 2 O 2 is the primary scavenging function of SOD, with catalase and/or GSH-Px functions serving as secondary to convert H 2 O 2 to H 2 O [67,101]. ...
Simple Summary
Heat stress has become a global concern, one of the major environmental stressors, and causes substantial economic loss in the modern rabbit industry. Heat stress is caused by several factors such as high environmental temperature and humidity, causing a series of unfavorable changes in nutritional, physiological, and immunological functions, blood biochemical indexes, and antioxidant capacity. These factors negatively affect the productive performance and cecal fermentation and microbiota in rabbits. Thus, this study aimed to assess the potential use of feed additive strategies (e.g., vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel) to mitigate heat stress on rabbits, and to evaluate rabbit performance, antioxidant status, and cecal fermentation and microbiota under heat stress. Rabbits fed diets supplemented with vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel demonstrated significantly improved growth performance, nutrient digestion, concentrations of total and individual volatile fatty acids, and total cecal beneficial bacterial count. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in NH3-N concentration and pathogens’ counts (e.g., Enterococcus, coliforms, and E. coli) in the rabbit cecum. Blood biochemistry parameters and antioxidant capacity of rabbits supplemented with vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel were observed to be improved in comparison to those in the control group. The results showed the significant impact that vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel supplements play in alleviating heat stress and enhancing the positive effects on cecal fermentation and microbiota, antioxidant status, and rabbit performance. However, betaine supplementation had a superior positive impact on the nutritional and physiological profile of heat-stressed rabbits.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activity and sustainable biorefinery development of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel on the performance, cecal fermentation, and antioxidant status of growing rabbits to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress. A total of 105 male rabbits at 35 days old with an average weight of 752.55 ± 27.56 g were randomly assigned to five groups (21 rabbits in each). The experimental dietary groups included a control group fed a basal diet without additives (control group) and four treated groups, A, B, C, and D, fed a basal diet supplemented with either a 1000 mg vitamin C/kg diet, a 25 mg organic selenium/kg diet, a 1000 mg betaine/kg diet, or a 20 g pomegranate peel/kg diet, respectively. No negative group (not heat-stressed) was included in the trial. Rabbits given A, B, C, and D supplements showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in growth performance, nutrient digestion, concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic, and propionic acids, and total bacterial count, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in NH3-N concentration, Enterococcus, coliforms, and E. coli counts in the cecum of rabbits. Total protein, albumin, globulin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups supplemented with A, B, C, and D supplements compared to those in the control group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups supplemented with A, B, C, and D supplements compared to those in the control group. In conclusion, the finding showed that the supplementation of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel played a significant role in alleviating heat stress and had a further beneficial impact on rabbit performance, cecal fermentation and microbiota, and antioxidant status. However, betaine supplementation had a superior positive effect on the nutritional and physiological profile of heat-stressed rabbits.
... In Europe, a hot water extract of pomegranate peel is employed to alleviate inflammation [16]. The oral intake of a water extract from pomegranate peel is practiced in India to treat diarrhea and dysentery [17]. The fine powder derived from the flowers is utilized for respiratory disorders. ...
... They may have harmful effects by causing damage to the DNA, RNA, and proteins [29]. Pomegranate peels contain polyphenols that can be isolated and used as natural antioxidants in the food industry to prevent food oxidation and maintain the quality of food products [30]. Their phytochemical composition can significantly influence the biological activity of extracts from pomegranates. ...
... From this perspective, the importance of therapeutic herbs is unavoidable. Pomegranate, scientifically known as Punica granatum L. and belonging to the Lythraceae family, is used globally due to its rich medicinal and nutritional heritage (Boroushaki et al., 2016, Ismail et al., 2012. It is the healthiest fruit with high phenolic compounds (Kaderides et al., 2021). ...
The objective of the current study was to evaluate the potential of Punica granatum L peel in mice as an antidiarrheal and antidiabetic agent. In an antidiarrheal study, different doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) of methanolic pomegranate peel extract (PPE) were administrated to castor oil-induced (1 mL/kg) diarrheal mice. Mice administered loperamide hydrochloride (3 mg/kg) were treated as a baseline group. During the experiment, electrolyte and hematological levels were analyzed, and at the end, histopathology of the intestine was performed. For antidiabetic activity, PPE doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) and metformin hydrochloride were administered to alloxan-induced (150 mg/kg) diabetic mice groups, and biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed. Liver histopathology was done at the end of the experiment. The study found that castor oil caused diarrhea and had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on hematological parameters and electrolyte levels, compared with negative control group. PPE helped to restore altered parameters to normal levels. Histopathology of positive control group revealed abnormal cell structures, with irregularly arranged villi, unclear mucosal architecture of the ileal section, and nuclei cells were damaged and prone to collapsing. Significant dose-dependent recovery was observed in PPE-fed mice groups. After inducing and confirmation of diabetes with alloxan, all groups, except the negative control group, had significantly high glucose levels (p < 0.05). Levels of C-reactive protein and bilirubin were significantly altered, but PPE and metformin hydrochloride showed potential to improve these parameters. In positive control group mice, liver histology showed microvesicular fatty changes throughout the acinus, reactive Kupffer cells, mid-portal inflammation, reduced portal triad, centrilobular visibility, and well-differentiated central vein with well-formed nuclei. Similarly, significant dose-dependent recovery was observed 2 Italian Journal of Food Science, 2023; 35 (4) Bacha WA et al. in PPE-administrated mice groups. These results demonstrated that PPE had promising antidiarrheal and antidi-abetic potential.
... [10] A large body of evidence exists regarding the optimal antimicrobial properties of pomegranate skin and juice. [11][12][13] Pomegranate with the scientific name Punica granatum has several favorable properties. The pomegranate fruit has antioxidant properties. ...
Background
This study aimed to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of the whole pomegranate fruit on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and its clinical effect on dental plaque formation in 8–10-year-old children.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted in two phases of in vitro and clinical trial. In the in vitro phase, the antibacterial effect of 50%–50% hydroalcoholic extract of whole pomegranate fruit on S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed by the disc diffusion test. In the double-blind cross-over clinical trial phase, 14 children between 8 and 10 years were randomly assigned to two groups of 38% pomegranate mouthwash and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) after assessing their baseline dental plaque by oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S). The children were asked not to use any other plaque control measure during the study. Their OHI-S score was measured again after 5 and 14 days using disclosing tablets. Data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test at 0.05 level of significance.
Results
The hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate showed a positive antibacterial effect on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. However, its inhibitory effect was significantly lower than that of 0.12% CHX (P < 0.05). None of the tested mouthwashes inhibited plaque formation, but pomegranate mouthwash and CHX decreased the OHI-S score by 34% and 36%, respectively (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The whole pomegranate fruit hydroalcoholic extract showed significant inhibitory effects on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Furthermore, 38% pomegranate mouthwash had a comparable efficacy to CHX in the reduction of dental plaque.
... From this perspective, the importance of therapeutic herbs is unavoidable. Pomegranate, scientifically known as Punica granatum L. and belonging to the Lythraceae family, is used globally due to its rich medicinal and nutritional heritage (Boroushaki et al., 2016, Ismail et al., 2012. It is the healthiest fruit with high phenolic compounds (Kaderides et al., 2021). ...
The objective of the current study was to evaluate the potential of Punica granatum L peel in mice as an antidiarrheal and antidiabetic agent. In an antidiarrheal study, different doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) of methanolic pomegranate peel extract (PPE) were administrated to castor oil-induced (1 mL/kg) diarrheal mice. Mice administered loperamide hydrochloride (3 mg/kg) were treated as a baseline group. During the experiment, electrolyte and hematological levels were analyzed, and at the end, histopathology of the intestine was performed. For antidiabetic activity, PPE doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) and metformin hydrochloride were administered to alloxan-induced (150 mg/kg) diabetic mice groups, and biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed. Liver histopathology was done at the end of the experiment. The study found that castor oil caused diarrhea and had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on hematological parameters and electrolyte levels, compared with negative control group. PPE helped to restore altered parameters to normal levels. Histopathology of positive control group revealed abnormal cell structures, with irregularly arranged villi, unclear mucosal architecture of the ileal section, and nuclei cells were damaged and prone to collapsing. Significant dose-dependent recovery was observed in PPE-fed mice groups. After inducing and confirmation of diabetes with alloxan, all groups, except the negative control group, had significantly high glucose levels (p < 0.05). Levels of C-reactive protein and bilirubin were significantly altered, but PPE and metformin hydrochloride showed potential to improve these parameters. In positive control group mice, liver histology showed microvesicular fatty changes throughout the acinus, reactive Kupffer cells, mid-portal inflammation, reduced portal triad, centrilobular visibility, and well-differentiated central vein with well-formed nuclei. Similarly, significant dose-dependent recovery was observed 2 Italian Journal of Food Science, 2024; 36 (1) Bacha WA et al. in PPE-administrated mice groups. These results demonstrated that PPE had promising antidiarrheal and antidi-abetic potential.
Background: To investigate the anti-influenza mechanism of punicalagin and its inhibitory effects on influenza virus proteins, we conducted molecular docking studies targeting 11 viral proteins. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for the protein with the lowest free energy and the minimum concentration required for binding in a simulated environment. Methods: The molecular structure and data of punicalagin were obtained from the PubChem database and converted into a PDB file. FASTA sequences of viral proteins were retrieved from UniProt, and their PDB structures were predicted using the I-TASSER server. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock 4.2 software, while molecular dynamics simulations were conducted with Gromacs 2022 software. Results: The PB1-F2 protein exhibited the best inhibitory performance, with a binding energy of -5.76 kcal/mol and the lowest inhibition constant (Ki). Docking of punicalagin to the PB1-F2 protein led to a significant decrease in the average total energy (TE), radius of gyration (Rg), and root mean square deviation (RMSD), as well as alterations in the secondary structure of the protein (P < 0.001). The most prominent secondary structural change was a reduction in coil structures and an increase in turn structures. Conclusions: Punicalagin displayed a strong binding affinity for the PB1-F2 protein compared to other influenza viral proteins. Considering the role of PB1-F2 in exacerbating inflammation caused by influenza, punicalagin may mitigate inflammation in patients by modulating the activity of this protein.
Soil plays a very crucial role in supporting ecosystems and human civilization. Besides being a non-renewable and valuable resource, it has high variability in its properties and behaviour all over the World. Soil survey helps to prepare inventory of different kinds of soils and extent of distribution for the prediction of their characteristics and potentialities. Such knowledge is required for making better utilization of soils in a sustainable way. Traditional soil survey techniques are time consuming, labour intensive and costly. Recent advancements in computer and information technology have brought new techniques of soil resource mapping. Remote sensing (RS), Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) are such techniques for analysis the different features of soils over space and time. Present paper describes the role of RS, GIS and GPS technologies for mapping and characterizing soils at various scales. The spectral behaviour of soil and its components, which is fundamental to deriving information from RS data is also discussed.
The objective of this study is to assess the impact of pomegranate supplements on insulin resistance (IR) and insulin sensitivity through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Additionally, we aim to analyze the differences in efficacy among various pomegranate extracts and the sensitivity of different diseases to pomegranate supplementation. We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to October 30, 2023, for relevant studies published in English. The treatment group required the intake of pomegranate extract for a minimum of 4 weeks, with no restrictions on the extract type. The control group received a placebo or a treatment excluding pomegranate extract. The primary outcome was homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and fasting insulin (FI), and the secondary outcome was quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). RoB 2 was used to assess the risk of bias in the original studies. We pre‐specified subgroup analyses based on types of intervention, intervention duration, health condition, and intervention dose. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate result stability, utilizing Begg's test and Egger's test for publication bias. Data synthesis and analysis were performed using Stata 15.1 software. This study included a total of 15 RCTs with 673 participants conducted in 7 countries. Risk of bias results indicated an overall low risk of bias of the articles. Participants included healthy individuals, overweight and obese individuals, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, metabolic syndrome (MS) patients, and individuals with hyperlipidemia. Pomegranate extract variations included pomegranate juice (PJ), pomegranate seed oil (PSO) capsule, pomegranate/pomegranate peel (PP) extract capsule, and pomegranate peel‐added bread. The control groups primarily received placebo treatments with varying dosage and frequency. No adverse reactions were reported in any of the studies. The summary results showed that compared to the control groups, pomegranate extract had no significant impact on improving HOMA‐IR levels in participants (WMD = −0.03, 95%CI: −0.37 to 0.31, and p = 0.851) and FI (WMD = −0.03, 95%CI: −0.42 to 0.36, and p = 0.862). Additionally, there was no significant advantage of pomegranate extract on QUICKI changes in T2DM and PCOS patients (WMD = 0.00, 95%CI: 0.00 to 0.01, and p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis results indicated that pomegranate extract could improve HOMA‐IR levels in PCOS patients (WMD = −0.42, 95%CI: −0.54 to −0.29, and p < 0.001) and FI levels in T2DM, PCOS, and NAFLD patients. Our results indicate that pomegranate extract only improves HOMA‐IR and FI levels in PCOS patients and FI levels in T2DM and NAFLD patients. No significant difference has been found for HOMA‐IR, FI, or QUICKI in other metabolic diseases. The current evidence suggests that we should interpret the value of pomegranate extract in regulating IR and sensitivity cautiously. In the future, there is a need for more rigorously designed RCTs to specifically evaluate the impact of pomegranate supplementation on insulin sensitivity in patients with NAFLD, PCOS, and T2DM.
This study focuses on the fabrication of a biodegradable dry packaging material for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, with an emphasis on affordability for street vendors. Approximately 55% of waste originates from packaging materials. To address this issue, a biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol/Pomegranate peel powder (PVA/PPP) composite film was fabricated. The PVA, a water-soluble synthetic biodegradable polymer, served as the matrix, while PPP, an agro-waste product, was used as the filler. The PVA/PPP films were characterized through optical microscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, moisture absorption analysis, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability testing. The inclusion of PPP enhanced the film’s properties via increasing moisture absorption by 85%, reducing PVA crystallinity index from 33.2 to 17.5%, percentage crystallinity reduced from 73.90 to 0.57%, lowering WVTR from 0.063 to 0.042 g/h.m², low oxygen permeability and improving thermal stability up to 423 °C. Additionally, the pH of PPP (4.5) contributed to microbial resistance. The fabricated PVA/PPP films were fully biodegradable and produced via green synthesis without any hazardous chemicals. The use of PPP as a filler not only improved film performance but also reduced environmental hazard, demonstrating the material’s suitability for sustainable packaging applications.
BACKGROUND: Postharvest decay caused by Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Fusarium solani (fruit decay) negatively affects strawberry fruits during handling and marketing. OBJECTIVE: The effect of cinnamon oil, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and/or pomegranate peel powder were estimated on the growth of the two pathogenic fungi and their fruit decay incidence under in vitro and in vivo conditions. METHODS: The isolated fungi from decayed strawberry fruits were identified as Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium sp. The isolated Fusarium sp. was identified molecularly as Fusarium solani and registered in GenBank under accession number ON248575.1 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/ON248575.1). RESULTS: Complete fungal growth suppression was observed at a concentration of 3% for all tested materials, Additionally the same (100%) effect was achieved at 2% of a combination of essential oil, salts and pomegranate peel powder. Significant reduction in decay incidence and severity was observed in inoculated strawberry fruits treated with the same concentrations of the tested materials after 10 and 15 days of storage. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that cinnamon oil, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and/or pomegranate peel powder have potency as eco-friendly products, for safe postharvest treatments against strawberry fruit rots during storage. They could be recommended for use in packing-houses due to their wide utilization as safe food preservatives.
Fabricating a biodegradable packaging material is the requirement of this era to safeguard our planet from climatic change and waste management issues. Almost 55% of the waste was generated from packaging material used for various purposes. We have developed a biodegradable PVA/PPP composite film for dry packaging. The Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) water soluble, biodegradable polymer was taken as the matrix, and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) the agro waste material was chosen as the filler material. The developed PVA/PPP composite films were characterized with optical microscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA and moisture analysis. The addition of the filler PPP into the matrix PVA, increased the moisture absorption tendency, decreased the rate of water solubility of the PVA matrix, decreased the crystallinity of the matrix PVA and increased the thermal stability upto 423°C. The pH of the PPP filler material is 4.5, which assist in the preventing the microbial attack. All these characterizations revealed that the developed PVA/PPP composite films have better thermal stability over the matrix PVA. These PVA/PPP composite films can be used as packaging material for dry food substances, electronics, and other moisture free materials. The fabricated PVA/PPP composite films were completely biodegradable and developed via green synthesis without using hazardous materials. Another advantage over the fabrication was the utilization of the filler material PPP which will reduce the solid waste in the environment.
The growing trend of enhancing the nutritional value and bioavailability of baked goods by incorporating natural product components like pomegranate peel is gaining traction. Pomegranate peel, known for its medicinal and antioxidant properties, is often overlooked as a by-product in the pomegranate processing industry. In a recent study, a multigrain cake-rusk was developed by adding pomegranate peel powder (PPP) to a mix of wheat flour, chickpea flour, and pearl millet flour. As PPP content increased, sensory evaluations indicated a decrease in color, aroma, texture, taste, and overall acceptability scores. Proximate composition analysis showed that PPP-enriched cake-rusk had significantly higher levels of protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber compared to a control cake-rusk made only with wheat flour. Dietary fiber content also increased with greater PPP incorporation. Furthermore, the PPP-enriched cake-rusk exhibited higher levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. In terms of digestibility, PPP-added cake-rusk had lower in-vitro protein and starch digestibility than the control. Microbial analysis revealed reduced bacterial and fungal counts with increased PPP content, highlighting improved antimicrobial properties, aligning with previous studies on pomegranate waste. Over time, during storage, all cake-rusk samples saw declining organoleptic scores, with the control cake-rusk maintaining higher scores than the PPP-assisted version.
A novel approach known as seed priming has been developed to improve seed germination and, ultimately, increase growth and yield. For high-value crops like pomegranates (Punica granatum) in high-altitude regions like the Taif area, affordable, sustainable, and efficient seed treatments are yet to be discovered. In this study, we employed a green synthesis method using pomegranate peel and coffee ground extracts to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at a concentration of 80 mg/mL. These AgNPs were then utilized to prime pomegranate seeds for 24 h. Furthermore, a chemical reduction method using trisodium citrate was used for comparison. The adsorption of NPs was verified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), while their incorporation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We further validated our EM results with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). According to the findings of this study, AgNPs were observed to be present within seeds even after undergoing storage during priming. There is a possibility that the results obtained could potentially contribute to maintaining the quality of crops in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
In nature lies the solution to restore teeth with minimal damage. In this groundbreaking book, the management of dental challenges is presented from a new perspective. Natural Conservative Dentistry: An Alternative Approach to Solve Restorative Problems provides evidence-based solutions to dental challenges to researchers, practitioners and dental service providers. The main attribute of all these solutions is that they are all derived from natural ingredients. Natural ingredients are an effective alternative for dental care and management in contrast to synthetic products that have multiple side effects.
This book fills a knowledge gap on alternative and sustainable solutions derived from nature to respond effectively to dental challenges encountered in dental treatment for the conservation of the tooth. It is a compilation of the work of expert dentists that has been carried out in clinics for the management of dental problems.
Key Features
- Provides an insightful look at the prevention of dental diseases through evidence-based interventions using natural products in 9 referenced chapters
- Contains valuable contributions in restorative dentistry, such as caries prevention, enamel and dentin remineralization, dentin biomodification, dentin desensitization, vital pulp therapy, antioxidants, and tooth bleaching
- Provides an update on the current status of different ingredients used in oral health care products developed for commercial markets
- Includes notes on pathophysiology and diagnosis on specific conditions and sources of natural ingredients
The book is a valuable reference for trainees and professionals who want to enhance their restorative dentistry practice in the clinic.
This comprehensive literature review on pomegranate plants thoroughly examines the various aspects, including traditional uses, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds present in each part of the plant, and their potential activity on human health. The chemical composition of the pomegranate peel and the toxicology of the plant are also discussed. This review also contributes to the understanding of the various pharmacological actions of the pomegranate plant parts. The pharmacological actions of pomegranate include antibacterial activity, antiviral activity, anticancer activity, antioxidant properties, antimicrobial activity, anti-diabetic activity, dermatological activity, and furthermore.
Modern agriculture faces the immense challenge of satisfying the dietary requirements of an ever-expanding global population while simultaneously addressing pressing environmental issues. In response, the optimization of Nutrient utilization efficiency (NUE has emerged as a pivotal component of sustainable farming practices. This summary offers a glimpse into current strategies designed to bolster NUE, with the ultimate goal of augmenting the accessibility of vital nutrients for plants, thereby boosting crop yields and curbing the ecological impact of agriculture. Recent research projections suggest a substantial surge in global crop demand, with estimates ranging from 60 to 110 percent by the year 2050. This growth, driven by factors such as population expansion and changing dietary preferences, poses a significant challenge for agriculture. Nearly half of the rise in food grain production can be credited to the application of fertilizers, with nitrogen-based fertilizers playing a crucial role. Effective nutrient management strategies are needed for both categories to optimize NUE while minimizing nutrient losses to the environment. Modern strategies aimed at improving nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in agriculture. These strategies include fertigation, seed priming, biostimulants, and nanotechnology, which collectively offer innovative solutions to optimize nutrient delivery, enhance crop growth, and reduce the environmental footprint of farming practices. These solutions should encompass a holistic approach, focusing on nutrient application methods, crop breeding, soil health improvement, and the utilization of precision agriculture techniques. Leveraging advances in nanotechnology, biostimulants, and tailored fertilizers can enhance nutrient delivery to plants while reducing wastage. Strategies like seed priming, bio-inhibitors, and foliar fertilization are promising avenues for enhancing NUE. Efforts to enhance NUE not only contribute to food security but also mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture by reducing nutrient losses, minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, and conserving natural resources. As we move toward a future marked by increasing environmental consciousness and resource limitations, modern strategies for improving NUE will continue to play a pivotal role in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient fruit used in various systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. Objective of the study was to determine wound healing effect of aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel on normal and dexamethasone suppressed wounds in wistar rats. Three wound models viz. incision, excision and dead space wounds were used in this study. The parameters studied were breaking strength in case of incision wounds, epithelialization and wound contraction in case of excision wound and granulation tissue dry weight, breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in case of dead space wound. Aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel treated groups (100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in incision and granulation tissue breaking strength and hydroxylproline content as compared to control. Co administration of aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel at 100 mg/kg with dexamethasone had significantly (P<0.05) improved the incision wound, granulation tissue breaking strength and hydroxyproline content as compared to dexamethasone alone treated group. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in epithelization period and significant improvement in percentage of wound contraction with aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel as compared to control group and has effectively reversed the effects of dexamethasone (p<0.05). In this study, aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel has shown to posses wound healing property and it effectively reverses the dexamethasone suppressed wound healing in all the three wound models in wistar rats.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a gel containing the extract of Punica granatum as an antifungal agent against candidosis associated with denture stomatitis. Sixty patients with denture stomatitis confirmed by clinical and mycologic examination were selected. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups of 30 individuals each according to the medication prescribed: group A used miconazole (Daktarin(R) gel oral) and group B used a gel of P. granatum Linne (pomegranate). Both groups used the medicines three times per day for 15 days. Forty-eight hours after finishing the treatment the patients were re-examined and a second set of samples was collected for mycologic examination. The medicines were evaluated for their clinical response and negativity for Candida. The clinical results showed a satisfactory and regular response in 27 and 21 subjects of groups A and B, respectively. Negativity of yeasts was observed in 25 subjects of group A and 23 of group B. It can be concluded that the extract of P. granatum may be used as a topical antifungal agent for the treatment of candidosis associated with denture stomatitis.
Punica granatum (pomegranate) is commonly used in India as a traditional medicine for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. The present study investigates the antibacterial activity of Pomegranate rind extracts (alcoholic and aqueous) against various enteric pathogens. Both Standard strains and clinical isolates of Vibrio cholerae, Entero toxigenic E. coli, Entero pathogenic E. coli, Entero aggregative E.coli, Salmonella and Shigella species along with few strains of Candida were used in the study . Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed following standard procedure (Kirby-Bauer's diffusion method) by the punch well technique. The results obtained were encouraging as the ethanolic extract showed greater zones of inhibition against the various enteric pathogens tested in comparison with the aqueous extract. Most significant inhibitory effect was seen against Shigella flexneri and Aeromonas hydrophila.
A wide range of medicinal plant parts is used as raw drugs and they possess varied medicinal properties. The different parts used as raw drugs include root, stem, flower, fruit, twigs exudates and modified plant organs. The Punica granatum is a native shrub of occidental Asia and Mediterranean Europe that has a rich history of traditional use in medicine. For centuries, the barks, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds of this plant have been used to treat various diseases. The aim of this present review is to throw light on the therapeutic utility of various parts of pomegranate. INTRODUCTION: Punica granutam is popularly known as pomegranate (Anar). It is a member of Punicaceae family, which is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to Asia 1, 2 . Punica granutam have been used in folk medicine for centuries in the Middle East, India, and China, and it has been used to treat ailments ranging from inflammation and rheumatism to the pain of a simple sore throat. The most famous usage worldwide has been as a vermifugal or taenicidal agent 3, 4 i.e., a killer and expeller of intestinal worms. The pericarp is used by Chinese and South Africans for the treatment of diarrhea, metrorrhagia, metrostaxia, and bellyachea. In Unani medicine its flower is used as a food supplement to treat diabetes mellitus.
The antioxidant activities of peel, pulp and seed fractions of 28 fruits commonly consumed in China were determined using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay). The contribution of vitamin C to the antioxidant activity of fruit pulps was also calculated. The results showed that hawthorn pulp had the highest FRAP value among all fruit pulps and followed by date, guava, kiwifruit, purple mulberry, strawberry, white pomegranate, lukan and honey tangerine pulps and etc. Most of fruit peel and seed fractions were stronger than the pulp fractions in antioxidant activity based on their FRAP values. The contribution of vitamin C to the FRAP value of fruit pulps varied greatly from fruit to fruit as calculated. We concluded that peel and seed fractions of some fruits, such as pomegranate peel, grape seed, hawthorn peel, longan and lychee seeds possessed relatively high antioxidant activity and might be rich sources of natural antioxidants.
Twelve pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars obtained from different growing regions of Iran were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. These properties included fruit fresh weight, volume and density, peel thickness, soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), EC, pH, vitamin C, ellagic acid content of juice and peel, total antioxidant activity of peel and juice and etc. Fruit weight ranged from 103.38 to 505.00 g and fruit volume from 99.41 to 547.88 cm . Similarly, average fruit density ranged from 3 0.91 g.cm̄ to 1.04 g.cm̄ and peel thickness of the fruit was recorded from 1.60 to 6.01 mm. Reducing sugars 3 3 ranged between 13.89 to 29.83 g/100 ml, total soluble solids ranged from 15.17 to 22.03 (°Brix) and titratable acidity ranged between 0.35% and 3.36% in pomegranate juices. pH and vitamin C content also ranged between 2.75-4.14 and 9.68-17.45 mg/100 ml, respectively. According to the results of HPLC, ellagic acid content of juice and peel ranged between 1-2.38 mg/100 ml and 10-50.00 mg/100 g, respectively. Total antioxidant activity measured by FRAP assay with a range of 225.17-705.50 (mmol/100 g) and 157.33-419.33 (mmol/100 ml) in peel and juice, respectively.
Pomegranate peels (PP) are underestimated as an agricultural waste. In this work, antioxidant efficacy of PP extracts has been estimated in stabilization of sunflower oil. Methanolic extract was found to be highest in yield, i.e. 29.16% and antioxidant activity 92.69% as compared to other solvents ranging in yield 13.96–21.14% and antioxidant activity 42.11–89.23%. Thermal stability of methanolic extracts was evaluated by heating the extract at 185 °C up to 80 min and evaluating the antioxidant activity of extract for different intervals during storage period and exhibited 66.23% inhibition of peroxidation after 80 min heating time. Methanolic extracts of PP at three concentrations, i.e. 250 (SFO-250), 500 (SFO-500) and 1000 ppm (SFO-1000) were added to preheated RBD sunflower oil. BHT at 200 ppm (SFO-BHT) served as standard besides a control (ctrl). Weight gain (WG), antioxidant activity index (AAI), peroxide value (PV), conjugated dienes (CD), conjugated trienes (CT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were taken as the parameters for evaluation of stabilization efficacy of methanolic extracts of PP. Results from different parameters were in agreement with each other, suggesting higher efficiency of SFO-1000 followed by SFO-BHT, SFO-500, SFO-250 and Ctrl samples, respectively, with the exception of CD; which suggested higher efficiency of SFO-500 over SFO-BHT. Results reveal PP to be a potent antioxidant for the stabilization of sunflower oil.
This work was undertaken to explore the potential of fruit waste materials as sources of powerful natural antioxidants. The peels of eight kinds of fruits commonly consumed and grown in Thailand were used. The ethanolic fruit peel extracts were subjected to the scavenging tests of DPPH and ABTS radicals. Results from both assays were in good agreement that the top three markedly high free radical-scavenging power was from the peel extracts of Punica granatum (pomegranate), Nephelium lappaceum (rambutan), and Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen). The IC50 values to quench the DPPH free radicals of these three extracts were 0.003, 0.006, and 0.023 mg/ml and the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values from ABTS assay were 4.066, 3.074, and 3.001 mM/mg, respectively. The extract of mangosteen peel showed moderate toxicity to Caco-2 cells and high toxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with the IC50 values of 32.0 and 4.9 μg/ml, respectively. Pomegranate peel extract stimulated Caco-2 cell and PBMC proliferation with the ED50 of 4.7 and 44.4 μg/ml, respectively. Peel extract of rambutan exhibited extremely high value of IC50 (>100 μg/ml) against both cell types indicating non-toxic activity to the cells. It was concluded that the peel of rambutan may be considered potentially useful as a source of natural antioxidants for food or drug product because of its high antioxidant activity and non-toxic property to normal cells.
Inflammation can cause various physical dysfunctions. Punica granatum Linne (pomegranate), a high phenolic content fruit, is widely used as an antipyretic analgesic in Chinese culture. Pomegranate has shown potential nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, pomegranate (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased carrageenan-induced mice paw edema for 1, 3, 4, and 5 h. Therefore, column chromatography combined with in vitro bioassay-guided fractionation was used to isolate the active anti-inflammatory components from the pomegranate. Punicalagin (1), punicalin (2), strictinin A (3), and granatin B (4) were obtained with yields of 0.093%, 0.015%, 0.003%, and 0.013%, respectively. All these hydrolysable tannins inhibited NO production and iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, 4 showed the strongest iNOS and COX-2 inhibitory effects, and exhibited these effects in the inhibition of paw swelling and the PGE2 level in carrageenan-induced mice. Taken together, we suggest that 4 could be used as a standard marker for the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate.
Studies have shown that pomegranate, Punica granatum Linn. (Lythraceae), has remarkable biological and medicinal properties.
This work aimed to explore and compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extract (MoE) obtained from fruit peels of two varieties of pomegranate: Amrouz (MoEA) and Sefri (MoES).
Antinociceptive activity of MoEA and MoES was examined using four models of pain. The extracts were administered by the intraperitoneal route (i.p.) in writhing (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) and formalin tests (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and by intra-cerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) in hotplate and tail-immersion tests (10, 25 and 50 µg/3 µl/rat). anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the hind paw egg albumin test (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p.).
In the writhing test, the index of pain inhibition (IPI) was 52% for MoEA (150 mg/kg, i.p.) and 29% for MoES (150 mg/kg, i.p.). In the formalin test, the IPI of early and late phase were, respectively, 75% and 82% for MoEA (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and 8% and 63% for MoES (100 mg/kg, i.p.). In the hotplate and tail-immersion test, MoEA and MoES increased in a dosedependent manner the reaction latency to the thermal stimuli. MoEA seems to be more potent than MoES. Only the analgesic effect of MoEA was partially inhibited by pretreatment with naloxone. Both extracts exerted a significant anti-inflammatory effect.
The results demonstrated that P. granatum contains active constituents, which possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, justifying its popular uses.
It is estimated that one in eight women will be affected with cancer during their lives, which means over 1 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the year of 2011. Roughly, 70% of breast cancer will be estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) positive. The presence of ER-α is associated with better prognosis and is able to determine if tumors will respond to the estrogen-blocking/ER-antagonist drug Tamoxifen (TAM). However, a significant fraction of ER-positive tumors respond with minimal or no response to TAM. It is unclear why some breast cancer cells resist TAM and how to make these cells respond. Early evidence suggests Pomegranate fruit extracts (PFEs) exhibit an anticancer effect against some cancers. The objective of the study was to determine whether PFEs may able to enhance/sensitize the TAM's effect in ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. To test the hypothesis, we determined the effect of PFEs on sensitive and TAM-resistant-MCF-7 cell viability and cell death in the presence or absence of TAM under estrogenic or non-estrogenic culture environment. The present studies demonstrated that PFEs enhance the TAM action in both sensitive and TAM-resistant MCF-7 cells through the inhibition of cell viability (regular or estrogen-induced) by inducing cell-death machinery. Collectively, the results showed for the first time that pomegranate combined with TAM may represent a novel and a powerful approach to enhance and sensitize TAM action.
The sun-dried rind of the immature fruit of pomegranate (Punica granatum) is presently used as a herbal formulation (OMARIA, Orissa Malaria Research Indigenous Attempt) in Orissa, India, for the therapy and prophylaxis of malaria. The pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, a complication of the infection by Plasmodium falciparum, is an inflammatory cytokine-driven disease associated to an up-regulation and activity of metalloproteinase-9 and to the increase of TNF production. The in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of Punica granatum (Pg) was recently described. The aim of the present study was to explore whether the anti-malarial effect of OMARIA could also be sustained via other mechanisms among those associated to the host immune response.
From the methanolic extract of the fruit rind, a fraction enriched in tannins (Pg-FET) was prepared. MMP-9 secretion and expression were evaluated in THP-1 cells stimulated with haemozoin or TNF. The assays were conducted in the presence of the Pg-FET and its chemical constituents ellagic acid and punicalagin. The effect of urolithins, the ellagitannin metabolites formed by human intestinal microflora, was also investigated.
Pg-FET and its constituents inhibited the secretion of MMP-9 induced by haemozoin or TNF. The effect occurred at transcriptional level since MMP-9 mRNA levels were lower in the presence of the tested compounds. Urolithins as well inhibited MMP-9 secretion and expression. Pg-FET and pure compounds also inhibited MMP-9 promoter activity and NF-kB-driven transcription.
The beneficial effect of the fruit rind of Punica granatum for the treatment of malarial disease may be attributed to the anti-parasitic activity and the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mechanisms involved in the onset of cerebral malaria.
Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors. The aromatase enzyme, which converts androgen to estrogen, plays a key role in breast carcinogenesis. The pomegranate fruit, a rich source of ellagitannins (ET), has attracted recent attention due to its anticancer and antiatherosclerotic properties. On consumption, pomegranate ETs hydrolyze, releasing ellagic acid, which is then converted to 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one ("urolithin") derivatives by gut microflora. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antiaromatase activity and inhibition of testosterone-induced breast cancer cell proliferation by ET-derived compounds isolated from pomegranates. A panel of 10 ET-derived compounds including ellagic acid, gallagic acid, and urolithins A and B (and their acetylated, methylated, and sulfated analogues prepared in our laboratory) were examined for their ability to inhibit aromatase activity and testosterone-induced breast cancer cell proliferation. Using a microsomal aromatase assay, we screened the panel of ET-derived compounds and identified six with antiaromatase activity. Among these, urolithin B (UB) was shown to most effectively inhibit aromatase activity in a live cell assay. Kinetic analysis of UB showed mixed inhibition, suggesting more than one inhibitory mechanism. Proliferation assays also determined that UB significantly inhibited testosterone-induced MCF-7aro cell proliferation. The remaining test compounds also exhibited antiproliferative activity, but to a lesser degree than UB. These studies suggest that pomegranate ET-derived compounds have potential for the prevention of estrogen-responsive breast cancers.
Pomegranate fruit extracts (PFEs) possess polyphenolic and other compounds with antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in prostate, lung, and other cancers. Because nuclear transcription factor-kB (NF-kB) is known to regulate cell survival, proliferation, tumorigenesis, and inflammation, it was postulated that PFEs may exert anticancer effects at least in part by modulating NF-kB activity.
The authors investigated the effect of a novel, defined PFE consisting of both fermented juice and seed oil on the NF-kB pathway, which is constitutively active in aggressive breast cancer cell lines. The effects of the PFE on NF-kB-regulated cellular processes such as cell survival, proliferation, and invasion were also examined.
Analytical characterization of the bioactive components of the PFE revealed active constituents, mainly ellagitannins and phenolic acids in the aqueous PFE and conjugated octadecatrienoic acids in the lipid PFE derived from seeds.The aqueous PFE dose-dependently inhibited NF-kB-dependent reporter gene expression associated with proliferation, invasion, and motility in aggressive breast cancer phenotypes while decreasing RhoC and RhoA protein expression.
Inhibition of motility and invasion by PFEs, coincident with suppressed RhoC and RhoA protein expression, suggests a role for these defined extracts in lowering the metastatic potential of aggressive breast cancer species.
This study was designed to investigate the protective and antioxidant properties of Punica granatum (PG) beverage against trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-exposure in rats. The hepatopreventive and antioxidant potential of the plant's infusion was evaluated by measuring level of serum enzymes, antioxidant defense systems (ADS) and lipid peroxidation content in various organs of rats. Three experimental groups: A (untreated=control), B (only TCA-treated) and C (TCA+PG treated). According to the results, while the levels of AST and ALT increased significantly in B groups' they decreased significantly in the C groups'. LDH and CK did not change significantly in B groups' whereas decreased significantly in the C groups'. Liver, brain, kidney and heart tissues MDA content significantly increased in B groups', whereas no significant changes were observed in the C groups'. On the other hand, SOD decreased significantly in liver of the B group but did not change significantly in the C groups'. GST activity increased significantly in liver, brain and spleen of C group while significant decrease was observed for kidney as compared to those of control. Hence, the study reveals that constituents present in PG impart protection against carcinogenic chemical induced oxidative injury that may result in development of cancer during the period of a 52-day protective exposure.
Aqueous extracts from the epicarp of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate), used in folk medicine as anthelmintic, were tested in mice to evaluate its toxicity. Mutagenesis did not occurred in bone marrow cells from the femur of the animals submitted to intragastric administration at the doses of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg for 3 days. Acute lethality was observed at the doses of 4 g/kg.
The methanolic extract of Punica granatum showed broad-spectrum activity against different bacterial strains isolated from urine of patients belonging to different age and sex, who had urinary infection. The antibacterial effect of the methanolic extract was studied by disc diffusion method and compared with six commercially available antibiotics, which are therapeutically used for urinary tract infections. The extract showed antibacterial activities against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria including the multi-drug resistant strains of many urinary pathogens like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Out of 163 multi-drug resistant strains tested, 159 were appreciably inhibited by the pomegranate extract.
Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and its global incidence is rising rapidly. Adjuvant hormonal therapy, with antiestrogens (AE) such as tamoxifen and fulvestrant, is highly effective in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers and is largely responsible for the increase in survival rates seen in the past four decades. However, nearly 50% of women with ER+ cancer display de novo or acquired resistance to AE therapies. Potential molecular mechanisms driving the resistance phenotype are beginning to be elucidated, allowing further development of more effective therapeutic and preventive strategies to reduce the overall mortality due to breast cancer. Over 70% of breast cancer survivors surveyed report increasing their comsumption of fruits, vegetables, and natural product supplements upon diagnosis. These are rich sources of dietary polyphenols (PPs) that can interact with cell-signaling pathways involved in the development of AE resistance. However, research on mechanisms by which these agents may affect AE resistance and whether PP intake can significantly change breast cancer recurrence is limited. We summarize the available data on the effects of PPs on breast cancer recurrence and the interactions of these compounds with some of the signaling pathways hypothesized to drive cell death and survival involved in the development of AE resistance in breast cancer.
The aim of this work was to determine the total phenol (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), tannins contents (TCs) and antioxidant properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder coproduct (PPP) in view to its application in the food industry as ingredient. The antioxidant activity of the PPP was determined by means of four different antioxidant tests (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing power, ferrous ion-chelating and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) and the TPC, TFCs and TC were also determined. The PPP showed a content of TPC of 54.84 mg gallic acid equivalents/g sample; a TFC content of 42.36 mg rutin equivalent /g sample and a TC of 21.25 mg catechin equivalent/g sample. As regards the antioxidant properties, PPP has good antioxidant activity at all concentrations tested (0.2, 0.5, 1 and 10 g/L) and all methods used, but in general terms, this activity is lower than that shown by the positive control (butylated hydroxytoluene) used.
The pomegranate peel extracts could be suitable for applications on the food industry because they are an important source of phenolic, flavonoids and tannins compounds; indeed, the antioxidant properties of this extract could be very appreciated in a big number of food processing to avoid its spoilage during processing but also during storage period. Other important reason for their suitability is their natural origin, which consumers find comforting.
The IGF axis is critical for the regulation of apoptosis in many human cancer cell lines. Recently, potent anti-tumorigenic effects of pomegranate juice and extracts have been reported. Consequently, pomegranate has potential not only as a treatment but also as a preventative measure against certain types of cancer, including prostate. In this study, we investigated the relationship between pomegranate-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells and the IGF/IGFBP system. Treatment of LAPC4 prostate cancer cells with 10 μg/ml POMx, a highly potent pomegranate extract prepared from skin and arils minus seeds and standardized to ellagitannin content (37% punicalagins by HPLC), resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, co-treatment with POMx and IGFBP-3 revealed synergistic stimulation of apoptosis and additive inhibition of cell growth. Western blot analysis revealed that treatment with POMx or POMx/IGFBP-3 combination resulted in increased JNK phosphorylation, and decreased Akt and mTOR activation, consistent with a growth inhibitory, pro-apoptotic function. We also investigated the relationship between IGF-1 and pomegranate-induced apoptosis in 22RV1 prostate cancer cells. Co-treatment with 100 ng/ml IGF-1 completely blocked apoptosis induction by POMx. In contrast, IGF-I failed to inhibit POMx-induced apoptosis in R- cells, suggesting the importance of IGF-IR. POMx-treatment decreased Igf1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner indicating that its actions also involve tumor-specific suppression of IGF-1. These studies revealed novel interactions between the IGF system and pomegranate-induced apoptosis.
Microorganisms such as fungi are one of the most important factors that cause oxidative processes during postharvest stage and consequently deterioration of agriculture products would not be unexpected. On the other hand, high antioxidant properties of industrial by-products of pomegranate propose them as powerful antioxidant and antifungal substances. So to investigate the antioxidant and antifungal properties of pomegranate, two independent factorial experiments based on randomized design with 5 replications were conducted. In the first experiment the effect of 3 different parts of pomegranate (peel, seed and leaf) and 2 different kinds of extracts (aqueous and methanolic) with 4 concentrations (0, 500, 1000 and 1500ppm) were investigated on 3 postharvest fungi (Penicillium italicum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Botrytis cinerea). In the second experiment antioxidant capacity and phenolic content were measured for two different extracts from different parts. Based on the results the methanolic extract showed the highest inhibitory effects on the mycelia growth (IMG) and spore germination (ISG) with 49.82 and 41.25% respectively. On the other hand, peel and seed extracts had more inhibitory effect (IMG and ISG) than leaf extract. The phenolic content of peel extract were also measured 2.8 fold higher than pomegranate leaf extract and antioxidant capacity of peel, seed and leaf extracts of pomegranate were 55.3%, 35.7% and 16.4% respectively. Therefore, it seems that the high percentage of phenolic content in the peel and seed of pomegranate could cause the high antifungal and antioxidant activity of their extracts.
Punica granatum (P. granatum) Linn. pericarp has been commonly employed as a crude drug in Thai traditional medicines for the treatment of diarrhea. The antibacterial activity of extracts from P. granatum pericarp against different strains of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 and other strains of enterohemorrhagic E. coli were investigated. Successive chloroform, 95% ethanol, and water extracts of the plant were examined. The ethanolic extract was found to be the most effective against all the strains examined. Both the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of P. granatum pericarp were demonstrated to have high activity with the highest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.05 and 0.05 and 0.39 and 0.19 mg/ml, respectively. The inhibitory effects of both fractions on the production of verocytotoxin (VT)1 and VT2 by enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 was observed at very low concentrations of 1/10 of the MIC value (0.05-0.09 mg/ml, respectively). Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts demonstrated that they contain flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, phenols, and tannins. Our findings suggest that an appropriate bioactive compound may be developed from P. granatum pericarp as alternative treatment for this E. coli O157:H7 infection. The crude plant may also be administered to prevent VT production in the human intestine to solve the problem of subinhibitory effects from the use of antibiotics.
Phenolic compounds were extracted from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, mesocarp and arils. Extracts and juices were characterised by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS(n). In total, 48 compounds were detected, among which 9 anthocyanins, 2 gallotannins, 22 ellagitannins, 2 gallagyl esters, 4 hydroxybenzoic acids, 7 hydroxycinnamic acids and 1 dihydroflavonol were identified based on their UV spectra and fragmentation patterns in collision-induced dissociation experiments. To the best of our knowledge, cyanidin-pentoside-hexoside, valoneic acid bilactone, brevifolin carboxylic acid, vanillic acid 4-glucoside and dihydrokaempferol-hexoside are reported for the first time in pomegranate fruits. Furthermore, punicalagin and pedunculagin I were isolated by preparative HPLC and used for quantification purposes. The ellagitannins were found to be the predominant phenolics in all samples investigated, among them punicalagin ranging from 11 to 20g per kilogram dry matter of mesocarp and peel as well as 4-565mg/L in the juices. The isolated compounds, extracts and juices were also assessed by the TEAC, FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu assays revealing high correlation (R(2)=0.9995) of the TEAC and FRAP values, but also with total phenolic contents as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and by HPLC. Selection of raw materials, i.e. co-extraction of arils and peel, and pressure, respectively, markedly affected the profiles and contents of phenolics in the pomegranate juices, underlining the necessity to optimise these parameters for obtaining products with well-defined functional properties.
The antioxidant activity of pomegranate juices was evaluated by four different methods (ABTS, DPPH, DMPD, and FRAP) and compared to those of red wine and a green tea infusion. Commercial pomegranate juices showed an antioxidant activity (18−20 TEAC) three times higher than those of red wine and green tea (6−8 TEAC). The activity was higher in commercial juices extracted from whole pomegranates than in experimental juices obtained from the arils only (12−14 TEAC). HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS analyses of the juices revealed that commercial juices contained the pomegranate tannin punicalagin (1500−1900 mg/L) while only traces of this compound were detected in the experimental juice obtained from arils in the laboratory. This shows that pomegranate industrial processing extracts some of the hydrolyzable tannins present in the fruit rind. This could account for the higher antioxidant activity of commercial juices compared to the experimental ones. In addition, anthocyanins, ellagic acid derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannins were detected and quantified in the pomegranate juices. Keywords: Pomegranate; Punica granatum; Punicaceae; juice; phenolics; anthocyanins; ellagic acid; punicalagin; tannins; antioxidant activity; ABTS; DPPH; DMPD; FRAP
The radical scavenging activity, reducing power and phenolic composition of pomegranate rind powder extract (RP) were determined and antioxidant properties of RP was evaluated in cooked chicken patties compared with vitamin C (VC) during refrigerated storage. Freshly minced chicken meat were assigned to one of the following six treatments: control (meat without any antioxidant); RP 5, RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20 (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg equivalent RP phenolics 100 g−1 meat, respectively) and VC 50 (50 mg VC 100 g−1 meat). The RP exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. Incorporation of RP into chicken patties significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the HunterLab L* values compared with control and VC patties. Total phenolic content (as tannic acid equivalent) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 308 in control to 441 μg g−1 in RP 20 patties. Addition of RP to chicken patties did not affect any of the sensory attributes. The values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 1.530 in control patties to 0.135 mg malonaldehyde kg−1 samples in RP patties. Pomegranate rind powder extract treatment (RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20) substantially inhibited (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties to a much greater extent than VC treatment. Therefore, pomegranate rind powder can be utilized as an excellent natural antioxidant source.
Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) husk, a by‐product of the pomegranate juice industry, is an inexpensive and abundant source of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is widely used as functional food for its physiological functions. It is the breakdown product of ellagitannins. To date, the preparation of ellagic acid from pomegranate husk has not been reported. This article reports a new process for ellagic acid production from pomegranate husk by extraction of tannins followed by acid hydrolysis and purification by extraction and recrystallization. Several tests were conducted to obtain optimum conditions including extraction of tannins by varying solvents, acid concentration and reaction time for acid hydrolysis and the volume of methanol used for purification. Ellagic acid (3.5 g) with 90% purity from 100 g pomegranate husk was obtained. This new method is easy to scale up. All equipment used in this production process is widely used in food processing industry. The cost of production is low. It is suitable for industrial applications.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The production of ellagic acid is easier and the yield and purity of ellagic acid produced this way are higher than before. This method can be used not only for experiment in laboratory but also for industrial applications. The material – pomegranate husk – is a by‐product of the pomegranate juice industry, so it is very cheap and easy to get. High‐purity ellagic acid produced this way is sold to many companies back home and abroad. It is used as food additive and cosmetic material because of its antioxidant activity and whiteningfunction. The toxicity of pomegranate husk is lower than that of gallnut, which has been the main material of ellagic acid production in the past. Reagents are common and inexpensive; some of them are reusable.
Pomegranate peels are one of the most valuable by-products of the food industry in terms of polyphenols which are conventionally extracted from plant materials by organic solvents, especially with methanol. Pressurised water extraction was investigated for the extraction of polyphenols from pomegranate peels. The most important factors affecting the extraction results were found to be particle size, temperature, and static time. The results indicated that pressurised water extraction was as effective as conventional methanol extraction for the recovery of polyphenols from pomegranate peels. Total phenolic contents of pomegranate peels obtained by pressurised water extraction at optimised conditions and conventional solid–liquid methanol extraction were determined as 264.3 and 258.2 mg/g tannic acid equivalents, respectively. Hydrolyzable tannins were the predominant polyphenols of pomegranate peels corresponding to 262.7 mg/g tannic acid equivalents. Punicalagin content of pomegranate peels by pressurised water extraction was found to be 116.6 mg/g on dry matter basis.
Pomegranate peels were powdered and extracted with ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol (MeOH), and water for 1 h each at room temperature. Radical-scavenging activity of dried ethyl acetate, acetone, MeOH, and water extracts of pomegranate peels were compared with butylated hydroxyanisole at 5, 10, 25, and 50 ppm by high-performance liquid chromatography method using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. MeOH extract exhibited stronger radical-scavenging effect than others. MeOH extract showed marked reducing power in potassium ferricyanide reduction method. Antibacterial activity of acetone, MeOH, and water extracts was evaluated by pour plate method against a few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Acetone extract showed the highest antibacterial activity, followed by MeOH and water extract.
Dried pomegranate peels were powdered and extracted in a Soxhlet extractor with ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetone, methanol and water for 4 h each. The dried extracts were used to determine their antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex and antimutagenicity against the mutagenicity of sodium azide by the Ames test. All the peel extracts exhibited marked antioxidant capacity, but the water extract was the lowest. The order of antioxidant capacity varied because of differential responses at four concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/ml) in each solvent. All the extracts decreased sodium azide mutagènicity in Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA100 and TA1535), either weakly or strongly. At 2500 μg/plate all the extracts showed strong antimutagenicity. The antimutagenicity of the water extract was followed by acetone, EtOAc and methanol extracts. The overall results showed that the pomegranate peel extracts have both antioxidant and antimutagenic properties and may be exploited as biopreservatives in food applications and neutraceuticals.
To develop value-added antioxidants from the peel and seeds of pomegranate marc, a by-product after pomegranate juice processing, the effects of drying before extraction and processing parameters on the extraction kinetics and product properties were systematically studied using water as an environmental friendly solvent for the extraction. The results showed that the drying process did not significantly affect the yield, content, and activity of antioxidants from either the peel or seeds. The antioxidants extracted from the peel had higher yield and content than those from the seeds. The yield and content of antioxidants increased with reduced particle size and increased water/sample ratio and temperature, but antioxidant activity was low when extraction temperature was high. By considering the antioxidant activity and operation cost, the recommended extraction conditions were peel particle size of 0.2 mm, water/peel ratio of 50/1 (w/w), temperature of 25 °C, and extraction time of 2 min, which gave the high antioxidant yield (11.5%) and content (22.9%), and DPPH scavenging activity of 6.2 g/g. Kinetic models were successfully developed for describing the extraction processes with different processing parameters.
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of standardised pomegranate rind extract (SPRE) containing 13% w/w ellagic acid were studied in vitro. The antibacterial activity of SPRE was determined using the disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. SPRE exhibited a potent bacteriostatic effect against Propionibacterium acnes, a Gram-positive anaerobe, with a MIC of 15.6 μg/ml, and Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with MICs of 7.8–15.6 μg/ml. Anti-inflammatory activity of SPRE was evaluated by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. SPRE exhibited a potent NO inhibitory effect, with an IC50 of 10.7 μg/ml. Evaluation of the anti-allergic activity showed that SPRE inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase from antigen-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells with an IC50 of 20.9 μg/ml. In addition, SPRE exhibited only moderate cytotoxicity on human keratinocyte cells, with CC50 of 33.6 μg/ml. These findings support the potential use of SPRE as a nutraceutical for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic proposes.
The human placenta is key to pregnancy outcome, and the elevated oxidative stress present in many complicated pregnancies contributes to placental dysfunction and suboptimal pregnancy outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that pomegranate juice, which is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, limits placental trophoblast injury in vivo and in vitro. Pregnant women with singleton pregnancies were randomized at 35∼38 wk gestation to 8 oz/day of pomegranate juice or apple juice (placebo) until the time of delivery. Placental tissues from 12 patients (4 in the pomegranate group and 8 in the control group) were collected for analysis of oxidative stress. The preliminary in vivo results were extended to oxidative stress and cell death assays in vitro. Placental explants and cultured primary human trophoblasts were exposed to pomegranate juice or glucose (control) under defined oxygen tensions and chemical stimuli. We found decreased oxidative stress in term human placentas from women who labored after prenatal ingestion of pomegranate juice compared with apple juice as control. Moreover, pomegranate juice reduced in vitro oxidative stress, apoptosis, and global cell death in term villous explants and primary trophoblast cultures exposed to hypoxia, the hypoxia mimetic cobalt chloride, and the kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Punicalagin, but not ellagic acid, both prominent polyphenols in pom