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Composition and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate: A Review
Abstract
Background: Pomegranate (Punicagranatum L.) fruits are widely consumed and used as preventive and therapeutic agents since ancient times. Pomegranate is a rich source of a variety of phytochemicals, which are responsible for its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential.
• Objective: The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge on chemical structure and potential health benefits of pomegranate.
• Method: A comprehensive search of available literature.
• Results: The review of the literature confirms that juice as well as extracts obtained from different parts of this plant, including fruit peel, seeds, and leaves exert health benefits in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial and anti-tumour effects of pomegranate fruit are of particular scientific and clinical interest.
• Conclusion: Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the bioactive ingredients and to reveal full potential of pomegranate as both preventive and therapeutic agent.
... [63] Currently, it is cultivated in Iran, Africa, Afghanistan, South Caucasus, the Mediterranean region, and North and South America. [64] The fruit of pomegranate is a round berry with a solid reddish rind. The inner part of the rind is a white, thin mesocarp that forms chambers with edible arils. ...
... [65] Pomegranate is a very good and strong antioxidant than vitamins A, E, or C due to its high content of polyphenols. [64,66] Several studies have demonstrated that pomegranate fruit juice possessed the utmost antioxidant capacity than other frequently consumed fruit juices such as orange, grape, cranberry, etc., and polyphenol-rich beverages like red wine and green tea. [67][68][69] Rind of pomegranate is the non-edible part of the fruit which comprises approximately 40% of the total fruit weight. ...
... [71,72] It has been observed that commercially available pomegranate juice is prepared from whole pomegranate fruit which contains high amounts of several phytochemicals. [64] Aviram and groups established that pomegranate juice administration exhibited antiatherogenic activity in human volunteers and atherosclerotic mice due to its antioxidant properties. [73] Furthermore, Aviram et al. demonstrated that pomegranate juice consumption (50 ml/day) by ten patients with carotid artery stenosis for 1 year caused significant decrease in carotid intima-media thickness by 9%, SBP by 12% and serum lipid peroxidation. ...
... Punica granatum L, commonly known as pomegranate is a plant originally native to Iran but is today also cultivated in central Asia, the Middle East, Mediterranean regions, South Asia, Middle East countries, Italy, Spain, India, Afghanistan, China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Morocco, Greece and parts of America. 196,197 Its fruits are the most valued plant part and are reported to possess a range of sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose), organic acids (malic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid), vitamins (C, B1, B2, and beta-carotene) and minerals. 196,197 They also contain secondary metabolites like ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxyprotocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, o-coumaric acid, pelletierine, methylpelletierine, isopelletierine, punicalagin, pseudopelletierine, phloridzin, quercetin, punicalin, catechin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin. ...
... 196,197 Its fruits are the most valued plant part and are reported to possess a range of sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose), organic acids (malic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid), vitamins (C, B1, B2, and beta-carotene) and minerals. 196,197 They also contain secondary metabolites like ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxyprotocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, o-coumaric acid, pelletierine, methylpelletierine, isopelletierine, punicalagin, pseudopelletierine, phloridzin, quercetin, punicalin, catechin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin. 196,197 The red color of pomegranate is due to anthocyanins like cyanidins, pelargonidin, 3-glycoside delphinidin, 3,5-diglucoside delphinidin, 3-glycoside cyanidin, 3,5-diglucoside cyanidin, 3-glycoside pelargonidin and 3,5diglucoside pelargonidin. ...
... 196,197 They also contain secondary metabolites like ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxyprotocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, o-coumaric acid, pelletierine, methylpelletierine, isopelletierine, punicalagin, pseudopelletierine, phloridzin, quercetin, punicalin, catechin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin. 196,197 The red color of pomegranate is due to anthocyanins like cyanidins, pelargonidin, 3-glycoside delphinidin, 3,5-diglucoside delphinidin, 3-glycoside cyanidin, 3,5-diglucoside cyanidin, 3-glycoside pelargonidin and 3,5diglucoside pelargonidin. 196,197 About its radioprotective effects, preclinical studies with laboratory mice have shown that the oral intake of pomegranate juice effectively reduced the radiation (2 Gy)-induced Double-strand breaks and chromosomal damage in the bone marrow and peripheral blood cells. ...
Although helpful in treating cancer, exposure to ionizing radiation can sometimes cause severe side effects, negating its benefit. In addition to its use in clinics, a nontoxic radioprotective agent can also be beneficial in occupational settings where humans are occupationally exposed for prolonged periods to low doses of radiation. Scientific studies using laboratory animals have shown that the fruits Aegle marmelos, Capsicum annuum, Citrus aurantium, Citrullus lanatus, Crataegus microphylla, Eugenia jambolana, Emblica officinalis, Garcinia kola, Grewia asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus baccata, Malpighia glabra or Malpighia emarginata, Mangifera indica, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Prunus armeniaca, Psoralea corylifolia, Punica granatum, Solanum lycopersicum, Terminalia chebula, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vitis vinifera and Xylopia aethiopica, and the phytochemicals gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, geraniin, corilagin, ascorbic acid, hesperetin, ursolic acid, lycopene, naringin, hesperidin, rutin, resveratrol, β-sitosterol, apigenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, diosmin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol are effective in preventing radiation-induced ill effects. Clinical studies with Emblica officinalis and Punica granatum have also shown that fruits help mitigate radiation-induced mucositis, dermatitis, and cystitis. For the first time, the current review summarizes the beneficial effects of fruits and phytochemicals in mitigating radiation-induced damage, the underlying mechanisms and the existing lacunae for future studies to be undertaken for the benefit of humans and the nutraceutical and agri-based industries.
... Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits have been long recognized for their therapeutic efficacies since ages (Vučić et al., 2019). ...
... These fruits are a rich source of many phytochemicals that were proven effective for anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects (Vučić et al., 2019). Polyphenols from these fruits has recently been evaluated against breast cancer (Moga et al., 2021). ...
... The pomegranates are shown to exhibit many good health-enhancing activities in the human cells due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties (Colombo et al., 2013;Vučić et al., 2019). Studies ...
Punica granatum (Pomegranate fruit) and its constituents are proven effective against various cancer types. However, a kinome‐wide screening for the active phytochemicals against kinases is not reported. This study aims in validating pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, and computationally identifying the phytochemicals interacting with active kinases. PFE was made with Soxhlet extractor using absolute ethanol. Gas‐chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) for phytochemical identification and MTT assay for cytotoxicity in AML (THP‐1, TF‐1 and HL‐60) cells were performed. Apoptosis, CDK5 and CDK8 were assessed with flow cytometry. Kinase profiling was performed using In silico kinome screening. GC–MS analysis revealed 38 bioactive phytochemicals in PFE including pyrazoles, aldehydes, phenols, esters, pyranosides, and octadecadienoic acids. The extract inhibited the AML cell proliferations with GI50 values of 195.5 μg/ml, 289.1 μg/ml, and 353.5 μg/ml in THP‐1, THP‐1, and HL‐60 cells, respectively. PFE also exhibited a dose‐responsive increase in apoptotic cell populations when treated to the AML cells. Computational screening and modeling predicted three critical constituents, viz., Deoxyartemisinin, 3‐Methyl‐3‐phenyl‐3H‐indazole, and 8‐fluoro‐5,6‐dimethoxy‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐naphthalen‐1‐one of pomegranate extract to interact mainly with cyclin‐dependent kinases, including CDK5 and CDK8. Proteinand ligand docking predicted binding energies, and binding pose for top candidate lead molecules. In vitro assay exhibited the anticancer properties of PFE in AML cells. Computational kinome screening predicted top three PFE constituents targeting CDKs which may be responsible for the demonstrated anticancer efficacy of the extract against AML. This hypothesis further aligned with observed efficacy of PFE to inhibit CDK5 and CDK8 in all AML cells tested.
Practical applications
Though Punica granatum (Pomegranate fruit) and its constituents are proven effective against various cancer types, a kinome‐wide screening for the active phytochemicals against kinases is not reported. In this study, we have conducted GC/MS characterization of the active phytochemicals of PFE and have performed a kinome‐wide screening for all the 38 identified compounds toward 310 active kinases commonly expressed in cancers. These observations warrant isolation and further evaluation of these phytochemicals or their analogues as effective CDK inhibitors against AML proliferation. Further, the computational methods used in this study will throw light on literature for new options of kinome panel screening of active phytochemicals or small molecules.
... ↑, increase; ↓, decrease; Φ, impairment; β, beta; ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; COX-2, cyclooxygenase; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor-κB; NO, nitric oxide; PMACI, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore; PGE2, prostaglandin E2; PTGES, prostaglandin E synthase. [36,37,39,48] Tannic acid Peel Anti-obesity and antioxidant [34,[50][51][52] Punicalagin Peel, flower, seeds, juice, and fruit Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory [8,32,[36][37][38][39]46,49] Urolithin A Polyphenol ellagitannin-gut microbial-derived metabolite ...
... ↑, increase; ↓, decrease; Φ, impairment; β, beta; ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; COX-2, cyclooxygenase; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor-κB; NO, nitric oxide; PMACI, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore; PGE2, prostaglandin E2; PTGES, prostaglandin E synthase. [36,37,39,48] Tannic acid Peel Anti-obesity and antioxidant [34,[50][51][52] Punicalagin Peel, flower, seeds, juice, and fruit Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory [8,32,[36][37][38][39]46,49] Urolithin A Polyphenol ellagitannin-gut microbial-derived metabolite ...
... Anti-obesity and antiinflammatory [53][54][55][56][57] Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory [8,32,[36][37][38][39]46,49] Urolithin A Polyphenol ellagitannin-gut microbial-derived metabolite Nutrients 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 20 ...
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) can be considered a multipurpose medicinal and dietary plant due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Pomegranate can be used to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors. Although previously published reviews addressed the effects of pomegranate on different diseases, there is no systematic review that exclusively focuses on clinical trials related to all MetS-related risk factors. In view of this limitation, the objective of this up to-date, comprehensive, and systematic review is to critically evaluate the potential of pomegranate (P. granatum) on various MetS risk factors on the basis of clinical studies. PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, COCHRANE, and Clinical Trials.gov databases were searched on 15 October 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the bias risk evaluation was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We identified 5683 studies in the databases.
After removing the duplicates, 3418 studies remained. Of these, 147 studies met the eligibility criteria, and finally, only 20 were included in the qualitative analysis. The included studies suggest that pomegranate can be beneficial to reduce body weight, blood pressure, glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, it can augment high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and improve insulin resistance. Although relevant effects were observed, additional well designed clinical trials are needed to determine the correct formulations and doses to be used to prevent or treat MetS components.
... It is a rich source of polyphenols and other phytochemicals, including sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids and tocopherols, as compounds with important physiological actions [11,12]. These phytochemicals extracted from different parts of the fruit possess significant anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as lipid lowering and antimi-crobial activity [13,14]. Pomegranate peel makes up to 40-50% weight of the fruit and due to its high polyphenol content possess strong antioxidant activity [15,16]. ...
... The levels of these harmful compounds are significantly reduced after PoPEx intervention ( Table 2). Possible mechanisms for improving oxidative stress following eight weeks of PoPEx supplementation include free radical scavenging and supporting antioxidant system [14,48]. Although several studies failed to show alleviation of cardiovascular complication using antioxidant supplementation (Vitamin E) [49,50] positive effects of polyphenols are more prominent [14,51]. ...
... Possible mechanisms for improving oxidative stress following eight weeks of PoPEx supplementation include free radical scavenging and supporting antioxidant system [14,48]. Although several studies failed to show alleviation of cardiovascular complication using antioxidant supplementation (Vitamin E) [49,50] positive effects of polyphenols are more prominent [14,51]. However, there is a great variability and seasonal variations in polyphenols consumption between countries. ...
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is commonly associated with
hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation which are well
known cardiovascular risk factors. Pomegranate peel polyphenols have a proven
hypolipemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, there is a lack
of clinical studies that would confirm its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
effects in diabetic patients. The potential of pomegranate peel extract (PoPEx)
to counteract inflammation and oxidative stress in T2DM patients was
investigated. For this purpose, a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled
study involving adult T2DM patients treated with PoPEx or placebo for eight-weeks
was conducted. Methods: Patients were randomly divided into two groups:
the first group (n = 30) received capsules containing PoPEx 250 mg twice daily,
while the placebo group (n = 30) received placebo capsules twice daily. Plasma
concentration of inflammatory factors (interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis
factor α (TNF-α) and high sensitivity C reactive protein
(hsCRP)), oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
(TBARS), nitrites (NO2-), superoxide anion radical (O2-),
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)),
homocysteine and lipid profile were analyzed. Results: The
PoPEx treatment showed a significant reduction of inflammatory factors (IL-6,
TNF-α, hsCRP), oxidative stress biomarkers (TBARS, NO2-,
O2-) and homocysteine, while the TAC was increased. Moreover, a
significant improvement in lipid profile was observed in the PoPEx group.
Additional analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between the
decrements of all measured inflammatory markers and TAC in the PoPEx group.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated that eight-week-long PoPEx
administration had favorable effects on inflammatory status and oxidative stress
biomarkers in diabetic patients.
... Pomegranate is a rich natural source of vitamins, polyphenols and dietary fibers, which makes it valuable and worldwide popular dietary fruit [23]. It is even considered as a superfood due to its high antioxidant potential and other beneficial effects on human health [24,25]. The most abundant phenolic compounds found in pomegranate belong to the ellagitannins and anthocyanins. ...
... The most abundant phenolic compounds found in pomegranate belong to the ellagitannins and anthocyanins. Interestingly, non edible parts of pomegranate such as peel and seeds are also a rich source of polyphenols, which are considered as principal contributors to pomegranate beneficial effects [24]. The selection of extraction method parameters such as solvent, temperature, solid-solvent ratio or particle size could significantly influence the total polyphenolic content [26]. ...
The novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has become a major health threat globally. The interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) with ACE2 receptor on host cells was recognized as the first step of virus infection and therefore as one of the primary targets for novel therapeutics. Pomegranate extracts are rich sources of bioactive polyphenols that were already recognized for their beneficial health effects. In this study, both in silico and in vitro methods were employed for evaluation of pomegranate peel extract (PoPEx), their major polyphenols, as well as their major metabolite urolithin A, to attenuate the contact of S-glycoprotein RBD and ACE2. Our results showed that PoPEx, punicalin, punicalagin and urolithin A exerted significant potential to block the S-glycoprotein-ACE2 contact. These in vitro results strongly confirm the in silico predictions and provide a valuable insight in the potential of pomegranate polyphenols for application in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
... Pomegranate strip affects the extension of carcinoma cells of arranged subatomic subtypes (Bassiri-Jahromi, 2018a, 2018b). The counter-proliferative properties of pomegranate strip extricate are outlined in shifted human malignancy cells (human non-little cell carcinoma A549, human PC-3 glandular disease cells, SKOV3 testicle malignant growth cells and SKOV3 malignant growth cells).Carcinoma (MCF-7) it has been discovered that MCF-7 bosom adenocarcinoma cells are the preeminent touchy(Vučić et al., 2019).The counter-estrogen movement of polyphenols and flavonoids in pomegranate strips can meddle with aromatase action by disturbing estrogen blend, which may be found in cells with six chemical receptors (e.g., MCF-7 and SKOV3). Its capacities as a development factor. ...
... Moreover, the antiviral activity of oseltamivir and amantadine increased when combined with peanut skin extract, proving the potential of the peanut skin extracts in the development of novel therapeutic options for the treatment of influenza [81]. Haidari et al. examined the hypothesis that a pomegranate (Punica granatum) polyphenol extract was endowed with anti-influenza properties [83][84][85]. Making use of a real-time PCR, plaque assays-methods using drug-containing agarose overlays typically employed for demonstrating antiviral activities-and hemagglutination assays, the authors showed that the extract was effective in preventing the replication of influenza A virus [83] in MDCK cells, which are typically used as cell models in studies involving influenza viruses [86]. [87] ...
A complex network of processes inside the human immune system provides resistance against a wide range of pathologies. These defenses form an innate and adaptive immunity, in which certain immune components work together to counteract infections. In addition to inherited variables, the susceptibility to diseases may be influenced by factors such as lifestyle choices and aging, as well as environmental determinants. It has been shown that certain dietary chemical components regulate signal transduction and cell morphologies which, in turn, have consequences on pathophysiology. The consumption of some functional foods may increase immune cell activity, defending us against a number of diseases, including those caused by viruses. Here, we investigate a range of functional foods, often marketed as immune system boosters, in an attempt to find indications of their potential protective role against diseases caused by viruses, such as the influenza viruses (A and B), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in some cases mediated by gut microbiota. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms that govern the protective effects of some functional foods and their molecular constituents. The main message of this review is that discovering foods that are able to strengthen the immune system can be a winning weapon against viral diseases. In addition, understanding how the dietary components function can aid in the development of novel strategies for maintaining human bodily health and keeping our immune systems strong.
... In medicine, it is used for its antioxidant properties; it has a rich component of tannin polyphenols among which the most bioactive are: punicalagin (flavonoids) and anthocyanins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin), which are mainly found in the skins In medicine, it is used for its antioxidant properties; it has a rich component of tannin polyphenols among which the most bioactive are: punicalagin (flavonoids) and anthocyanins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin), which are mainly found in the skins and in the pericarp, but also in the arils, flowers and leaves ( Figure 2); this small tree is therefore rich in bioactive molecules with therapeutic activity [2]. However, all the parts of the Punica granatum have been used for therapeutic purposes: leaves, flowers, bark, roots, peel, juice, seeds; their uses find application as antiinflammatories [3], analgesics [4], in the management of postmenopausal symptoms, being weakly estrogenic [5], but also in erectile dysfunction, in diabetes [6][7][8] and cardiovascular disease [9], in the treatment of arthritis [10] and in Alzheimer's disease [11]; it also has bactericidal [12], antifungal [13] and antiviral properties [14]; its use in chronic gingivitis has also been evaluated in the dental field [15][16][17][18][19]. ...
The Punica granatum L. is an ancient fruit plant native to south-western Asia. It belongs to the Litraceae family and of its genus we have only one other Punica protopunic species. The fruit is rich in polyphenols, whose extract is consumed as a food and is considered safe. In medicine, it is used for its antioxidant properties; it has a rich component of tannic polyphenols among which the most bioactive are: punicalagin (flavonoids) and anthocyanins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin), which are found mainly in the skins and in the pericarp; however, all the parts of the Punica granatum are used for therapeutic purposes as anti-inflammatories and analgesics and in diabetes and cardio-vascular disease. Punica granatum extracts also show interesting anticancer activities in influencing tumorgenesis and angiogenesis and cell transformation and proliferation. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize all the scientific evidence on the possible applications of Punica granatum extracts in the treatment and prevention of oral cavity tumors to investigate the anticancer properties of the active ingredients extracted from Punica granatum. Methods: The scoping review was carried out following the PRISMA-ScR checklist; the search was performed on three databases (Scopus, Science direct and PubMed) and one registry (Cochrane library). Results: The search produced a number of bibliographic sources equal to 11,403; with the removal of duplicates, 670 potentially admissible articles were obtained, from 24 of which only 7 in vitro studies on OSCC cell lines were included. Conclusions: From the preliminary data on the cellular lines of OSCC, it emerges that for oral cancer there are conditions for which the extracts of Punic granatum are effective at least from a prevention perspective.
... Pomegranate peel has been shown to inhibit a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mold [14]. It has a great therapeutic effect on chronic inflammation, particularly digestive tract inflammation like ulcerative colitis [15]. Furthermore, all waste parts of the pomegranate fruit, such as the peel and seeds, can be processed into value-added products with industrial, medicinal, and cosmetic value [16]. ...
The pomegranate fruit is made of white to deep purple seeds that are enclosed in a white, spongy, astringent membrane, also known as pericarp, covered by a thick red skin and a crown-shaped calyx. It contains a variety of beneficial ingredients, including flavonoids, ellagitannin, punicalagin, ellagic acid, vitamins, and minerals. Pomegranates possess numerous health benefits, and their use in disease treatment has been widely recognized since antiquity. This fruit was known to exhibit several biological properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Pomegranate has been used in a variety of medical systems for the treatment and therapy of a wide range of diseases and illnesses. This review summarizes studies highlighting the potential role of pomegranate in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to respiratory and digestive systems.
... There are a limited number of effective antifungal medications commonly used, with new treatments against fungal infections urgently needed. Natural products, in particular polyphenols, are becoming more appealing as an alternative agent in the treatment of infectious disorders, because of their broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal effects, low toxicities and low costs 60,61 . In addition, combination drug therapy is known to inhibit resistance mechanisms. ...
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic pathogen, which causes superficial infection and can lead to mortal systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The incidence of C. albicans infections is increasing and there are a limited number of antifungal drugs used in treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new and alternative antifungal drugs. Pomegranate rind extract (PRE) is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, including against C. albicans and recently, PRE and Zn (II) have been shown to induce synergistic antimicrobial activity against various microbes. In this study, the inhibitory activities of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE in combination with Zn (II) were evaluated against C. albicans. Antifungal activities of PRE and Zn (II) were evaluated using conventional microdilution methods and the interaction between these compounds was assessed by in vitro checkerboard and time kill assays in planktonic cultures. The anti-biofilm activities of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE in combination with Zn (II) were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, with quantitative analysis of biofilm biomass and mean thickness analysed using COMSTAT2 analysis. In addition, antimicrobial interactions between PRE and Zn (II) were assayed in terms reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. albicans. PRE and Zn (II) showed a potent antifungal activity against C. albicans, with MIC values of 4 mg/mL and 1.8 mg/mL, respectively. PRE and Zn (II) in combination exerted a synergistic antifungal effect, as confirmed by the checkerboard and time kill assays. PRE, Zn (II) and PRE and Zn (II) in combination gave rise to significant reductions in biofilm biomass, although only PRE caused a significant reduction in mean biofilm thickness. The PRE and Zn (II) in combination caused the highest levels of ROS production by C. albicans, in both planktonic and biofilm forms. The induction of excess ROS accumulation in C. albicans may help explain the synergistic activity of PRE and Zn (II) in combination against C. albicans in both planktonic and biofilm forms. Moreover, the data support the potential of the PRE and Zn (II) combination as a novel potential anti-Candida therapeutic system.
... Polyphenols contained in a variety of plants play an important role in the diet, can effectively remove free radicals and antioxidant activity, thus playing a role in skin whitening. Pomegranates is a deciduous tree, the fruit is rich in ellagic acid and polyphenols, which contain flavonoids and hydrolyzable tannins that can improve skin whitening (Lu et al., 2022;Vucic et al., 2019). Therefore, Pomegranates have strong antioxidant effects. ...
Abstract Skin whitening has become one of the aesthetic problems among humans around the world, especially on women which is highly attention to skin beauty and whitening. Many of the plant extracts in oral energy drinks have whitening effects and good taste, which can support the health of the skin. We use the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) as a search engine to find literatures about skin whitening, oral plant extracts. This review mainly introduces the mechanism of skin whitening and the application of oral plant extracts in skin whitening. Skin whitening at melanin synthesis, melanosome transport, metabolism, oxidative stress, UV stimulation, other environmental stimulation inseparable. Many oral plant extracts are natural tyrosine inhibitors. The review concludes the melanin synthesis and transporting, pathway of melanin synthesis, whitening mechanism and the function of whitening on Green tea polyphenols, Rose Petal Extract (Rosa gallica), Pears, Peony, Rosa roxburghii Tratt, Olive (Olea europaea L.), Pomegranates, Phyllanthus emblica L., Mulberry extract, Açaí berry, saussurea involucrate flavonoids extract, etc. These will provide a strong foundation for the application of oral plant extracts in skin whitening. Furthermore, the mixture with function of skin whitening/ skin anti-aging / anti-inflammatory antioxidant oral plant extract can be a good candidate for further development on skin care product.
... Several studies suggested that pomegranate can exert antiatherogenic [207], antidiabetic [208], antioxidant [209], antihypertensive [210], anti-inflammatory effects, and regulate lipid metabolism in metabolic-disorder-associated diseases [119]. In the last decades, different classes of phytochemicals identified from pomegranates such as ellagitannins (castalagin), flavonoids (procyanidins), lignans (punicatannin C), triterpenoids (ursolic acid), fatty acids (punicic acid), and organic acids (citric acid) has linked to healthpromoting activities [211][212][213]. Most studies regarding pomegranate fruit, as well as its different compounds (peel powder, juice, extract, and oil), exert health benefits in respiratory conditions such as lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and alveolar inflammation inhibiting the production and downregulation of the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and modulates NF-κB, Nrf2, NLRP3 and MAPK pathways [214][215][216][217][218][219]. ...
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been widely reported in
some children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Clinical signs of MIS-C are manifested at 2 to 4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, where elevated biomarkers of inflammation and cardiac dysfunction are the hallmark of this syndrome when infection or exposure to SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed. However, after two years of acknowledgment, MIS-C treatment is still under research to reach safety and effectiveness in the acute phase in children. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the potential use of natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to reduce collateral damage caused by hyperinflammation in MIS-C pathology for new research in treatment and interventions.
... One of the promising raw material are flowers of pomegranate (Punica granatum). In numerous studies, the effect of pomegranate fruit is assessed [3]. However, the activity of other parts, such as roots, tree bark, fruit juice, leaves, and flowers, is less known. ...
Herbal raw materials with antidiabetic activity can be a valuable support to therapy. An optimized extraction process allows for the best possible health-promoting effect. Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the content of methanol used in the extraction mixture, its time, and temperature. The aim of this study was to enhance the efficiency of the pomegranate flowers extraction process in order to obtain extracts with the highest enzyme inhibition power (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), which is important for the antidiabetic effect and the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). In the Box–Behnken design model, the content of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside–anthocyanin compound that is associated with antidiabetic activity was also optimized as a variable associated with the action profile of pomegranate flower extracts. The process optimization carried out in this study provides a basis for further research using the pomegranate flower extract with the most potent desired properties, essential for supporting diabetes treatment based on pomegranate flowers.
... Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been used extensively in folk medicine of many cultures. The popularity of pomegranate has increased tremendously especially in the last decade due to its antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, powerful antioxidant and anti-mutagenic effects of the fruit [1][2][3][4]. Pomegranate juice has been proposed as a chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, antiathero-sclerotic and anti-inflammatory agent. Polyphenols, which represent the predominant class of phytochemicals in pomegranate, consist mainly of hydrolyzable tannins such as gallotanins, ellagitannins and ellagic acid, components which have high antioxidant activities [5][6][7][8]. ...
... Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub belonging to the Punicaceae family that has been cultivated in Iran and Afghanistan since 3000 B.C. [1] Later, it was introduced to China, Southeast Asian countries, and other nations through activities such as navigation, culture, and trade exchanges. [2] Nowadays, pomegranate is widely cultivated throughout India, Iran, Mediterranean countries, Malaysia, the drier parts of Southeast Asia, the East Indies, tropical Africa, the United States (drier parts of California and Arizona), Japan, China, and Russia. ...
Papaya is one of the most important fruit trees cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical regions and its production is rising worldwide. Its edible part has a high nutritional and sensory value and a great commercial potential. Mature papaya is consumed fresh and has been used in food processing and cosmetic industries. Along with some other parts such as leaves, seeds or skin, papaya has been used in traditional medicine in various countries. In fact, numerous studies have reported the presence of bioactive compounds with diverse biological properties in the papaya by-products, which has motivated the expansion of their applications. Papaya by-products have been demonstrated to exert a wide range of activities (e.g.; antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-dengue, anti-malarial, anti-fertility, diabetes prevention, insecticidal, anti-AIDS) that could be useful in pharmaceutical industry. They could be used in food industry, as a source of functional compounds and in innovative active packaging strategies, and in different cosmetic products, among other applications. Although this scenario indicates that the papaya industry could diversify and increase its economic value, there are two problems that significantly affect it: the spread of pathogens and the highly perishable nature of this fruit. On the one hand, genetic tools have been used to obtain transgenic varieties resistant to pathogens, while new preservation technologies have been explored. This review focuses on the main bioactive compounds, important physiological functions and applications of different papaya parts and also in the current development of genetically modified papaya in the industry and the research progress on storage and preservation.
... Increasing the extracted content in the hydrogel increased the antioxidant activity of the hydrogel. Black pomegranate contains polyphenols with high anthocyanins [22] that have long conjugated double bonds capable of absorbing light in the visible light rangeand have antioxidant activity to scavenge free radicals[23], thus making pomegranate peels have high antioxidant activity[22]. ...
Solar UV radiation can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus and indirectly accelerate the recovery rate of Covid-19 patients by converting pro-vitamin D3 in the skin into pre-vitamin D. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to UV radiation might be harmful to skin health, making it necessary to use sunscreen. Synthetic chemical sunscreens can have adverse side effects, and alternatives utilizing natural ingredients are needed. The peel of the black pomegranate has strong antioxidant properties and it also has the potential as a sunscreen by making it into a topical hydrogel preparation. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics, antioxidant activity, and sun protection factor (SPF) capacity of the ethanol extract of black pomegranate peel hydrogel preparations. Hydrogel was created containing black pomegranate peel ethanolic extract at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%. Then, the characteristic properties were determined, the antioxidant power was examined using DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay, and the SPF was investigated by the spectrophotometry method. The hydrogel containing extracts of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% had characteristics that fulfilled the specified requirements, having an inhibition percentage of 27.39%, 54.90%, and 83.91%, respectively, at the sample concentration of 600 ppm, and the SPF of this hydrogel was 2.67, 4.36, and 6.65, respectively. Therefore, according to the findings, hydrogel of black pomegranate peel ethanolic extract is good as a topical antioxidant but is less effective as SPF sunscreen. Keywords: antioxidant, hydrogel, SPF, black pomegranate peel ethanolic extarct
... Some studies have indicated that the major phenolic compounds in PPE are gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin derivatives [15]. It has been reported that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins compounds, especially ellagitannins, in pomegranate peel are responsible for the antioxidant activity and other bioactive properties [32]. The antioxidant mechanism of these compounds is linked to the number and position of the hydroxyl groups. ...
Aqueous and ethanolic pomegranate peel extracts (PPE) were studied as a source of phenolic compounds with antimicrobial, anti-quorum sensing, and antioxidant properties. The aqueous extract showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid content (153.43 mg GAE/g and 45.74, respectively) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH radical inhibition: 86.12%, ABTS radical scavenging capacity: 958.21 mg TE/dw) compared to the ethanolic extract. The main phenolic compounds identified by UPLC-DAD were chlorogenic and gallic acids. The aqueous PPE extract showed antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Candida tropicalis (MICs 19–30 mg/mL), and anti-quorum sensing activity expressed as inhibition of Chromobacterium violaceum violacein production (%). The aqueous PPE extracts at 25 mg/mL applied on alfalfa sprouts reduced psychrophilic bacteria (1.12 Log CFU/100 g) and total coliforms (1.23 Log CFU/100 g) and increased the antioxidant capacity of the treated sprouts (55.13 µmol TE/100 g (DPPH) and 126.56 µmol TE/100 g (ABTS)) compared to untreated alfalfa. This study emphasizes PPE’s antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in alfalfa sprouts preservation.
... Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub belonging to the Punicaceae family that has been cultivated in Iran and Afghanistan since 3000 B.C. [1] Later, it was introduced to China, Southeast Asian countries, and other nations through activities such as navigation, culture, and trade exchanges. [2] Nowadays, pomegranate is widely cultivated throughout India, Iran, Mediterranean countries, Malaysia, the drier parts of Southeast Asia, the East Indies, tropical Africa, the United States (drier parts of California and Arizona), Japan, China, and Russia. ...
Pomegranate is native to the region between Iran and northern India, as well as cultivated in China with a large planting area and a variety of high-quality species. Pomegranate not only has delicious fruits and beautiful flowers, but it is rich in bioactive compounds with benefits to human health.The distribution and content of bioactive components in different organs and by-products of pomegranate have distinct characteristics. A variety of phenols, flavonoids, and triterpenoids exist in pomegranate peels and flowers, whereas the active ingredients in the leaves are mainly tannins. Arils and seeds are good sources of anthocyanins and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Pomegranate possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-cardiovascular, anti-pathogenic and skin care effects, among others. It is also widely used in food, health care, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. This review summarizes recent research progress on pomegranate, putting forward some innovative applications for the development and utilization of pomegranate resources. This review also provides a theoretical basis for the research and industrialization of pomegranate, as well as a reference for further development of pomegranate germplasm resources.
... PP is efficient in inhibiting various pathogens, including virus, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and mold [4]. PP exhibits an excellent therapeutic effect on chronic inflammation, especially for digestive tract inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis [5]. In addition, PP has other health-care-benefitting properties, for example, reducing blood pressure, anti-diabetes, anticancer, etc. [6]. ...
Pomegranate peel extract (PPE), which is abundant in polyphenols, holds immerse prospects for the treatment of airway infection. In this study, water and ethanol of 30%, 50%, and 80% were used to prepare PPE. A total of 18 phenols belonging to 8 categories of polyphenols were identified in PPE by HPLC-MS/MS. The PPE from the four extraction solvents possessed different antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Principal component analysis revealed that though total flavonoids (TFs), total polyphenols (TPs), and total tannins (TTs) were responsible for the reducing power of PPE, only TFs contributed to the effect of PPE in inhibiting lipid membrane peroxidation. TPs, TTs, and punicalagin were positively correlated with the antibacterial strength against S. aureus while TTs alone contributed to the inhibition of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, implying the crucial role of TT in suppressing bacteria. Meanwhile, TTs was associated with the prevention of IL-6 release. The PPE with higher contents of TPs, TTs, and punicalagin had a weaker capacity to decrease nitric oxide secretion. PPE of 30% ethanol gained the highest integrated score due to its stronger antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is a suitable candidate for the therapy of respiratory tract infection.
... For example, Ge et al. and Kori et al. only summarized a small number of components in various parts of pomegranate, and traditional uses, pharmacological effects and therapeutic merits of pomegranate (Ge, Duo, Wang, GegenZhula, Yang, Li, et al., 2021;Kori, Mahesar, Sherazi, Laghari, & Panhwar, 2020); Singh et al. and Akhtar et al. reviewed only a few components and pharmacology of PP (Akhtar, Ismail, Fraternale, & Sestili, 2015;Singh, Singh, Kaur, & Singh, 2018); Fahmy et al. and Vučić et al. provided a review of several polyphenols and therapeutic merits of PJ (Fahmy, Hegazi, El-Shamy, & Farag, 2020;Vučić, Grabež, Trchounian, & Arsić, 2019). It is worth here to notice that there is a lack of systematic summaries of chemical constituents, metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies of different parts (juice, seeds, peel, flowers, leaves and bark) of pomegranate. ...
Pomegranate is a fruit-bearing tree. Pomegranate flowers, leaves, bark, fruit juice, peel and seeds were reported to have pharmacological effects. Recently, the researches about phytochemicals, metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies of different parts of pomegranate were carried out. There is a lack of summary on different parts of pomegranate. Furthermore, we were interested in potential correlations and differences on the phytochemicals, metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies between the different parts of pomegranate.
This review is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of reported researches on different parts of pomegranate about phytochemicals, metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies. Besides, we introduced analysis strategies for identifying phytochemicals in foods/plants and metabolites in biosamples using LC–HR MSⁿ techniques. Furthermore, we firstly speculated structures and the maximum number of constitutional isomers of ellagitannins and gallotannins. This review is helpful for further application to discover more active compounds and their metabolites from pomegranate and other plants/foods.
... It has been reported that presence of miscellaneous phenolic compounds in the PPE namely; gallic acids, ellagic acids, ellagitannins, and ferulic acids, play a crucial role in inhibiting lipid peroxidation, suppress oxidative stress precursors, and scavenging free radicals, which exert their antioxidative activity in cells 24 . Furthermore, studies on animals have shown that PPE does not exhibit any toxic effects 20 . ...
Organophosphorus insecticide and growth regulator namely Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) are widely used as a ripening process accelerator and a cultivation duration inhibitor. Pomegranate extract (PPE) has recently been taken into consideration due to its pharmacological effects especially those associated with renal diseases. Thus, this study aims to investigate the possible protective effect of PPE against ethephon-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. In this study four groups of adult male rats were divided into control group, PPE 400 mg/kg group, Ethephon 250 mg/kg group, and finally, PPE + Ethephon group (treated with the same dose of PPE group and Ethephon group). In the current study, kidney function parameters (KIM-1, creatinine, and urea) along with oxidative stress markers, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione (GSH) and its correlated enzymes, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) were estimated. Additionally, mediators of renal inflammation: interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were measured. Apoptotic biomarkers (Bax, caspase 3, and Bcl2) in addition to renal histopathological data were also investigated. Results revealed that Ethephon elicited a significant increase in oxidation markers and reduced antioxidant levels, accompanied by oxidative renal tissue injury. Consequently, administration of Ethephon was reported to provoke secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediators. Moreover, histopathological results showed that deformities in the renal tissues were noticed which is attributed to Ethephon exposure. Interestingly, co-administration of PPE and Ethephon resulted in significantly ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological alterations produced by Ethephon. Current results propose the potential effect of PPE in the protection of renal tissue from Ethephon induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
... M. indica, P. granatum, and P. guajava are fruit trees that are cultivated popularly in many countries in the tropical and subtropical climates. In traditional medicine of several countries, the leaves of the plants are mainly used orally or topically to treat diarrhea or skin and wound infections [42,43]. R. tomentosa is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia and a part of India and China. ...
Background
Burkholderia pseudomallei is a causative agent of melioidosis, a fatal infectious disease highly prevalent in the tropics where traditional medicinal plants are widely used for the treatment of various human ailments. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of common eligible herbs and medicinal plants against B. pseudomallei . Thermal and gastric stability, antibacterial spectrum, bactericidal activity, and cell cytotoxicity were also tested to verify the possible usage of these plants in the treatment of melioidosis.
Results
Eighteen eligible herbs and twenty-one medicinal plants were collected. Herb juices and aqueous plant samples extracted at different temperatures were prepared for antibacterial testing. A higher proportion of aqueous plant extracts (17/21; 80.9%) against B. pseudomallei was observed, in comparison with that of herb juices (8/18; 44.5%). Two herb juices and twelve aqueous plant extracts were selected for further tests. The juices of A. sativum and A. tuberosum decreased their antimicrobial activity when treated at higher temperatures whereas the aqueous plant extracts increased their antimicrobial activity when prepared at 70 and 100 °C. The herb juices showed a broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity than the aqueous plant extracts. All samples showed less cytotoxicity on the HT29, HepG2, and HEK293 cell lines. At the 2× minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), aqueous extracts of Blechnum orientale , Breynia fruticose, Psidium guajava , Rhodomyrtus tomentosa , Rosa odorata , and Schima wallichii showed similar bactericidal activity to that of amoxicillin clavulanic acid. The antimicrobial activity of Mangifera indica , Punica granatum , and R. tomentosa remained under the stimulated gastric conditions.
Conclusion
Our data indicate that traditional medicinal plants prepared by decoction could be effectively used to treat melioidosis via the oral route. Further in vivo investigations are needed to explore other alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of tested pathogenic bacterial species.
... Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) contains polyphenols, including punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid, which are rich in the fruit, leaves, and peel [26]. However, the bioavailability of dietary polyphenol is low, and ellagic acid and related polyphenols from the consumption of pomegranates are metabolized to urolithin A by gut microbes [27,28]. ...
Urolithin A is an active compound of gut-microbiota-derived metabolites of polyphenol ellagic acid that has anti-aging, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of urolithin A on polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C))-induced inflammation remain unclear. Poly(I:C) is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) similar to a virus and is recognized by Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3), inducing an inflammatory response in immune cells, such as macrophages. Inflammation is a natural defense process of the innate immune system. Therefore, we used poly(I:C)-induced RAW264.7 cells and attenuated the inflammation induced by urolithin A. First, our data suggested that 1–30 μM urolithin A does not reduce RAW264.7 cell viability, whereas 1 μM urolithin A is sufficient for antioxidation and the decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and C-C chemokine ligand 5. The inflammation-related proteins cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase were also downregulated by urolithin A. Next, 1 μM urolithin A inhibited the levels of interferon (INF)-α and INF-β. Urolithin A was applied to investigate the blockade of the TLR3 signaling pathway in poly(I:C)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, the TLR3 signaling pathway, subsequent inflammatory-related pathways, and antioxidation pathways showed changes in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and blocked ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Urolithin A enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, but decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in poly(I:C)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Thus, our results suggest that urolithin A inhibits TLR3-activated inflammatory and oxidative-associated pathways in macrophages, and that this inhibition is induced by poly(I:C). Therefore, urolithin A may have antiviral effects and could be used to treat viral-infection-related diseases.
... has been associated with a reduced occurrence and severity of symptoms of stress-related chronic inflammatory diseases and age-related disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases (Aviram et al., 2004), carcinogenesis (Panth et al., 2017), neurodegeneration (Kujawska et al., 2020), osteoporosis (Spilmont et al., 2015), kidney malfunction (Wu et al., 2015), obesity, and diabetes (Virgen-Carrillo 2020), as well as other health benefits (Giménez-Bastida et al., 2021;Kandylis and Kokkinomagoulos, 2020;Lavoro et al., 2021;Vučić et al., 2019). ...
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peels are known to enrich the nutritional value of pomegranate juice due to their highly abundant phenolic metabolites such as hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), anthocyanins, and flavonoids, as well as the whole-fruit-based industrial extraction process. These shikimate pathway-derived metabolites also provide protection against pests and abiotic stresses for the fruit, and are important for the commercial trait of fruit peel color. To better understand the chemical diversity and biosynthetic relationships of phenolic metabolites in the outer fruit peel, we conducted metabolite profiling of outer peels from 15 pomegranate accessions largely varied in peel color using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (uHPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 48 metabolites were (tentatively) identified through comparison to authentic standards, as well as MS or MS/MS spectral data in metabolomics databases. The 15 pomegranate accessions differ greatly in levels of anthocyanins, HTs, flavonoids, and other shikimate pathway-related metabolites, with the largest variations observed in the anthocyanin content. Negative correlations between HTs and flavonoids/anthocyanins, and between anthocyanins and proanthocyanins were observed, suggesting that these metabolites may compete for the same biosynthetic precursors for their production and are coordinately regulated.
... Contamination of food with pathogenic bacteria can occur at different stages of food processing, including harvesting, packaging and slaughtering [5]. The bacterial food spoilage microbes can withstand the unfavorable conditions of food preservation, such as vacuum packaging, Punica granatum L. peels were previously described to exhibit antimicrobial efficiency against food borne pathogens involving Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Penicillium italicum and Fusarium sambucinum [29]. Moreover, pomegranate exhibited strong antioxidant activity due to the prevalence of several active phytochemicals as polyphenols, flavones, flavonoids, anthocyanins and catechins in seeds, fruits and peels of pomegranate [30]. ...
Antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Furthermore, a high incidence of food poisoning diseases besides harmful implications of applying synthetic food additives in food preservation necessitates fabrication of safe food preservatives. Additionally, damaging effects of free radicals on human health has been reported to be involved in the incidence of serious diseases, including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; hence, finding safe sources of antioxidants is vital. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, antiradical and carcinopreventive efficacy of different solvent extracts of pomegranate peels. Agar disk diffusion assay revealed that Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, E. coli and S. typhimurium were highly susceptible to methanolic fraction of Punica granatum L. peels recording inhibition zones of 23.7, 21.8, 15.6 and 14.7 mm respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the methanolic fraction of Punica granatum L. peels against S. aureus were 0.125 and 0.250 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the pomegranate acetonic and methanolic fractions revealed an impressive antiradical efficiency against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical recording radical scavenging activity percentages of 86.9 and 79.4%, respectively. In this regard, the acetonic fraction of pomegranate peels revealed the highest anti-proliferative efficiency after 48 h incubation against MCF7 cancer cells recording IC50 of 8.15 µg/mL, while the methanolic extract was highly selective against transformed cancer cells compared to normal cell line recording selectivity index of 5.93. GC–MS results demonstrated that 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural was the main active component of methanolic and acetonic extracts of pomegranate peels recording relative percentages of 37.55 and 28.84% respectively. The study recommends application of pomegranate peel extracts in the biofabrication of safe food preservatives, antioxidants and carcinopreventive agents.
... In addition to punicalagin and its isomers, pomegranate contains punicalin A and B and pedunculagin isomers identified by MS and/or NMR. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, aglycone, and ferulic acid have also been isolated from pomegranate by HPLC and NMR methods [25][26][27]. Figure 1 shows the main polyphenolic compounds from pomegranate. ...
Punica granatum L. belongs to the Punicaceae family which is distributed around the world. Different parts of pomegranate like seed, peel, juice, and leaves are rich in potential bioactive compounds. These plants have found application in traditional medicine such as in treatment of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine diseases, among others. The present review aimed to summarize the current research on the traditional and scientific applications of P. granatum with regard to the phytochemical content and clinical applications that may be useful for future drug development. Information about P. granatum was obtained from local classic herbal literature and electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Several phytochemical constituents including polyphenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanosides, alkaloids, lignans, and triterpenes have been reported from the plant. Randomized clinical trials have provided evidence as to the pharmacological activities of pomegranate in several diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, oral cavity disorders, endocrine disorders, and cancer. The present review has provided an insight into the traditional applications of the plants, and some of them have been validated by scientific evidence, particularly their applications as treatment of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases.
... Ellagitannin which is broken down to ellagic acid is the main active constituent of pomegranate which is responsible for its strong antioxidant activity (Akbar et al. 2015). Punicalagin and punicalin are the two other ellagitannins having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (Vučić et al. 2019). Numerous studies have claimed health benefits of pomegranates in preventing chronic diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, cancer, hyperglycaemia, reducing oxidative stress and maintaining cholesterol levels (Zarfeshany et al. 2014). ...
Functional foods play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk factors of various diseases. Most foods have a functional element which is responsible for improving the healthy state. All food substances such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, fish, dairy contain functional ingredients. A wide range of naturally occurring substances from plant and animal sources having active components which play a role in physiological actions deserve attention for their optimal use in maintaining health. The market for functional food is keep on expanding, and the global market is projected to reach a value of at least 91 billion USD soon. Overwhelming evidence from preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies have shown that intake of functional foods could have an impact on the prevention of chronic diseases, especially cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal tract disorders and neurological diseases. Extensive research needs to be done to determine the potential health benefits for the proper application of these foods to improve health state and combat chronic disease progression. The aim of this review is to conduct a thorough literature survey, to understand the various classification of functional foods and their health benefits.
... Clinical studies in humans using foods such as pomegranate extract containing ellagic acid are extremely important in providing useful information on the actual human diet. Although there are few studies in total, several clinical studies on the oral intake of pomegranate extract for human blood lipid levels and hypertension have been reported, and recent studies reporting their meta-analysis have also been published [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. At this time, these treatises do not show a clear effect of pomegranate extract on human health, but some have reported benefits such as the improvement of certain inflammatory parameters [32]. ...
The effect of ellagic acid (EA), a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, on the secretion of apolipoproteins from human hepatocytes, HepG2, was investigated. The levels of apoB and apoA-1 secreted in the cell culture medium were determined by sandwich ELISA. EA did not affect cell viability at the tested concentrations (up to 50 µM). EA suppressed the secretion of apoB and enhanced that of apoA-1 from HepG2 cells. However, cellular apoB levels were increased, suggesting that EA inhibited the trafficking of apoB during the process of secretion. In contrast, the increase in the cellular levels of apoA-1 was consistent with its secreted levels. These results indicate that EA inhibits the secretion of apoB from hepatocytes and increases the secretion of apoA-1. Both of these effects are beneficial for lipoprotein metabolism in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. The detailed mechanism underlying these effects of EA on lipoprotein metabolism should be elucidated in the future, but this naturally occurring polyphenolic compound might be antihyperlipidemic. Based on these results, EA is suggested as a candidate food-derived compound for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
The globe and more particularly the economically developed regions of the world are currently in the era of the fourth Industrial revolution (4IR). Conversely; the economically developing regions in the world and more particularly the African continent have not yet even fully passed through the Third Industrial Revolution (3IR) wave and its economy is still heavily dependent on the agricultural field. On the other hand, the state of global food insecurity is worsening on an annual basis thanks to the exponential growth of the global human population which continuously heightens the food demand in both quantity and quality. This justifies the significance of the focus on digitizing agricultural practices to improve the farm yield to meet up with the steep food demand and stabilize the economy of the African continent and countries like India whose economy is mainly dependent on Agriculture. The tools we have at our disposal to utilize in the digitization of farming practices include space technology and Global Navigation and Satellite System (GNSS) in particular, Machine learning (ML), precision agriculture and communication systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Information And Communication Technologies (ICT). The most pressing challenges in the farming field include the monitoring of diseases, pests, weeds and nutrient deficiencies in the crops as early detection translates to swift and timely correction actions and hence more yield at the end of a farming cycle. Vast opportunities in the field of precision agriculture still exist that can amount to further research studies such as the lack of real-time monitoring and real-time corrective action focus.
Polyphenols are a broad group of bioactive phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. Numerous studies have demonstrated that polyphenol extracts obtained from natural sources can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Pomegranate peel extract is an excellent source of polyphenols, such as punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid, among others. These phenolic compounds have antineoplastic activity in in vitro models of cervical cancer through the regulation of cellular redox balance, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and modulation of different signaling pathways. The current review summarizes recent data from scientific reports that address the anticancer activity of the predominant polyphenol compounds present in PPE and their different mechanisms of action in cervical cancer models.
Punicacae ailesinin bir üyesi olan nar, Punica granatum L., tıpkı diğer pek çok bitki gibi antik çağdan günümüze kadar ulaşan, tıbbi amaçlı olarak kullanıldığı bilinen, yenilebilir bir meyvedir. Narın kökleri, çiçeği, meyvesi, kabuğu, aril (çekirdek) ve diğer kısımları sağlık sektöründe aktif olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu güncel çalışmanın amacı geçmişten günümüze fonksiyonel besin olarak tüketilebilen narın sağlığa olan etkilerinin farklı alt başlıklarda değerlendirilmesidir. Nar ve yan ürünleri anti-bakteriyel, anti-oksidan, anti-kanser, anti-obezite, anti-nörodejeneratif, anti-aterosklerotik, yara iyileşmesi gibi pek çok alanda kullanılmakta ve her geçen gün narın tıbbi kullanımına olan ilgi artmaktadır. Nar meyvesine bu fonksiyonelliği veren içindeki flavonoidler, polifenoller, ellajitaninler (gallik asit, ellajik asit, punikalin, punikalagin, luteolin, kuersetin, kamferol, glikosid, pedunkulagin) gibi fenolik maddelerdir. Bu maddeler sayesinde nar, kan glikoz düzeyini azaltma, kanser hücrelerinde apoptozisi arttırma, LDL ve total kolesterol gibi bazı kan yağları düzeylerini ve bel çevresini azaltma, nöroinflamasyonu azaltma ve oksidatif stresi azaltarak antioksidan etkiyi arttırma gibi etkilere sahiptir. Narda bulunan aktif maddelerin ilaç etkileşimlerine neden olup olmadığı halen tartışmalıdır. Nar ve türevlerinin özellikle anjiyotensin dönüştürücü enzimi (ACE) inhibe eden ilaçlar, antihipertansifler, karbamazepin, CYP 2D6 substratları, varfarin, rosuvastatin ve tolbutamit ile etkileşime girebileceği bilinmeli ve dikkatli olunmalıdır. Narın farklı kısımlarının içinde bulunan punikalagin ve punikalin başta olmak üzere bazı biyoaktif maddeler narın bu denli eşsiz olmasını sağlayan temel faktörlerdir.
Malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition in older adults. It is associated with low muscle mass and function and increased occurrence of health problems. Maintaining an adequate nutritional status as well as a sufficient nutrient intake in older people is therefore essential to address this public health problem. For this purpose, protein supplementation is known to prevent the loss of muscle mass during aging, and the consumption of various pomegranate extracts induces numerous health benefits, mainly through their antioxidant properties. However, to our knowledge, no study has to date investigated the impact of their combination on the level of malnutrition in older people. The objective of this preliminary study was thus to evaluate the safety of a combination of protein and a pomegranate extract in healthy subjects aged 65 years or more during a 21-day supplementation period. Thirty older participants were randomly assigned to receive protein and a pomegranate extract (Test group) or protein and maltodextrin (Control group) during a 21-day intervention period. The primary outcomes were the safety and tolerability of the supplementation defined as the occurrence of adverse events, and additional secondary outcomes included physical examination and hematological and biochemical parameters. No serious adverse events were reported in any group. Changes in physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters between the initial screening and the end of the study were equivalent in both groups, except for glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and prealbumin, for which a decrease was observed only in the Test group. Our initial findings support the safety of the combination of protein and a pomegranate extract in healthy elderly people. Future clinical trials on a larger sample and a longer period are needed to determine the efficacy of this combination.
In recent years edible flowers emerged in gourmet cuisine, giving any dish the beauty of attractive colours, freshness, texture, and aromatic notes. Moreover, they also constitute a potential source of phytochemical compounds associated with beneficial effects on human health. In this work, the volatilomic fingerprinting of 4 different species of edible flowers [blue mallow (Malva sylvestris L.), pomegranate flower (Punica granatum L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.)] used in gourmet dishes, was established, and comparatively investigated. The volatile metabolites were extracted by solid-phase microextraction in headspace mode and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to understand the chemistry behind its attractiveness better. A total of 78 volatile metabolites, belonging to diverse chemical groups were identified. Blue mallow is mainly characterised by sesquiterpenoids (61.5% of the total volatile fraction), whereas in flowers from pomegranate, hibiscus, and nasturtium, terpenoids (56.6%), carbonyl compounds (88.0%) and organosulfur compounds (98.0%) are the dominant chemical groups, respectively. In blue mallow flowers, τ-muurolene and valencene are the dominant volatiles, followed by α-cubebene and δ-cadinene. Pomegranate flowers are rich in furfural and linalool, while the aldehydes 2-hexenal, hexanal and 2-octenal are dominant volatile metabolites in hibiscus. Benzyl isothiocyanate, a potent antimicrobial agent, accounts for 98% of the total volatile fraction of nasturtium flowers. In addition to flavour notes, some of the identified volatile metabolites present bioactive properties, which could be explored for application in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The volatile metabolites profiles combined with unsupervised principal component analysis facilitated the differentiation of the edible flowers under investigation, revealing the most related volatile metabolites of each sample, which can be used as markers for the authentication of these valuable food samples.
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial pneumonia characterized by abnormal epithelial -mesenchymal transition (EMT) and persistent inflammatory injury. Pomegranate has multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. In this study, we evaluated the effect of pomegranate juice (POMJ) in ameliorating PF and explored the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. Compared to the Vehicle group, POMJ attenuated bleomycin (BLM)-induced histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the lungs and alleviated the inflammatory response. Western blot and immunohistochemistry results revealed that POMJ treatment reduced the expression of Collagen I and Vimentin and increased the expression of E-cadherin. In addition, in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells, it was further confirmed, which may be associated with inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that POMJ ameliorates lung injury by regulating the inflammatory response and the process of EMT, exhibiting great potential to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis.
Revisiting traditional uses and developing therapeutic applications of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) non-edible parts have gradually attracted abroad attention for considerable healthy, economic, and environmental benefits. Infusion made from medicinal plants is one of the most commonly consumed beverages both in ancient and modern societies. The superiority of pomegranate leaf, as an agro-industrial waste has not yet reported thoroughly, although many researchers have outlined the importance of pomegranate fruit. The present work revealed that pomegranate leaf infusion (PLI) possessed high contents of total phenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and displayed potent antioxidant capacities by diammonium cation radical and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl radical scavenging assays as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power method. PLI maintained good stability (> 90%) in the levels of total polyphenolics and in vitro antioxidant properties over one-day storage (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 h), which may be related to the complex conversion and activity compensation among the identified individual compounds, especially ellagitannins. Moreover, PLI showed safe nature and exhibited anti-neoplastic and toxicological effects in the transgenic mice carrying human papillomavirus type 16 oncogenes, by reducing hydronephrosis lesions in kidneys and diminishing dysplasia and carcinoma lesions in the chest skin. Thus, PLI could be of great interest in the valorization of high added-value by-products and in the application of green and functional alternatives in the food-pharma and nutraceutical industries.
Background
Peritoneal adhesions (PA) are a common complication of abdominal operations. There is a growing body of evidence showing that inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis at sites of peritoneal damaging could prevent the development of intra-abdominal adhesions.
Method
A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases was performed using the keywords ‘postsurgical adhesion’, ‘post-operative adhesion’, ‘peritoneal adhesion’, ‘surgery-induced adhesion’ and ‘abdominal adhesion’. Studies detailing the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents for peritoneal adhesion prevention were identified, and their bibliographies were thoroughly reviewed to identify further related articles.
Result
several signaling pathways such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, tissue plasminogen activator, and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells play a key part in the development of plasminogen activator. Several therapeutic approaches based on anti-PA drugs barriers, and traditional herbal medicines have been developed to prevent and treat adhesion formation. In recent years, the most promising method to prevent PA is believed to be treatment using biomaterial-based barriers.
Conclusion
Here we provide an overview on the pathophysiology of adhesion formation and various agents targeting different pathways including chemical agents, herbal agents, physical barriers, and clinical trials concerning this matter.
Background
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), one of the oldest known edible fruits, is nowadays broadly consumed throughout the world. Its fruits and seed are rich in many bioactive compounds, as polyphenols, and the scientific interest in this plant has been constantly growing in recent years.
Introduction
Pomegranate fruit and its juice have been shown to have health benefits relating to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are used in alternative medicine as adaptogens and ergogens protecting against many neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, and skin disorders.
Methods
Given the amount of evidence, this narrative review does not seek to supply a comprehensive summary of all study findings, but rather focuses on human clinical trials related the last five years. In this regard, we have performed a check in MEDLINE, and clinical trials presented in this time are summarized.
Result
The use of pomegranate as table fruit or juice, rich source of polyphenols, can so be recommended in human nutrition for its benefic properties. The consumption of pomegranate fruit symbolizes a promising therapeutic approach to avert many chronic syndromes.
Conclusion
Importantly, the findings call for the need for a larger, rigorously designed human clinical trials to allow continued investigation into the potential specific effects of pomegranate fruit, and to obtain the best dose and duration of supplementation with pomegranate juice.
In the present study we investigated the performance of a panel of 13 solid sorbents comprising layered double hydroxides, zirconium phosphate-based materials, and phyllosilicates as heterogeneous supports for the concentration of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice. Mg-containing clays exhibited an almost complete bleaching capacityof pomegranate juice and more interestingly provided blends with an increased antioxidant capacity (around 1.5-fold) respect to the parent juice when assayed for the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) coupled to ABTS decolorization test. Such an activity remained practically unaltered after 4 days during which the pomegranate concentrated preparations remained supported on clays. The approach investigated herein and used for the concentration of pomegranate juice and the discovery of the preservation for long periods of the antioxidant activities of pomegranate extracts when supported on solid sorbents have been reported herein for the first time in the literature to the best of our knowledge.
Inflammation is a complex biological defense system associated with a series of chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The extracts of pomegranate fruit and peel have been reported to possess health-beneficial properties in inflammation-associated chronic diseases. Punicalagin is considered to be the major active component of pomegranate extracts. In this review we have focused on recent studies into the therapeutic effects of punicalagin on inflammation-associated chronic diseases and the regulatory roles in NF-κB, MAPK, IL-6/JAK/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. We have concluded that punicalagin may be a promising therapeutic compound in preventing and treating inflammation-associated chronic diseases, although further clinical studies are required.
Context
Disorders associated with diabetes and beneficial effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) was widely reported. However effect of diabetes and PPE on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling need further investigation.
Objectives
The focus of this study was to investigate involvement of diabetes in cardiac ECM and beneficial effects of PPE.
Methods
Diabetes was induced by alloxan. PPE group was injected by 100 mg/kg of PPE. Phenolic profile of PPE was analyzed by HPLC. ECM was detected by ELISA. MMP-1,-8,-13 was determinated by a colorimetric assay.
Results
Compared to control fibronectin and laminin plasma content was higher respectively by 69% and 42% (p < 0.05) in diabetes. LV content of hydroxyproline and total collagen were higher by 195% (p < 0.01) and 56% (p < 0.05) in diabetic group compared to control and restored at similar level than controls in PPE group. Compared to control, collagenase activity was significantly reduced by 32% (p <0.05) and 35% (p <0.05) respectively in ALX and PPF groups. There is no significant difference in collagenase activities in diabetic rats after and before PPE injection. Conclusion: Diabetes is involved in cardiac ECM remodeling which can be improved by PPE. These findings will be useful for more understanding the diabetes-induced cardiac disorders.
In recent years, interest in the health effects of natural antioxidants has increased due to their safety and applicability in cosmetic formulation. Nevertheless, efficacy of natural antioxidants in vivo is less documented than their prooxidant properties in vivo. Plant extracts rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds can induce oxidative damage by reacting with various biomolecules while also providing antioxidant properties. Because the biological activities of natural antioxidants differ, their effectiveness for slowing the aging process remains unclear. This review article focuses on the use of natural antioxidants in skincare and the possible mechanisms underlying their desired effect, along with recent applications in skincare formulation and their limitations.
Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, is a fruit native to Asia, widely consumed since ancient times. It is constituted by peel, which is 50% of the total weight, containing polyphenols, minerals, and complex polysaccharides. The edible portion of the fruit is a berry, composed of 40% of arils and 10% of seeds, representing an excellent dietary source of polyphenols, organic acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals. Therefore, the pomegranate can be considered an interesting functional product exhibiting different pharmacological properties, mainly due to the presence of active ingredients including tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, triterpenes, and steroids, in different parts of the fruit. Indeed, a wide range of beneficial effects of pomegranate for human health is supported by scientific evidence, including cardiovascular protection, neuroprotective activity, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic and chemopreventive effects. Great attention in the health-promoting role of pomegranate has focused on polyphenols, especially ellagitannins (hydrolyzable tannins) and anthocyanins (condensed tannins). Punicalin, ellagic acid, and punicalagin, strongly representative polyphenols of pomegranate, have been associated with its strong antioxidant activity. In this chapter, the identification and quantification of the phenolic compounds of pomegranate will be documented, relating to the antioxidant activity of juice obtained from arils and whole pomegranate fruit. Moreover, the effects on human health will be discussed, critically analyzing how pomegranate active compounds can interfere with the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the two processes involved in several degenerative pathologies, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Herein, the polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate highlight the promising role in the prevention or treatment of several pathological conditions, suggesting the presence of an interesting pool of active compounds, that deserves further investigation to develop innovative functional strategies.
Varying degrees of liver injuries have been reported in patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In general, oxidative stress is actively involved in initiation and progression of liver damage. The liver metabolizes various compounds that produce free radicals. Maintaining the oxidative/antioxidative balance is important in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Antioxidant vitamins, essential trace elements and food compounds, such as polyphenols, appear to be promising agents, with effects in oxidative burst. Deficiency of these nutrients suppresses immune function and increases susceptibility to COVID-19. Daily micronutrient intake is necessary to support anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects but for immune function may be higher than current recommended dietary intake. Antioxidant supplements (β-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium) could have a potential role in patients with liver damage. Available evidence suggests that supplementing the diet with a combination of micronutrients may help to optimize immune function and reduce the risk of infection. Clinical trials based on the associations of diet and SARS-CoV-2 infection are lacking. Unfortunately, it is not possible to definitively determine the dose, route of administration and best timing to intervene with antioxidants in COVID-19 patients because clinical trials are still ongoing. Until then, hopefully, this review will enable clinicians to understand the impact of micronutrient dietary intake and liver status assessment in COVID-19 patients.
The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of pomegranate ( Punica granatum) seed oil in wound healing in excised rats. Sixteen female young Wistar Albino Rats weighing approximately 300 to 320 g were randomly divided into 2 groups as the treatment (=pomegranate seed oil group) and control groups in this experiment. Six different wounds 1 cm apart from the midline and each other were formed with a 6 mm punch biopsy instrument. Three wounds were left open (open wound group) whereas 3 wounds were sutured with 4/0 vicryl (closed wound group). Punica granatum seed oil treatment was administered topically to the treatment group, both to open and closed wounds, once a day for 14 days. Parameters for healing were evaluated. Histopathologic examination was performed for the investigation of inflammation, neovascularization, granulation, and fibroblast generation in addition to serologic (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) evaluation of rat malondialchehyche, rat glutathione peroxidase, and rat superoxide dismutase. PeriScan PIM 3 System Laser Doppler Blood Perfusion Imager was used for the calculation of blood perfusion. There was a statistically significant difference between inflammation and neovascularization levels and group type on the 14th day in open wounds( P < .05). On the 21st day, the granulation tissue level in the closed wound group was found to be higher in the pomegranate group ( P = 0.000).The results showed that PSE oil is partially effective, although it is not effective in every parameter examined, in the treatment of excised wounds in rats and may be suitable for clinical treatment in humans but large controlled studies are needed.
In recent decades, an intensive search for natural and novel types of antioxidant polyphenolics has been carried out on numerous plant materials. However, the current literature has very little information on their storage stability in the form of freshly prepared infusions. This study aims to characterize the polyphenolic composition and the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf infusions over one-day storage (analyzed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h). Spectrophotometric evaluation demonstrated that the infusion presented no significant changes in the content of total phenols (131.40–133.47 mg gallic acid g−1) and ortho-diphenols (239.91–244.25 mg gallic acid g−1). The infusion also maintained high stability (over 98% and 82%, respectively) for flavonoids (53.30–55.84 mg rutin g−1) and condensed tannins (102.15–124.20 mg epicatechin g−1), with stable (>90%) potent antioxidant capacity (1.5–2.2 mmol Trolox g−1) throughout 0–24 h storage. The main decrease was observed during 0–2 h storage of flavonoids, 8–24 h storage of tannins, and 0–4 h storage of antioxidant capacity. Chromatographic analysis further revealed that 7 decreased and 11 increased compounds were found within 0–24 h storage. The good stability of the total polyphenolics and antioxidant properties might be related to the complex conversion and activity compensation among these compounds. The findings suggest that pomegranate leaf infusion could be of great interest in the valorization of high added-value by-products and in the application of green and functional alternatives in the food-pharma and nutraceutical industries.
Nowadays, there is an ever-increasing trend in the case of nutraceuticals and superfoods as a result of growing concerns about the effects of diet on health. Nutraceuticals are natural biologically active compounds extractable from various food sources. In contrast, a superfood is any fresh or processed food claimed to have particular health-promoting attributes and/or can decrease the risk of chronic disease further than its basic nutritionalNutritional function. Different studies have shown that the nutraceuticals and superfoods have various beneficial physiological effects, and their consumption can reduce the risk for disease development or can even cure some diseases because they are rich sources of a wide range of bioactiveBioactive molecules and specific nutrients. Some examples of nutraceuticals and superfoods are curcumin, pomegranate, camel milk, bioactive peptides, and walnut, which their potential health benefits and applications for the development of functional foodFunctional food products with health-promoting properties have been studied in the present chapter.
In the context of the evolution of flowering plants, the issues of the origin and evolution of the ancestral form of Punica granatum L. are considered. The literature data and the hypothesis of the tropical origin of that relict species compared with materials obtained during biomorphological observations of P. granatum. The investigation of the available palaeobotanical data on P. granatum showed that the majority of the known findings of the pomegranate were discovered in the region including Transcaucasia and the North Caucasus. Consideration of atavistic (retentions and recapitulations) and teratological changes at P. granatum L. allows to better understand the normal structure, and evolution of that species. As applied to P. granatum the different strategies of evolution were discussed (progressive evolution, idioadaptation). The features of the macro- and micromorphology of the contemporary pomegranate critically evaluated with relation to their evolutionary history and adaptive significance. The examples of the heterobatmia at P. granatum, which is typical to the ancient representatives of the flora, are considered.
The examination of the data allows assuming that the origin of the ancestor form of the pomegranate related to the Cretaceous or to the beginning of the Paleogene periods and connected with tropical areas. Being a relict species, the pomegranate now by no means could be regarded as a “degrading relict” as it is rather flexible and adaptable to various ecological conditions.
Background:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is treated with highly aggressive non-targeted chemotherapies. Safer and more effective therapeutic approaches than those currently in use are needed. Natural pomegranate peel extract (PPE) has recently been found to inhibit breast cancer progression; however, its mechanisms of action remain unclear. We hypothesized that transcriptional changes in the genes encoding the adherence proteins of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), may explain, at least in part, the anti-metastatic properties of PPE. Recently, the tumor microenvironment has been recognized as a key contributor to cancer progression. We speculated that PPE acts by modulating matrix glycoproteins including MMP9 and fibronectin. Moreover, we hypothesized that VEGF, which is required for tumor development, may contribute to the antimetastatic effects of PPE.
Methods:
To address these possibilities, MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different doses of PPE at different time points. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry using annexin V and propidium iodide. Cell migration was detected with a transwell assay. Gene expression changes were analyzed by real-time PCR.
Results:
Exposure to PPE resulted in TNBC cell death and markedly inhibited PPE-resistant cell migration. Moreover, PPE up-regulated the expression of ICAM-1, a protein essential for cell adhesion, and down-regulated the expression of MMP9, fibronectin, and VEGF, the products of which contribute to cancer cell migration.
Conclusion:
Transcriptional changes in ICAM-1, MMP9, fibronectin, and VEGF may contribute to PPE-mediated antimetastatic effects in TNBC.
Cancer has become one of the most fatal diseases in most countries. In spite of the medical care developing, cancer still remains a significant problem. The majority of the cancers are resistant to treatment. Thus, the research for novel, more efficient and less side effect treatment methods continues. Pomegranate contains strong antioxidant activity, with potential health interests. Research concern in pomegranate is increasing because of their anticancer potential due to possess rich in polyphenols. We highlight the pomegranate potential health benefits and mechanism of cancer progression inhibition. Pomegranate has indicated antiproliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-invasive effects on different cancer cell line in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial. The aim of this review is to evaluate functional properties and the medical benifits of pomegranate against various cancer diseases. In addition, pomegranate properties in in vitro and in vivo experimental human and animal clinical trials and its future use are explored. The available data suggest that Punica granatum (pomegranate) might be used in the control and potential therapeutic for some disease conditions and benefits human health status. This review summarizes in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies highlighting the pomegranate role in prevent and treatment of breast, prostate, lung, colon, skin and hepatocellular cell cancers.
Having served as a symbolic fruit since ancient times, pomegranate (Punica granatum) has also gained considerable recognition as a functional food in the modern era. A large body of literature has linked pomegranate polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins (ATs) and hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), to the health-promoting activities of pomegranate juice and fruit extracts. However, it remains unclear as to how, and to what extent, the numerous phytochemicals in pomegranate may interact and exert cooperative activities in humans. In this review, we examine the structural and analytical information of the diverse phytochemicals that have been identified in different pomegranate tissues, to establish a knowledge base for characterization of metabolite profiles, discovery of novel phytochemicals, and investigation of phytochemical interactions in pomegranate. We also assess recent findings on the function and molecular mechanism of ATs as well as urolithins, the intestinal microbial derivatives of pomegranate HTs, on human nutrition and health. A better understanding of the structural diversity of pomegranate phytochemicals as well as their bioconversions and bioactivities in humans will facilitate the interrogation of their synergistic/antagonistic interactions and accelerate their applications in dietary-based cancer chemoprevention and treatment in the future.
Purpose: Methotrexate
(MTX) is prescribed in many diseases and can result in oxidative stress (OS)
followed by injuries in some tissues. Antioxidants administration are effective
in reducing OS. Pomegranate exhibits high anti-oxidant capacities. This study
investigated whether pomegranate seed and peel methanolic extracts (PSE and
PPE) could protect against MTX-induced OS and lipid profile changes in rats.
Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly
divided into 6 groups: control group (normal salin), PSE group (500 mg/kg,
orally), PPE group (500 mg/kg, orally), MTX group (10 mg/kg, IM), MTX and PSE group, and MTX and PPE group. Blood samples were
taken for analysis in the end of the procedure.
Results:
The findings showed a significant reduction in Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and
Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and an enhancement in malondialdehyde (MDA) values
after MTX treatment (p < 0.05). SOD and GPx levels reached the levels of the
control group in MTX+SPE and MTX+PPE groups. No significant differences were
observed in catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels between
groups. The results showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC),
low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the MTX
treated group (p < 0.01). The values of TC, HDL, and LDL became elevated to
the normal control levels in the MTX+PSE and MTX+PPE treated groups.
Conclusion: The results showed the OS induced by MTX and the
protective effects of PSE and PPE against MTX-induced serum oxidative stress
and lipid profile changes in rats.
Urolithins (UROs) are metabolites derived from ellagic acid (EA) and ellagitannins (ETs) by gut microbiota after consumption of different ETs. The health effects attributed to UROs are numerous and diverse, ranging from antimalarial properties to anticancer activities and regulation of gene expression. The aim of this work was at assessing the effect of URO-A; -B; -C; -D on the oxidative status of colon epithelium using as a model colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). No significant cytotoxic effects of UROs was noted, with the applied treatments. Supplementation of cell growth medium with a mixture of UROs decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species both after short- and long-term exposure. UROs also affected the activity of antioxidative enzymes within the cell, especially catalase.
Conclusions: At concentrations reached in the lumen of the gut, UROs can exert beneficial effects on the cells by decreasing oxidative stress thus preventing the damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a nutrient-rich unique fruit, has been used for centuries for the prevention and treatment of various inflammation-driven diseases. Based on our previous study, a characterized pomegranate emulsion (PE) exhibited a striking inhibition of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated rat mammary tumorigenesis via antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. The objective of the present work is to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of PE during DMBA rat mammary carcinogenesis by evaluating the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2p45 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mammary tumor samples were harvested from our previous chemopreventive study in which PE (0.2-5.0 g/kg) was found to reduce mammary tumorigenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The expressions of COX-2, HSP90, NF-κB, inhibitory κB (IκBα) and Nrf2 were detected by immunohistochemical techniques. PE decrease the expression of COX-2 and HSP90, prevented the degradation of IκBα, hindered the translocation of NF-κB from cytosol to nucleus and increased the expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 during DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis. These findings, together with our previous results, indicate that PE-mediated prevention of DMBA-evoked mammary carcinogenesis may involve anti-inflammatory mechanisms through concurrent but differential regulation of two interrelated molecular pathways, namely NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling.
(1) Background: Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ɤ-linolenic acid (GLA) are well-known anti-inflammatory agents that may help in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Their effects were examined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; (2) Methods: Sixty patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were involved in a prospective, randomized trial of a 12 week supplementation with fish oil (group I), fish oil with primrose evening oil (group II), or with no supplementation (group III). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were done at the beginning and at the end of the study; (3) Results: The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28 score), number of tender joints and visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased notably after supplementation in groups I and II (p < 0.001). In plasma phospholipids the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio declined from 15.47 ± 5.51 to 10.62 ± 5.07 (p = 0.005), and from 18.15 ± 5.04 to 13.50 ± 4.81 (p = 0.005) in groups I and II respectively. The combination of n-3 PUFA and GLA (group II) increased ɤ-linolenic acid (0.00 ± 0.00 to 0.13 ± 0.11, p < 0.001), which was undetectable in all groups before the treatments; (4) Conclusion: Daily supplementation with n-3 fatty acids alone or in combination with GLA exerted significant clinical benefits and certain changes in disease activity.
The aim of this study is to investigate the simultaneous effect of pomegranate juice on components of the metabolic syndrome, including high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as an inflammatory index and glycemic and lipid profile indices in patients with metabolic syndrome. In a double- blind 2*2 crossover study, 30 individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome received a daily dose of 500 mL pomegranate juice for a period of one week. After one week of wash out period, they received a placebo for one week. Lipid profile, blood glucose control indices including fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hs-CRP were measured at the beginning and end of the study. To analyze the data, a repeated measure analysis of variance and a t-test were performed. The results indicated that in comparison to the placebo, pomegranate juice was more effective in reducing the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.00) and hs-CRP (p = 0.018). The level of triglyceride (p = 0.030) and very low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p = 0.014) were increased after the consumption of pomegranate juice, as opposed to the baseline condition. The rest of lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin, and HOMA-IR of the participants did not show any significant difference. Natural pomegranate juice supplementation lowered the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome as well as their blood hs-CRP. However, it also increased their triglyceride and VLDL-C.
Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with hyperglycemia, inflammatory disorders and abnormal lipid profiles. Several functional foods have therapeutic potential to treat chronic diseases including diabetes. The therapeutic potential of pomegranate has been stated by multitudinous scientists. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate juice and seed powder on the levels of plasma glucose and insulin, inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profiles, and health of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD) induced T2DM Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods
Forty healthy male SD rats were induced to diabetes with a single dose intra-peritoneal administration of STZ (60 mg/kg b.w.) - NAD (120 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetic rats were orally administered with 1 mL of pomegranate fresh juice (PJ) or 100 mg pomegranate seed powder in 1 mL distilled water (PS), or 5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide every day for 21 days. Rats in all groups were sacrificed on day 22. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software (v: 22) using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). ResultsThe results showed that PJ and PS treatment had slight but non-significant reduction of plasma glucose concentration, and no impact on plasma insulin compared to diabetic control (DC) group. PJ lowered the plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) significantly, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) non-significantly compared to DC group. In contrast, PS treatment significantly raised plasma TC, LDL, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels compared to the DC rats. Moreover, the administration of PJ and PS significantly reduced the levels of plasma inflammatory biomarkers, which were actively raised in diabetic rats. Only PJ treated group showed significant repairment and restoration signs in islets of Langerhans. Besides, PJ possessed preventative impact against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals almost 2.5 folds more than PS. Conclusions
Our findings suggest that active constituents with high antioxidant properties present in PJ are responsible for its anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, likewise the restoration effect on the damaged islets of Langerhans in experimental rats. Hence, the pharmacological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles of PJ treated rats obviously indicated its helpful effects in amelioration of diabetes-associated complications.
Background
The plants belonging to the Ocimum genus of the Lamiaceae family are considered to be a rich source of essential oils which have expressed biological activity and use in different area of human activity. There is a great variety of chemotypes within the same basil species. Essential oils from three different cultivars of basil, O. basilicum var. purpureum, O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora, and O. citriodorum Vis. were the subjects of our investigations.
Methods
The oils were obtained by steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The gas chromatography mass selective analysis was used to determine their chemical composition. The antioxidant activities of these essential oils were measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays; the tyrosinase inhibition abilities of the given group of oils were also assessed spectophotometrically, and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was determined by the agar diffusion method, minimal inhibitory concentrations were expressed.
Results
According to the results, the qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils was quite different: O. basilicum var. purpureum essential oil contained 57.3% methyl-chavicol (estragol); O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora oil had 68.0% linalool. The main constituents of O. citriodorum oil were nerol (23.0%) and citral (20.7%). The highest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora essential oil. This oil has also exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibition level, whereas the oil from O. citriodorum cultivar demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions
The results obtained indicate that these essential oils have antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity and can be used as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in medicine, food industry and cosmetics.
Decline in estrogen levels promotes endothelial dysfunction and, consequently, the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in menopausal women. The use of natural therapies such as pomegranate can change these results. Pomegranate [Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae)] is widely used as a phytotherapeutic agent worldwide, including in Brazil. We hypothesized that treatment with pomegranate hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) would improve coronary vascular reactivity and cardiovascular parameters. At the beginning of treatment, spontaneously hypertensive female rats were divided into Sham and ovariectomized (OVX) groups, which received pomegranate extract (PHE) (250 mg/kg) or filtered water (V) for 30 days by gavage. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography. After euthanasia, the heart was removed and coronary vascular reactivity was assessed by Langendorff retrograde perfusion technique. A dose-response curve for bradykinin was performed, followed by L-NAME inhibition. The protein expression of p-eNOS Ser 1177 , p-eNOS Thr 495 , total eNOS, p-AKT Ser 473 , total AKT, SOD-2, and catalase was quantified by Western blotting. The detection of coronary superoxide was performed using the protocol of dihydroethidium (DHE) staining Plasma nitrite measurement was analyzed by Griess method. Systolic blood pressure increased in both Sham-V and OVX-V groups, whereas it was reduced after treatment in Sham-PHE and OVX-PHE groups. The baseline coronary perfusion pressure was reduced in the Sham-PHE group. The relaxation was significantly higher in the treated group, and L-NAME attenuated the relaxation in all groups. The treatment has not changed p-eNOS (Ser 1177), total eNOS, p-AKT (Ser 473) and total AKT in any groups. However, in Sham and OVX group the treatment reduced the p-eNOS (Thr 495) and SOD-2. The ovariectomy promoted an increasing in the superoxide anion levels and Frontiers in Pharmacology | www.frontiersin.org 1 January 2017 | Volume 7 | Article 522 Delgado et al. Pomegranate Enhances Coronary Relaxation the treatment was able to prevent this elevation and reducing oxidative stress. Moreover, the treatment prevented the decreasing in plasmatic nitrite. We observed a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL in the Sham-PHE group. The treatment with PHE enhances the endothelium-dependent coronary relaxation and improves cardiovascular parameters, which suggests a therapeutic role of PHE.
Oxidative stress is viewed as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their elimination by protective mechanisms, which can lead to chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress can activate a variety of transcription factors, which lead to the differential expression of some genes involved in inflammatory pathways. The inflammation triggered by oxidative stress is the cause of many chronic diseases. Polyphenols have been proposed to be useful as adjuvant therapy for their potential anti-inflammatory effect, associated with antioxidant activity, and inhibition of enzymes involved in the production of eicosanoids. This review aims at exploring the properties of polyphenols in anti-inflammation and oxidation and the mechanisms of polyphenols inhibiting molecular signaling pathways which are activated by oxidative stress, as well as the possible roles of polyphenols in inflammation-mediated chronic disorders. Such data can be helpful for the development of future antioxidant therapeutics and new anti-inflammatory drugs.
Stilbenes are a class of polyphenolic compounds, naturally found in a wide variety of dietary sources such as grapes, berries, peanuts, red wine, and some medicinal plants. There are several well-known stilbenes including trans-resveratrol, pterostilbene, and 3′-hydroxypterostilbene. The core chemical structure of stilbene compounds is 1,2-diphenylethylene. Recently, stilbenes have attracted extensive attention and interest due to their wide range of health-beneficial effects such as anti-inflammation, -carcinogenic, -diabetes, and -dyslipidemia activities. Moreover, accumulating in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that stilbene compounds act as inducers of multiple cell-death pathways such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents in several types of cancer cells. The aim of this review is to highlight recent molecular findings and biological actions of trans-resveratrol, pterostilbene, and 3′-hydroxypterostilbene.
Based on the antioxidant properties of pomegranate, this study was designed to investigate the effects of pomegranate peel extract on damage associated with hypertension and aging in a spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model. The influence of pomegranate consumption was examined on systolic blood pressure (SBP), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) coronary activity, oxidative stress, and vascular morphology. Four- or 28-wk-old SHR model rats were treated for 30 d, with terminal experimental animal age being 8 and 32 wk, respectively, with either pomegranate extract (SHR-PG) or filtered water (SHR). Data showed significant reduction in SBP and coronary ACE activity in both age groups. The levels of superoxide anion, a measure of oxidative stress, were significantly lower in animals in the SHR-PG group compared to SHR alone. Coronary morphology demonstrated total increases in vascular wall areas were in the SHR group, and pomegranate peel extract diminished this effect. Pomegranate peel extract consumption conferred protection against hypertension in the SHR model. This finding was demonstrated by marked reduction in coronary ACE activity, oxidative stress, and vascular remodelling. In addition, treatment was able to reduce SBP in both groups. Evidence indicates that the use of pomegranate peel extract may prove beneficial in alleviating coronary heart disease.
Background
The medical application of pomegranate fruits and its peel is attracted human beings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro α-Glucosidase inhibition, antimicrobial, antioxidant property and in vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity of Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit peel extract using Caenorhabditis elegans.
Methods
Various invitro antioxidant activity of fruit peel extracts was determined by standard protocol. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined using disc diffusion and microdilution method respectively. Anti-hyperglycemic activity of fruit peel was observed using fluorescence microscope for in vivo study.
Results
The ethyl acetate extract of P. granatum fruit peel (PGPEa) showed α-Glucosidase inhibition upto 50 % at the concentration of IC50 285.21 ± 1.9 μg/ml compared to hexane and methanol extracts. The total phenolic content was highest (218.152 ± 1.73 mg of catechol equivalents/g) in ethyl acetate extract. PGPEa showed more scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with IC50 value 302.43 ± 1.9 μg/ml and total antioxidant activity with IC50 294.35 ± 1.68 μg/ml. PGPEa also showed a significant effecton lipid peroxidation IC50 208.62 ± 1.68 μg/ml, as well as high reducing power. Among the solvents extracts tested, ethyl acetate extract of fruit peel showed broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Ethyl acetate extract supplemented C.elegans worms showed inhibition of lipid accumulation similar to acarbose indicating good hypoglycemic activity. The normal worms compared to test (ethyl acetate extract supplemented) showed the highest hypoglycaemic activity by increasing the lifespan of the worms. GC-MS analysis of PGPEa showed maximum amount of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 4-fluorobenzyl alcohol (48.59 %).
Conclusion
In the present investigation we observed various biological properties of pomegranate fruit peel. The results clearly indicated that pomegranate peel extract could be used in preventing the incidence of long term complication of diabetics.
Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae) inhibits cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis through the modulation of cellular transcription factors and signaling proteins. No pharmacological work is reported on the effects of P. granatum juice on the cellular signaling pathways involved in initiation and progression of inflammation. The present investigation evaluates the effect of P. granatum juice (PJ) and purified punicalagin (PW) on nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and the signaling pathways leading to its expression in colon inflammation. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into six groups: positive and negative control, vehicle (50 % ethanol), standard (5-ASA 100 mg/kg, p.o.), PJ (400 mg/kg, p.o.), PW (4 mg/kg, p.o.). Colitis was induced with 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and animals were euthanized on 18th day. Colon samples collected were subjected to various histological assessment (CMDI, DAI), and biochemical parameters (MPO, MDA, SOD, NO). Gene expression study was carried out using RT-PCR for cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 and NF-κβ). Pretreatment with PJ and PW significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the disease extent and severity as indicated by reduction in CMDI (2 ± 0.31) and DAI (1.83# ± 0.22) when compared with DNBS-treated rats (3.83* ± 0.17). Gene expression studies showed decreased mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β in PJ and PW-treated groups. NF-κβ mRNA levels were found to be reduced 84 and 64 % by PJ and PW, respectively. These results suggest that P. granatum juice is more biologically active over punicalagin alone and can be potentially used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Plant polyphenols are reported to have bioactive properties, which may be used for protection against diseases. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activities of a pomegranate tannin polyphenol compound, punicalagin and pomegranate juice. The presence of punicalagin in pomegranate husk (US) and pomegranate juice (US & UK) was compared with a punicalagin standard using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) which are highly sensitive and selective analytical methods for the separation and identification of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Antioxidant mechanisms involving DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferrous chelating and reducing ability were also studied on pomegranate juice and standard punicalagin. The present study shows a high degree of similarity of HPLC and LC-MS results between the punicalagin commercial standard (Sigma Aldrich) and US pomegranate husk extracted with methanol. In contrast, in the methanol juice extract obtained from US and UK, higher hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was achieved by 0.1 mg/ml from both punicalagin and pomegranate juice when compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or trolox (p ≤ 0.01). Punicalagin and pomegranate juice exhibited ferrous chelating ability significantly lower than Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. These findings confirmed that punicalagin was present in pomegranate husk compared to pomegranate juice, as measured using a punicalagin standard. The antioxidant mechanism experiments concluded that, the pomegranate juice has a significantly higher radical scavenging activity in comparison with punicalagin (p ≤ 0.01). However, punicalagin showed significant ferrous chelating activity and reducing power ability in a dose-dependent manner as compared with pomegranate juice.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Reactive oxygen species have been considered as aggravating factors for autoimmune diseases. Fatty acids had been linked in reduction of various diseases by augment of their antioxidant potential and antiinflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who used concentrated fish oil only or concentrated fish oil in combination with evening primrose oil in a period of 3 months. Subjects were divided into three groups. The group I consists of patients who had been taking only their regular rheumatologic therapy; group II, patients who had been taking concentrated fish oil; and group III, patients who had been taking concentrated fish oil and evening primrose oil. Peripheral blood samples were used for all the assays. We assessed the following oxidative stress markers: index of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion radical (O2 (-)), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), and glutathione levels (GSH) in erythrocytes. There were no statistically significant changes for any of the oxidative stress parameters in group I. In group II, levels of TBARS, NO2 (-), and GSH were increased, while levels of H2O2 decreased. Increased values of TBARS, NO2 (-), and SOD were found in group III. Our findings indicate that intakes of fish oil and evening primrose oil may be of importance in mitigation of inflammation, disease activity, and oxidative stress biomarkers, through increased activities of antioxidant enzymes.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the United States and discovery and development of safe chemopreventive drugs is urgently needed. The fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum) is gaining importance because of its various health benefits. This study was initiated to investigate chemopreventive potential of a pomegranate emulsion (PE) against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) rat mammary carcinogenesis. The animals were orally administered with PE (0.2-5.0 g/kg), starting 2 wk before and 16 wk following DMBA treatment. PE exhibited a striking reduction of DMBA-induced mammary tumor incidence, total tumor burden, and reversed histopathological changes. PE dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in mammary tumors. Immunohistochemical studies showed that PE increased intratumor Bax, decreased Bcl2 and manifested a proapoptotic shift in Bax/Bcl2 ratio. In addition, our gene expression study showed PE-mediated upregulation of Bad, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, poly (ADP ribose) polymerase and cytochrome c in mammary tumors. Thus, PE exerts chemoprevention of mammary carcinogenesis by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis mediated through upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl2 in concert with caspase cascades. Pomegranate bioactive phytoconstituents could be developed as a chemopreventive drug to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
A pomegranate emulsion (PE), containing various bioactive phytochemicals, has recently been found to exert substantial chemopreventive effect against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumorigenesis in rats via antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of action are not completely understood. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of PE treatment on intratumor expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α, ER-β,β-catenin and cyclin D1 during DMBA rat mammary carcinogenesis. Mammary tumor sections were harvested from a chemopreventive study in which PE (0.2, 1.0 and 5.0 g/kg) exhibited inhibition of mammary tumorigenesis in a dose-response manner. The expressions of ER-α, ER-β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 were analyzed by immunohistochemical techniques. PE downregulated the expression of intratumor ER-α and ER-β and lowered ER-α:ER-β ratio. PE also decreased the expression, cytoplasmic accumulation, and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, an essential transcriptional cofactor for Wnt signaling. Moreover, PE suppressed the expression of cell growth regulatory protein cyclin D1, which is a downstream target for both ER and Wnt signaling. Our current results in conjunction with our previous findings indicate that concurrent disruption of ER and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways possibly contributes to antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects involved in PE-mediated chemoprevention of DMBA-inflicted rat mammary tumorigenesis.
Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of ten juices from arils and whole pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran were studied. Phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of juices from whole pomegranate fruit were significantly higher than juices from pomegranate arils, but the variety has a greater influence than the processing method. The main phenolics in the studied juices were punicalagin A (5.40–285 mg/L), punicalagin B (25.9–884 mg/L), and ellagic acid (17.4–928 mg/L). The major and minor anthocyanins of cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside (0.7–94.7 mg/L), followed by cyanidin 3-glucoside (0.5–52.5 mg/L), pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside + delphinidin 3-glucoside (0–10.3 mg/L), delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside (0–7.68 mg/L), pelargonidin 3-glucoside (0–9.40 mg/L), and cyanidin-pentoside (0–1.13 mg/L) were identified; the latter anthocyanin as well as cyanidin-pentoside-hexoside and delphinidin-pentoside were detected for the first time in Iranian pomegranates. The total phenolic contents were in the range of 220–2931 mg/100 mL. The results indicate that the pomegranate phenolics are not only influenced by extraction method but also—and even more—affected by the cultivar. Moreover, a good correlation was observed between total phenolic content and ABTS and FRAP methods in all pomegranate juices (>0.90). The results of current research can help to select the pomegranate cultivars for commercial juice production.
Medicinal plants, especially examples rich in polyphenolic compounds, have been suggested to be chemopreventive on account of antioxidative properties. Punica granatum (PG) (pomegranate) is a well known fruit in this context, but its cytotoxicity in cancer cells has not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the antiproliferative properties of a peel extract of PG from Iran in different human cancer cells.
A methanolic extract of pomegranate peel (PPE) was prepared. Total phenolic content(TPC) and total flavonoid conetnt (TFC) were determined by colorimetric assays. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity. The cytotoxicity of different doses of PPE (0, 5, 20, 100, 250, 500, 1000 μg/ml) was evaluated by MTT assays with A549 (lung non small cell cancer), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), SKOV3 (ovarian cancer), and PC-3 (prostate adenocarcinoma) cells.
Significant (P<0.01) or very significant (P<0.0001) differences were observed in comparison with negative controls at all tested doses (5-1000 μg/ml). In all studied cancer cells, PPE reduced the cell viability to values below 40%, even at the lowest doses. In all cases, IC50 was determined at doses below 5μg/ml. In this regard, MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells were the most responsive cells to antiprolifreative effects of PPE with a maximum mean growth inhibition of 81.0% vs. 69.4%, 79.3% and 77.5% in SKOV3, PC-3 and A549 cells, respectively.
Low doses of PPE exert potent anti-proliferative effects in different human cancer cells and it seems that MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells are the most cells and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells the least responsive in this regard. However, the mechanisms of action need to be addressed.
Low-grade systemic infl ammation is at the base of the most chronic non-communicable diseases, which are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Key players in the regulation of infl ammation are n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular arachidonic acid (n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (n-3). They are precursors of eicosanoids-signaling molecules involved in modulating the intensity and duration of infl ammatory responses. Eicosanoids derived from n-6 PUFAs have proinfl ammatory actions, while those derived from n-3 PUFAs act anti-infl ammatory. Therefore, dietary intake of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs, as well as their ratio, could markedly affect the pathogenesis and manifestation of many chronic diseases associated with low-grade infl ammation. This review will focus on the relationship between dietary PUFAs and infl ammation, with reference to PUFAs status in plasma phospholipids in Serbian population.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main products of dietary fiber fermentation and are believed to drive the fiber-related prevention of the metabolic syndrome. Here we show that dietary SCFAs induce a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ-dependent switch from lipid synthesis to utilization. Dietary SCFA supplementation prevented and reversed high-fat diet-induced metabolic abnormalities in mice by decreasing PPARγ expression and activity. This increased the expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 and raised the AMP/ATP ratio, thereby stimulating oxidative metabolism in liver and adipose tissue via AMP-activated protein kinase. The SCFA-induced reduction in body weight and stimulation of insulin sensitivity were absent in mice with adipose-specific disruption of PPARγ. Similarly, SCFA-induced reduction of hepatic steatosis was absent in mice lacking hepatic PPARγ. These results demonstrate that adipose and hepatic PPARγ are critical mediators of the beneficial effects of SCFA on the metabolic syndrome, with clearly distinct and complementary roles. Our findings indicate that SCFAs may be used therapeutically as cheap and selective PPARγ modulators.
© 2015 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a nutrient dense food rich in beneficial phytochemicals. The aim of this study is to investigate and to determine antioxidant contents from local and highly consumed pomegranate variety called 'Gabsi'. Peels, seeds, leaves and flowers were used to quantify total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and hydrolysable tannins. Antioxidants contents were as follows: peel > flower > leaf > seed. Total polyphenols contents from peels were 85.60 ± 4.87 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (51.52 ± 8.14 mg rutin equivalents per g DW (mg RE/g DW), anthocyanins (102.2 ± 16.4 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents per g DW (mg CGE/g DW) and hydrolysable tannins (139.63 ± 4.25 mg tannic acid equivalent per g of DW (mg TAE/g DW). High free radical scavenging activity is reported in peels and flowers. Effective concentration at 50% (EC 50) was 3.88 ± 0.33 µg/ml (peels) and 4.55 ± 0.97 µg/ml (flowers). Antioxidant capacity value was respectively 7.50 ± 0.83 Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) mg/g DW (peels) and 6.39 ± 0.83 TEAC mg/g DW (flowers). Less important values were obtained from leaves (4.16 ± 1.35 TEAC mg/g DW) and seeds (1.10 ± 0.23 TEAC mg/g DW). Peels and flowers extract exhibited higher activities than seeds and leaves. All of these findings implied that bioactive compounds from pomegranate peels, flowers, leaves and seeds might be potential resources for the development of antioxidant function dietary foods. Extraction process of whole fruits may provide a commercial pomegranate juice with high antioxidants and consequently high usefulness antioxidant activities.
Abstract Pomegranate peel (PoP), a juice byproduct often considered as a waste, comprises nearly around 30–40% portion of the fruit. Phenolic compounds (one class of bioactive phytochemicals) are primarily concentrated in the peel portion of pomegranate fruit. In PoP, the main phenolic compounds reported in the literature include flavonoids (anthocyanins such as pelargonidin, delphinidin, cyanidin along with their their derivatives and anthoxanthins such as catechin, epicatechin and quercetin), tannins (ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives such as punicalagin, punicalin and pedunculagin) and phenolic acids (such as chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, sinapic, p-coumaric, ferulic, ellagic, gallic and cinnamic acid). It is generally accepted that phenolic compounds can be more efficiently recovered from PoP by improving the extraction efficiency. The curative relevance of these compounds has been mainly assessed by in vitro experimentation. Therefore, conclusive clinical trials of the phenolic compounds present in PoP are essential for correct validation of their health benefits.