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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers globally. Considering the drawbacks of the traditional treatment phytochemicals have been introduced to the research field with consideration of their minimal, or no side effects and good efficacy against cancer cells. Pomegranate peel and blueberries are very well-known phytochemicals in this context. Methanolic extracts are prepared from both pomegranate peel (PPE) and blueberry (BE) dried powders. The antioxidant content was determined by ORAC assay for both extracts. The cytotoxic levels of the extracts and IC50 on the HNO-97 cell line were defined using the colorimetric SRB assay. Then flow cytometric apoptosis analysis of the IC50 of both extracts was performed. Finally, an investigation of the metastasis through the wound healing assay was performed for both extracts. A significant difference in the antioxidant content was found between PPE and BE ethanolic extracts. The Ic50 for the PPE-treated cell line was 73.35 µg/ml while the BE showed it at 525.38 µg/ml with a significant difference between them. Both PPE and BE showed significant induction of cancer cell apoptosis with much better results with PPE treatment. The wound healing assay showed significant inhibition of cell migration when treated with PPE while there was not any significant effect on cell migration when treated with BE. With the consideration that, the Phytochemicals used are well-known fruits with no harm on normal tissues. Low doses of PPE exert incredibly significant alteration in the HNO-97 tongue cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell migration. Meanwhile, treatment with BE needs much higher doses for showing anti-proliferative properties of cancer cells and induce cancer cell apoptosis. This gives promising results for further investigations about using them as a treatment or adjunctive treatment for oral cancer cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of indigo carmine dye onto Activated Pomegranate Peels (APP) from aqueous solutions was followed in a batch system. The adsorbent was characterized by the BET method (specific surface area S BET: 51.0674 m2/g) and point of zero charge (pHpz = 5.2). However, some examined factors were found to have significant impacts on the adsorption capacity of pomegranate peels (APP) such as the initial dye concentration (10–60 mg/L), solution pH (2–12), adsorbent dose (1–10 g/L), agitation speed (100–600 rpm), and temperature (298–308 K). The best adsorption capacity was found at pH 2 with an adsorbent dose 1 g/L, an agitation speed 300 rpm and a contact time of 45 min. The adsorption mechanism of IC onto (APP) was studied by using the first-pseudo order, second-pseudo order, Elovich, and Webber-Morris diffusion models. The adsorptions kinetic were found to follow rather a pseudo-second order kinetic model with a determination coefficient (R 2) of 0.999. The equilibrium adsorption data for IC onto (APP) were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Elovich, and Temkin models. The results indicate that the Langmuir model provides the best correlation with capacities (q max of 158.73 mg/g at 298 K). The adsorption isotherms at different temperatures have been used for the determination of thermodynamic parameters like the free energy; enthalpy and entropy to predict the nature of adsorption process. The negative values Δ G ° and Δ H ° indicate that the overall adsorption is spontaneous and exothermic with a physisorption process. The adsorbent elaborated from pomegranate peels material was found to very effective and suitable for the removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions, due to its availability, low cost preparation, and good adsorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery of precious metals from smelting, refining, and other industrial process effluents has received increasing attention from both industry and the scientific community. A novel bioadsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing gold, platinum, and palladium was synthesized in this study by simple modification of crushed pomegranate peel (PP). The mechanisms of adsorption and reduction of the adsorbents were mainly analyzed and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The determination and modeling of the adsorption isotherms and kinetics data were also undertaken in this study. The maximum adsorption capacity for Au(III), Pt(IV), and Pd(II) in 0.1 M HCl media at room temperature was 34 mg/g, 1.16 mg/g, and 1.05 mg/g, respectively. More than 95.4 % gold ions, 85.2 % platinum ions, and 97.5 % palladium ions would be reduced to be their elemental metal after selective adsorption by the rich hydroxyl groups in the polyphenolic aromatics. In addition, the effect of pH and coexisting base metal impurity ions on the adsorption efficiency of Au(III), Pt(IV), and Pd(II) were evaluated. The Langmuir isotherm model was found to be consistent with the adsorption isotherm, and the pseudo-second-order model was more appropriate to describe the adsorption. The effectiveness of practical recovery of Au(III), Pt(IV), and Pd(II) from real industrial effluent was examined using PP gel. The present study provided a quite promising novel material, pomegranate peel adsorbent, which exhibited great potential for the recovery of precious metals from various industrial effluents. • A facile method was proposed to prepare the pomegranate peel (PP) adsorbent. • The adsorbent selectively adsorbed Au(III), Pt(VI), and Pd(II) from solution. • The adsorption stability of the bioadsorbent was surpassingly. • The adsorption mechanism was mainly by electrostatic attraction. • Au(III), Pt(VI), and Pd(II) were reduced during the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are focusing more and more on health benefits of functional products. The aim of this work is to formulate and characterize novel functional powder obtained by freeze-drying yoghurt supplemented concomitantly with pomegranate peel powder (0–10%) and honey (0–5%). In order to examine the powdered yoghurt, it was subjected to measurements of physicochemical, physical, microbiological and antioxidant properties. The experimental data of freeze-drying were fitted to four models and results showed that Page model was the most suitable thin-layer drying model according to R2 and RMSE as statistical comparison indexes. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the powder samples in terms of moisture content and flow properties. The bulk and tapped densities values of yoghurt samples were slightly affected (p < 0.05) by the addition of pomegranate peel and honey. The results also demonstrated that powders particles exhibit an amorphous structure with mean diameter (D 4.3) values that varied from 106.68 to 143.37 μm. Moreover, the addition of pomegranate peel and honey increased the glass transition temperature (T g) value of yoghurt powder, and this could improve its stability during storage. Total lactic acid bacteria in all yoghurt powders remained over 107 cfu/g of dry matter after the freeze-drying. All the fortified yoghurt displayed higher phenolic contents and, consequently, exhibited higher antioxidant activities than control powder sample. It is concluded that, the freeze-drying of yoghurt with pomegranate peel and honey, at the fortification levels tested, is feasible, and the obtained powder has acceptable physicochemical and physical properties which could improve its shelf-life. Thus, the formulated yoghurt powder could be considered as a potential functional powder with antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles have shown remarkable size dependent colorimetric detection towards arginine among the twenty-three amino acids. • Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different size and shape was utilized for the visible detection of amino acids. • The nanoparticles have shown sensitive and selective detection towards arginine among twenty-three different amino acids. • The effect of pH on the detection of arginine is investigated. • The AuNPs are able to sense 10−6 M of arginine in aqueous solution. The present work has been proposed for a simple colorimetric detection of arginine by the use of four different types of biogenic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), stabilized by aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract. The detection is based on the shift in the surface plasmon resonance peak (SPR), which is attributed to the aggregation of the biosynthesized NPs in presence of arginine. The detection limits of arginine is 10−6 M. We have also examined the effect of pH, sensitivity and selectivity of the AuNPs towards the analyte. The present system is simple, cost effective, eco-friendly, and avoids tedious procedure for surface modification of nanoparticles to detect the analytes from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Both polyphenols and probiotics have beneficial effects on the human body, so it might be beneficial to develop new functional-enhanced food products containing both components. This study investigated the interactions between pomegranate peel polyphenols and Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus in milk fermentation. There was no inhibitory effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on the growth of L. acidophilus , suggesting that PPE at < 2% (w/v) did not affect cell viability during milk fermentation. On the other hand, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in the hydrophilic fraction of fermented milk increased after L. acidophilus fermentation, likely due to the effects of the fermentation. Meanwhile, 13 different phenolic compounds were identified based on LC-MS/MS analysis in L. acidophilus -fermented milk fortified with PPE. L. acidophilus and polyphenolic extracts could co-exist in the same food system with enhanced antioxidant capacity. Hence, it might be feasible to develop new polyphenol-enriched food products, such as fermented milk to provide enhanced health benefits. Highlights • Pomegranate peel extracts (PPE) added into milk did not affect L. acidophilus growth. • Using LC-MS/MS analysis, 13 different phenolic compounds were identified. • Some identified phenolic compounds changed in concentration after fermentation. • Positive interactions between phenolic extracts and LAB were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pomegranate peel is an attractive agroindustrial residue for reuse as it is high in total polyphenols (TP). The pomegranate peel extract (PPE) has shown favorable effects on obesity, energy expenditure (EE) being a key target. Nevertheless, once extracted, the stability of these compounds can be affected. Microencapsulation could improve the stability of PPE. However, studies on the biological effects of PPE microparticles (MPPE) in obesity are lacking. Objective: To study the effect of MPPE on energy expenditure in a mice obesity model. Methods: PPE was microencapsulated by spray drying using inulin (IN). Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 40) were divided into five groups: control diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD+IN, HFD+PPE and HFD+MPPE (50 mg/kg/day TP), for 14 weeks. MPPE were characterized. EE (indirect calorimetry), adipose tissue morphology (histology) and UCP1 expression (qRT-PCR) were determined. Results: MPPE exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (~76%) and a Sauter mean of 3.53 µm. MPPE administration favored adipose tissue browning, higher UCP1 expression in brown adipose tissue (p<0.05), and increased EE (p<0.05) versus HFD. Conclusions: MPPE supplementation favored EE in animals fed HFD. MPPE presented adequate technological characteristics. MPPE could be a potential functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous extract from pomegranate peel (AEPP) was used to remove Microcystis aeruginosa. The flocculating properties of the natural flocculant from pomegranate peel to M. aeruginosa were investigated, which included the factors (i.e., the particle size of the pomegranate peel, the ratio of the material to the solvent, the addition of the natural flocculant, membrane pore size and density algae) influencing the removal of the algae from solutions. The removal efficiencies of algae were found to be significantly different with the pore sizes of the used membranes for filtration. The particulate matter in the aqueous extract had good effect of aid to the coagulation. In addition, the addition of AEPP pronouncedly influenced the algae removal, giving rise to the removal efficiency up to 13.99%, 26.55%, 63.84%, and 94.63% at the addition amount of 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, and 3.0 mL, respectively. Therefore, the natural flocculant from pomegranate peel was strongly confirmed to offer the favorable characteristics in M. aeruginosa removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous extract from pomegranate peel (AEPP) was used to remove Microcystis aeruginosa. The flocculating properties of the natural flocculant from pomegranate peel to M. aeruginosa were investigated, which included the factors (i.e., the particle size of the pomegranate peel, the ratio of the material to the solvent, the addition of the natural flocculant, membrane pore size and density algae) influencing the removal of the algae from solutions. The removal efficiencies of algae were found to be significantly different with the pore sizes of the used membranes for filtration. The particulate matter in the aqueous extract had good effect of aid to the coagulation. In addition, the addition of AEPP pronouncedly influenced the algae removal, giving rise to the removal efficiency up to 13.99%, 26.55%, 63.84%, and 94.63% at the addition amount of 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, and 3.0 mL, respectively. Therefore, the natural flocculant from pomegranate peel was strongly confirmed to offer the favorable characteristics in M. aeruginosa removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wealth of epidemiological evidence in the scientific world underscores the possibility that a plant-based diet can reduce the prevalence of common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke. The therapeutic effects of plant sources are partly explained by phenolic secondary metabolites or polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, polyphenolic compounds, which are widely distributed in plants, are of great interest for the development of effective specific drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, polyphenol compounds have no harmful effects due to their natural biocompatibility and safety. Numerous studies have highlighted the potential of some industrial food wastes from plant material processing, including apple peels and mashed potatoes, grape skins, tomato and carrot peels, pomegranate peels and seeds, and many others. These byproducts are considered low-cost sources of natural biological compounds, including antioxidants, which have beneficial effects on human health. The polyphenol complex of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.), which makes up half of the pomegranate fruit, has more pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than other parts. And the most important active components of pomegranate peel, which are found only in this plant, are punicalagin, followed by ellagic acid and gallic acid. It is known that these polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate peel have the most pronounced therapeutic effect. Several studies have shown the protective effect of ellagic acid, punicalagin, against oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals. The potential of pomegranate peel as an antioxidant and therapeutic component in various biological systems is high, according to scientific sources. However, despite extensive research in recent years, a review of sources has shown that there is insufficient evidence to support the therapeutic effects of polyphenolic compounds from pomegranate peels. The role of pomegranate peel polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, as antioxidants in various biological systems also requires further research. Of particular importance are the mechanisms by which antioxidants influence the cellular response against oxidative stress. The purpose of this review was to report our current knowledge of plant polyphenolic compounds and their classification, and to evaluate the potential of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peels with significant antioxidant and therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peel, a waste generated from fruit processing industry, is a potential source of active ingredients such as polyphenols that are known for their antioxidative properties. In this study, optimization of extraction conditions for bioactive compounds from pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) peels was done to investigate the effect of solid/solvent ratio (1:10–1:30), incubation time (15–45 min) and temperature (50–70 °C) on polyphenol extraction using response surface methodology (RSM). The solvent concentration of 60% ethanol was used to extract the phenolic compounds in each experimental run. The experiment was designed to study the effect of extraction conditions on response variables such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), color index, percent reducing sugars and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in each experiment run. The results of RSM revealed that regression model fitted significantly at p ≤0.01. Using optimization technique, solid to solvent ration of 1:30, temperature of 50 °C and time of extraction of 45 min gives highest yield of 68%, total polyphenolic content of 510 mg gallic acid equivalent/gm, total flavonoids content of 16.40 mg quercetin/gm, color index (∆ E ) of 4.07, percent reducing sugars of 0.18 mg of invert sugar and DPPH radical scavenging activity of 24.54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic and fatty acids are important allelochemicals that can be used to control algal and cyanobacterial growth. Herein, phenolic and fatty acids were extracted and isolated from the peel and seeds of pomegranate through a series of procedures, and the chemical components of the purified extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The algal inhibitory effects of the extracts were determined by bioassays using Microcystis aeruginosa. The extracts contained twenty-one fatty acids and ten phenolic acids, of which seventeen compounds were found to be inhibitors of harmful algae. Furthermore, several phenolic acids (protocatechuic and gallic acid) and fatty acids (lauric, myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitic, heptadecanoic, linoleic, and oleic acids) inhibited algae strongly. The inhibitory ratios of the crude and purified extracts on M. aeruginosa were 69.1-97.4% when the algae were exposed to 20.0 mg/L solutions of the extracts, and the allelopathic effects of the purified extracts were higher than those of the crude extracts. Thus, phenolic and fatty acids could be extracted and isolated from the peel and seeds of pomegranate, and the extracts showed significant anti-cyanobacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer ranks among the most common cancers. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) based first-line chemotherapy for colorectal cancer treatment often leads to chemoresistance and gastrointestinal mucositis.Purpose: This study aimed to find potential therapeutic agents from herbal medicine with anti-colorectal cancer and anti-mucositis activities.Methods: Chinese medicine theory, network pharmacology analyses, and antioxidant activity coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analyses were used to identify potential bioactive compounds. HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell culture and xenograft tumor models were employed to study anti-colorectal cancer efficacy. Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 and 5-FU treated Dark Agouti rats were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory and anti-mucositis activities. Histological staining, immunofluorescence imaging, western blots, and flow cytometric analyses were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms.Results: Both Chinese medicine theory and network pharmacology analyses indicated pomegranate peels as a potential anti-colorectal cancer and anti-mucositis agent. Antioxidant activity coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analyses revealed granatin B and punicalagin as the most potent antioxidant compounds in pomegranate peels. Granatin B and punicalagin demonstrated superior anti-colorectal cancer activities in both cell culture and xenograft tumor models. Granatin B and punicalagin also exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells and anti-mucositis activities in 5-FU-treated rats. Mechanistic studies revealed that granatin B and punicalagin induced reactive oxygen species-mediated S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HT-29 cells. Moreover, these compounds sensitized HT-29 cells to 5-FU-induced cell death and S-phase cell cycle arrest.Conclusion: We report that granatin B and punicalagin exhibit superior anti-colorectal cancer and anti-mucositis activities. To the best of our knowledge, these results are novel and suggest that utilizing phenols from herbal medicine, such as granatin B and punicalagin, to target reactive oxygen species may be an innovative therapy to treat colorectal cancer and intestinal mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The antioxidant activity of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) and whey powder (WP) was evaluated, their hepatoprotective effect of each alone or in combination (PPWP) at equal levels was also evaluated in Wistar rats against carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induced liver injury. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters and histopathological studies. The results indicated that both PPP and WP exhibited antioxidant activity. Also, rats fed on diets supplemented with 10% PPP, 10% WP or 10% of their mixture (PPWP) for 28days showed a potential hepatoprotective effects compared to liver injury control group (IC). They succeeded to restore the biochemical parameters and improved the histological alteration of the liver. This improvement was pronounced in the group received PPWP. It could be concluded that whey powder should be incorporated with pomegranate peel powder when used as ingredients in functional foods for people suffering from liver diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pomegranate peels are disposed of as waste even though it is an eminent source of total hydrolysable tannins (THT) and possesses a great worth for recycling. The present study was carried out with the hypothesis that pulsed system ultrasound-assisted extraction (PSUAE) technique optimization would aid in retaining high extract yield and THT recovery yield from pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with enhanced antioxidant potential. The extraction was performed at various conditions regarding solvent concentration (30–90% of acetone), solvent-feed ratio (10–30 mL/g), extraction time (10–20 min), and ultrasound amplitude (40–80%) for maximum extract yield, THT and antioxidant activity (AA). To model and optimize the process conditions tools namely response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were applied. For solvent concentration, solvent-feed ratio, extraction time, and amplitude the optimal conditions attained with aid of RSM and ANN were: 56%, 26.5 mL/g, 15 min, 55%, and 45%, 23 mL/g, 15 min, 50% respectively. The extract yield and THT content determined with RSM and ANN optimized values were 51.2%, 86.4 mg TAE/g, and 62%, 98.1 mg TAE/g, respectively. The mean square error value displayed the minimum and R2 exhibited maximum value in case of ANN compared to RSM model. PSUAE significantly augmented the AA of PPE to 77.2 ± 0.50% compared to 49.7 ± 0.35% of conventional extraction. FTIR and HPLC analysis established that PPE produced from PSUAE contains a significant amount of THT compounds (gallic acid and tannic acid derivative). SEM elucidated that the sonication effect resulted in peel cell wall disruptions ensuing in elevated extraction of THT. Therefore, this pulsed mode of ultrasound extraction could be regarded as an easy, cost-effective, and competent technique for the extraction of preferred natural THT from pomegranate peels that possess high prospective to be applied in food and nutraceutical formulations. [Display omitted] • Pulsed ultrasound extraction (PSUAE) of tannin from pomegranate peel was optimized. • Acetone was most appropriate solvent respect to extract yield and quality. • Acetone concentration, solvent feed ratio, time and amplitude were process parameters. • Gallic and tannic acid were the main tannin compound identified using HPLC. • Work confirmed that PSUAE using 45% acetone retained maximum antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, with antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, reducing the extract particle size to a nano-scale due to the increase in the surface-to-volume ratio can increase its effectiveness. The alginate nanospheres containing PPE were prepared through water in oil (W/O) emulsification and external gelation with calcium chloride nanoparticles. The optimum ratios for alginate:PPE and alginate:calcium chloride nanoparticles, based on encapsulation efficiency and nanospheres size, were 4:1 and 9:1, respectively (p < 0.05). The particle size and encapsulation efficiency of optimum nano-capsules containing PPE were 205.1 ± 0.1 nm and 83.90 ± 0.53%, respectively. The morphology and physical stability of optimum nano-capsules were further studied. After preparation of PPE-loaded nano-particles, the antimicrobial activity of the nanospheres containing 200 mg/ml PPE were determined by agar diffusion method and the results were compared with those obtained using 200 mg/ml non-encapsulated PPE. Data showed that nano-encapsulated PPE has larger inhibition zone against tested bacteria after 48 h incubation (p < 0.05). As a novel coating, the nanosphere containing PPE showed higher microbial inhibitory effects in fresh chicken breast meat during the storage time (at 4 °C for two weeks), compared with those obtained using alginate containing PPE and free PPE. It seems, because of controlled release of PPE through nanospheres, a higher antimicrobial activity was achieved, so it had the potential to use as an effective antimicrobial agent in food products. • Alginate nanospheres containing PPE were successfully prepared and characterized. • Inhibition zone of nano-encapsulated PPE was larger during the storage time. • Gram-positive bacteria exhibited higher sensitivity compared to Gram-negative ones. • The final PPE nano-capsules showed a good physical stability during 3 weeks storage. • The PPE novel edible coating enhanced the chicken meat microbiological shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hybrid composite was synthesized through the interaction between pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and Meidum black clay (MBC). This interaction effect (between PPE and MBC) in the surface chemistry, structure, and textural properties of MBC was evaluated via different techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, zeta potential, and BET surface area. The adsorption behavior of the fabricated MBC/PPE composite against Cr(VI) was investigated at different temperatures (25–50 °C) and pH 2.0. The Freundlich equation fitted well to the Cr(VI) adsorption data at 25, 40, and 50 °C ( R 2 > 0.99 and χ 2 < 1.92). Five statistical physics models were also utilized to calculate and interpret the steric, energetic, and thermodynamic functions related to Cr(VI) adsorption. Physicochemical parameters were obtained with a monolayer model assuming two surface functionalities with different adsorption energies. Sterically, the active sites number (n) ranged from 0.85 to 1.86, which indicated that mechanisms of multi–docking and multi–interactions were involved in the removal of Cr(VI) by different MBC/PPE functional groups. From 25° to 50 °C, the active site density (N M) decreased from 104.3 to 92.5 mg/g for N 1M, but enhanced from 48.99 to 78.08 mg/g for N 2M. Adsorption capacities at saturations (Q sat1 and Q sat2) were improved with the increment of temperature, thus confirming an endothermic process. Energetically, Cr(VI) uptake by MBC/PPE adsorbent was related to physical interactions (i.e., adsorption energy ranged from 23.32 to 31.1 kJ/mol). Macroscopically, Cr(VI) adsorption onto MBC/PPE was spontaneous based on calculated thermodynamic functions. Overall, the interaction between MBC and PPE presented a novel, eco-friendly, and promising adsorbent for Cr(VI) from contaminated water. [Display omitted] • Meidum clay and pomegranate peel extract interaction generated a new Cr(VI) adsorbent. • Classical and advanced statistical adsorption models were utilized. • Cr(VI) adsorption by MBC/PPE was endothermic and governed by physical interactions. • Steric, energetic, and thermodynamic parameters were determined and interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to create nanoparticles using maltodextrin and lecithin coating materials from the extract of ellagitannins obtained from pomegranate peels. The nanoparticles were further characterized by FT-IR, SEM and TGA. The initial average molecular diameter of the ET was 47.02 ± 31.0 μm. After the nanoencapsulation process, the average molecular diameters of ETM and ETL samples were determined as 371.84 ± 229.75 nm and 339.02 ± 215.29 nm, respectively. Punicalagin A, Punicalagin B and Ellagic acid were determined as the dominant phenolics in pomegranate peels. It was observed that lecithin coated nanoparticles showed high stability with −57.60 mV zeta potential compared to maltodextrin coated ones, and had higher encapsulation efficiency in punicalagin A, punicalagin B and ellagic acid phenolics. On the other hand, maltodextrin coated samples showed higher production efficiency (86.34%) and loading capacity (57.91%) than those of lecithin. It was understood that the tested coating materials had a significant effect on the color values of the nanoparticles. In addition, a significant increase in thermal stability of nanoparticles formed with both coating materials was detected. As a result, the stability, efficiency, and thermal resistance of ellagitannins significantly increased with the applied nanoencapsulation process. [Display omitted] • Pomegranate peel (PP) has become one of the most common wastes in the food industry. • Nanoencapsulation of PP ellagitannins using maltodextrin and lecithin was studied. • Ellagic acid, Punicalagin A and B were dominant in the ellagitannins (ETs) extract. • Lecithin coated nanoparticles showed higher stability than maltodextrin coated ones. • Nanoencapsulation improved the stability, efficiency and thermal resistance of ETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sage dry leaves are used to obtain natural raw products that are used in many purposes such as perfume, food and pharmaceutical industries. Using organic fertilizers is a way to overcome the harms of chemical fertilizers during cultivation and production of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). Pomegranate peel (PP) considered as organic fertilizer. In this trial, the impacts of PP formulations [powder (PF), water extract (WEF) and ethanol extract (EEF)] on growth and chemical composition of sage plant were evaluated in an attempt to replace chemical fertilizers with organic wastes. Sage plants were treated with various rates of PF, WEF, EEF and control (chemical fertilizers). ANOVA-1 was used to analyze the data. 6 g/L (WEF) gave the greatest values of fresh mass (68.5 g/plant), dry mass (18 g/plant), essential oil (EO) content (1.6%, v/w) and EO yield (28.8 ml/100 plants) during the second harvest. Oxygenated monoterpenes (OM, 62.3–74.3%) was the major chemical class of EO isolated under various PP treatments; while α-thujone (27–40.2%) was the major constituent. α-thujone and OM were varied in response to various formulations and their rates. Plants treated with 6 g/L (PF) produced the greatest values of total phenols (25.7%) and inhibition of free radical scavenging (70%) at second harvest. 4 g/pot (PF) and 4 g/L (WEF) produced the ultimate rates of total carbohydrates (25.7%) during the first harvest and total flavonoids (11.2 mg/g) at the second harvests. Different variations were found in NPK values and their uptakes due to PP formulations. It may be concluded that positive effects were found in the productivity of sage in response to PP applications. • The biological characters of natural components have attracted the attention of scientists due to their many uses. • Leaves of sage use in the production of natural raw materials as a source for pharmaceutical, drug and food industries. • Chemical fertilization can lead to contamination of water, soil, air, and production of medicinal and aromatic plants. • Pomegranate peel can be used as organic fertilizer. • This research paper is an attempt to replace chemical fertilizers with organic wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CPE was proved as a green extraction method for determination of total phenolics and flavonoids. • CPE is novel, green, cost effective, enviro-friendly yet simple. • This method can be used for extraction of bioactives from food systems. • CPE extractives can be used for green and clean label. • CPE can be suitable technique for sample preparation of sophisticated analysis of food and pharmaceutical materials. Cloud point extraction (CPE) is one of the novel; environment-friendly; energy; time and cost-effective extraction technique. Therefore, in the present work preconcentration and separation of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel, a major waste of the pomegranate processing industry was carried out using CPE. CPE works on the principle of entrapping the hydrophobic bioactive compound in the micelle. Surfactant concentration (5–11%), pH (4–8), temperature (30–60 °C), and salt concentration (4–12%) optimization was carried out to separate total phenols and flavonoids with maximum recovery (%R), partition coefficient (K s/a), fraction concentration (f c), and minimum loss (%L) using the rotatable central composite design (RCCD). The optimum levels were 8.22% surfactant (Triton X-114), 4% salt (NaCl) at temperature of 36.80 °C and pH 4 which resulted in 95% recovery, 14.59 K s/a , 0.95 f c and 5.27% loss of total phenols with the maximum desirability about 0.846. While in the case of total flavonoids at 8.27% Triton X-114 at pH 5.07/34.30 °C and 4.06% NaCl resulted, 98% recovery, 9.71 K s/a , 1.01 f c , and 2% loss with 0.842 desirability. The total yield obtained for total phenols was 205.2 mg of GAE/g while for total flavonoids it was 60.05 mg of QE/g of pomegranate peel powder. Therefore, it can be concluded that this method can be successfully applied in the extraction of bioactive from any food systems for clean and green extractives label. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]