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Biologically produced silver nanoparticles are becoming a more appealing option than chemically produced antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, because they are safer, easier to manufacture and have medicinal properties at lower concentrations. In this work, we employed the aqueous pomegranate peel extract (PPE) to synthesize silver nanoparticles (PPE-AgNPs), as peel extract is a rich source of phytochemicals which functions as reducing agent for the synthesis of PPE-AgNPs. Additionally, the PPE was examined quantitatively for total phenolics and total flavonoids content. PPE-AgNPs were characterized using analytical techniques including UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM and FESEM, evaluated in vitro against the plant pathogenic microbes and also for antioxidant activities. Analytical techniques (HRTEM and FESEM) confirmed the spherical shape and XRD technique revealed the crystalline nature of synthesized PPE-AgNPs. Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of total phenolics (269.93 ± 1.01 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (119.70 ± 0.83 mg CE/g). Biosynthesized PPE-AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella aerogenes and Xanthomonas axonopodis, antifungal activity against Colletotrichum graminicola and Colletotrichum gloesporioides at 50 µg/mL concentration. The antioxidant potential of biosynthesized PPE-AgNPs was analysed via ABTS (IC50 4.25 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50 5.22 µg/mL), total antioxidant (86.68 g AAE/mL at 10 µg/mL) and FRAP (1.93 mM Fe(II)/mL at 10 µg/mL) assays. Cytotoxicity of PPE-AgNPs was valuated using MTT assay and cell viability of 83.32% was determined at 100 µg/mL concentration. These investigations suggest that synthesized PPE-AgNPs might prove useful for agricultural and medicinal purposes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biologically produced silver nanoparticles are becoming a more appealing option than chemically produced antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, because they are safer, easier to manufacture and have medicinal properties at lower concentrations. In this work, we employed the aqueous pomegranate peel extract (PPE) to synthesize silver nanoparticles (PPE-AgNPs), as peel extract is a rich source of phytochemicals which functions as reducing agent for the synthesis of PPE-AgNPs. Additionally, the PPE was examined quantitatively for total phenolics and total flavonoids content. PPE-AgNPs were characterized using analytical techniques including UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM and FESEM, evaluated in vitro against the plant pathogenic microbes and also for antioxidant activities. Analytical techniques (HRTEM and FESEM) confirmed the spherical shape and XRD technique revealed the crystalline nature of synthesized PPE-AgNPs. Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of total phenolics (269.93 ± 1.01 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (119.70 ± 0.83 mg CE/g). Biosynthesized PPE-AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella aerogenes and Xanthomonas axonopodis, antifungal activity against Colletotrichum graminicola and Colletotrichum gloesporioides at 50 µg/mL concentration. The antioxidant potential of biosynthesized PPE-AgNPs was analysed via ABTS (IC50 4.25 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50 5.22 µg/mL), total antioxidant (86.68 g AAE/mL at 10 µg/mL) and FRAP (1.93 mM Fe(II)/mL at 10 µg/mL) assays. Cytotoxicity of PPE-AgNPs was valuated using MTT assay and cell viability of 83.32% was determined at 100 µg/mL concentration. These investigations suggest that synthesized PPE-AgNPs might prove useful for agricultural and medicinal purposes in the future.

The recognition of medicinal plants for their ability to enhance human resilience in confronting pathogenic diseases and extending the lifetime of food preservation has been explored throughout history. This study aims to assess the in vitro phenolic content, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial potential of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) in ethanol. The antimicrobial activity of PPE was evaluated using the agar well-diffusion method, while the total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant capacity was assessed utilizing the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl technique. The polyphenolic compounds present in PPE were identified using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the ability of PPE to counteract oil deterioration was assessed using four different plant-based oils: corn, olive, sunflower, and soybean. The study results revealed that PPE exhibits significant antioxidant activity, inhibits the growth of bacterial and fungal cells, and provides superior protection against oil oxidation and peroxidation at a concentration of 200 ppm, surpassing the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. These findings underscore the role of PPE as a valuable natural resource for various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. By harnessing the beneficial properties of PPE, it is possible to develop natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobials. This not only contributes to the preservation of food quality and safety but also aligns with the growing demand for clean-label and eco-friendly products. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted benefits of PPE and paves the way for further exploration and utilization of this natural resource in various applications.

Recovering the bioactive components from pomegranate peel (PP) in the fruit-processing industry has attracted great attention in terms of minimizing the waste burden, as well as providing a new source of a multitude of functional compounds. The present study aimed to develop a feasible microencapsulation process of PP extract by using pectin and a pectin/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) blend as coating materials. Microsized powders obtained by a spray drying technique were examined in terms of technological characteristics, exhibiting high powder yield and desirable moisture content, flowability, and cohesive properties. Assuming that the interactions with the used biopolymers occur on the surface hydrophobic domain, their presence significantly improved the thermal stability of the microencapsulated powders up to 200 °C. The health-promoting effects of PP have been associated with its high content in ellagitannins, particularly punicalagin. The obtained PP powders exhibited strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential, while an antimicrobial assay revealed their potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, an in vitro release study suggested that the used biopolymers can modify the release of target bioactive compounds, thus establishing a basis for developing an oral-controlled release system. Altogether, biowaste valorization from PP by the production of effective multifunctional microsized powders represents a sustainable way to obtain novel nutraceuticals and/or pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peel contains ellagitannins as antioxidant principles but the aqueous extraction temperature for optimum ellagitannins recovery and antioxidant profile remains elusive. This study employed advanced chemometrics models, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) to determine the influence of different extraction temperatures (25–95 °C) during a 1 h period on the antioxidant profile of the peel's aqueous extract, as well as the profile of the constituent ellagitannins recovered using Amberlite® XAD16N resin and characterized by LC–MS. Extraction at 78 °C had the most potent radical scavenging potency, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and anti-lipid peroxidative activity, which was consistent with its highest ellagitannins constituents relative to other extraction temperatures. Pearson's bivariate correlation depicted strong positive correlations (r = 0.7–0.9) between the ellagitannins and the anti-lipid peroxidative profile of the extracts. PCA and OPLS models adequately characterized and predicted the variation and patterns in the antioxidant and phytochemical datasets (up to 93.6%). OPLS biplot showed a distinct clustering pattern of the antioxidant and ellagitannins variables around 78 °C extraction temperature, suggesting the observable influence of the ellagitannins on the potent antioxidant profile of the 78 °C extraction. The variable contribution plots, as well as the obtained antioxidant data, suggest punicalagins, granatin A, and ellagic acid as notable influencing ellagitannins. It is safe to speculate that extraction at 78 °C optimally influenced the ellagitannins and antioxidant profile of pomegranate fruit peel. Thus, this aqueous extraction temperature may be promising for optimally recovering the ellagitannins from pomegranate peel, without sacrificing the antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellagic acid is one of the most representative natural antioxidants, and is rich in pomegranate peel. In this study, a consecutive countercurrent chromatographic (CCC) separation method was established to improve the preparative efficiency of ellagic acid from pomegranate peel. By optimizing the solvent system, sample size and flow rate, 280 mg of ellagic acid was obtained from 5 g of crude sample from pomegranate peel by CCC after six consecutive injections. Moreover, the values of EC50 for ellagic acid in scavenging ABTS·+ and DPPH· were 4.59 ± 0.07 and 10.54 ± 0.07 μg/ml, respectively, indicating a strong antioxidant activity. This study not only established a high‐throughput method for the preparation of ellagic acid, but also provided a successful example for the development of and research on other natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peel contains bioactive ingredients such as flavonoids, ellagitannins, phenolics and proanthocyanidin compounds with high antioxidant activity. Pomegranate peel has antiapoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to its high punicalagin content. We aimed to determine the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis. Sixty rats were seperated randomly into twelve groups (n = 5). The healthy group received intraperitoneal normal saline, the uveitis group received 200 μg/kg LPS, the dexamethasone (DEX) group received 200 μg/kg LPS plus 1 mg/kg DEX, the PPE100, PPE300 and PPE500 groups received 200 μg/kg LPS plus 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg PPE, respectively. The eye tissues were collected at 3rd and 24th hour. and investigated molecularly (Relative quantification of gene expression), biochemically (Superoxide dismutase activity, Glutathione and Malondialdehyde levels) and histopathologically (staining with Harris Hematoxylin and Eosin Y). Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Caspase-3 levels markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the uveitic rats following PPE administration. PPE administration significantly ameliorated uveitic disorders in oxidative stress factors including Glutathione, Superoxide dismutase and Malondialdehyde, with its effects raising in a dose-dependent manner. PPE eliminated histopathological changes in eye tissues due to uveitis. PPE can be a promising agent by contributing to alternative preventive treatment methods for uveitis with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiapoptotic and antiangiogenic effects.

Ellagitannins are the predominant bioactive tannins present in the peel of pomegranate. Studies have explored different extraction solvents to maximize recovery of the bioactive phytochemicals in pomegranate peel but lack proper statistical correlation between the extraction solvent, phytochemistry and bioactivity. This study employed advanced chemometrics models, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) in determining the solvent extraction (among methanol, ethanol, acetone and water) that will yield optimum antioxidant and ellagitannins profiles from "Wonderful" pomegranate peel. Acetone extraction had the highest (p ˂ 0.05) total phenol (TFC) and flavonoid contents and strongest (p ˂ 0.05) Fe3+ reducing effect, while methanol extraction had the strongest (p ˂ 0.05) radical scavenging activity. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and anti-lipid peroxidative activities of both solvent extractions outperformed that of the ethanol and water extractions. Tannins purified using Amberlite® XAD16N resin were highest for acetone and methanol extractions. LCMS-quantified ellagitannins in the tannins varied for the different extractions. PCA and OPLS models adequately characterized, described and predicted the variation and patterns in the antioxidant and ellagitannins datasets (up to 95% for PCA). OPLS bi-plot showed that the high ellagic acid constituents and total tannins yield of the methanol extraction influenced its potent radical scavenging activity, while the ellagitannin constituents including punicalagins, granatin A, geraniin and casuarinin influenced the high TFC, as well as the potent Fe3+ reducing, ORAC and anti-lipid peroxidative activities of acetone extraction. Acetone and methanol extraction of pomegranate peel are promising for optimum ellagitannins recovery and antioxidant profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peel contains bioactive ingredients such as flavonoids, ellagitannins, phenolics and proanthocyanidin compounds with high antioxidant activity. Pomegranate peel has antiapoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to its high punicalagin content. We aimed to determine the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis. Sixty rats were seperated randomly into twelve groups (n = 5). The healthy group received intraperitoneal normal saline, the uveitis group received 200 μg/kg LPS, the dexamethasone (DEX) group received 200 μg/kg LPS plus 1 mg/kg DEX, the PPE100, PPE300 and PPE500 groups received 200 μg/kg LPS plus 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg PPE, respectively. The eye tissues were collected at 3 rd and 24th hour. and investigated molecularly (Relative quantification of gene expression), biochemically (Superoxide dismutase activity, Glutathione and Malondialdehyde levels) and histopathologically (staining with Harris Hematoxylin and Eosin Y). Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Caspase-3 levels markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the uveitic rats following PPE administration. PPE administration significantly ameliorated uveitic disorders in oxidative stress factors including Glutathione, Superoxide dismutase and Malondialdehyde, with its effects raising in a dose-dependent manner. PPE eliminated histopathological changes in eye tissues due to uveitis. PPE can be a promising agent by contributing to alternative preventive treatment methods for uveitis with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiapoptotic and antiangiogenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovering the bioactive components from pomegranate peel (PP) in the fruit-processing industry has attracted great attention in terms of minimizing the waste burden, as well as providing a new source of a multitude of functional compounds. The present study aimed to develop a feasible microencapsulation process of PP extract by using pectin and a pectin/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) blend as coating materials. Microsized powders obtained by a spray drying technique were examined in terms of technological characteristics, exhibiting high powder yield and desirable moisture content, flowability, and cohesive properties. Assuming that the interactions with the used biopolymers occur on the surface hydrophobic domain, their presence significantly improved the thermal stability of the microencapsulated powders up to 200 °C. The health-promoting effects of PP have been associated with its high content in ellagitannins, particularly punicalagin. The obtained PP powders exhibited strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential, while an antimicrobial assay revealed their potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, an in vitro release study suggested that the used biopolymers can modify the release of target bioactive compounds, thus establishing a basis for developing an oral-controlled release system. Altogether, biowaste valorization from PP by the production of effective multifunctional microsized powders represents a sustainable way to obtain novel nutraceuticals and/or pharmaceuticals.

The present study was performed to evaluate the preventive effect of pomegranate peel extract on sodium‐induced cataract in rats. Sprague–Dawley suckling male rats were divided into four groups: group C: rats received no treatment, group P: rats received pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PPE) orally, group Se: rats received an injection of sodium selenite, group Se + P: rats received PPE and sodium selenite concomitantly. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed, and their lenses were homogenized and evaluated for biochemical parameters and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the Se group, developed cataract with significant lens opacity was observed. Other changes in enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants, oxidative parameters, solubility of proteins, in NO and Ca levels and the electrophoresis pattern of proteins were observed in lenses of the Se group compared to control groups. After the preventive administration of PPE, most of these parameters were normalized due to antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of the extract. Practical applications: Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision impairment among the elderly, and surgery is the major therapeutic step taken to cure it. However, surgery has its limitations and complications. Therefore, prevention of cataract development, especially in high‐risk individuals, can be better than cure. Pomegranate peel extract has a high potential to prevent cataract in these people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate is an ancient shrub, globally distributed nowadays. It has been used in the middle east as a medicinal food and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Pomegranate peel (PP) constitutes about 50% of the total fruit, however, it has been previously regarded as a waste. Recent research points to PP as a rich source of phenolics (e.g., ellagitannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins), polysaccharides, in addition to its biotransformed metabolites viz. urolithins making it a valuable waste with promising pharmacological actions. Compared to the pulp and the juice, PP exhibited stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Besides, it inhibited inflammation in several conditions, including colitis, arthritis, hepatitis, contact dermatitis, and lung inflammation. Moreover, it displayed anti‐osteoporosis, anti‐hyperglycemic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, vasculoprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, it was effective as a prebiotic and in obesity control, besides it promoted wound healing. Furthermore, PP demonstrated anticancer effects against different cancer types, for example, colon, liver, thyroid, uterine, breast, bladder, prostate, leukemia, and osteosarcoma. Despite PP safety, it may interfere with the metabolism of other drugs because it inhibits cytochromes (CYP) changing their bioavailability, effectiveness, and toxicity. PP biowaste valorization not only avoids against its environmental and economic burden but can also provide a promising platform to produce novel or improved nutraceuticals. This study provides a comprehensive overview of PP biological activities with the reported action mechanisms related to its phytochemicals and further biotransformed metabolites inside the body. Future research prospects to unravel the merits of such waste and optimize its use are discussed. Practical application: Pomegranate is widely distributed throughout the world. Although its peel was previously considered a waste, recent research regards it as a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising biological activities. Its recycling not only overcomes the bio‐waste problems, but also provides a source of valuable compounds with several health benefits. In recent years, PP has been demonstrated to exhibit excellent pharmacological bioactivities, for example, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Its health‐promoting power is mostly attributed to the phenolic and polysaccharide content, in addition to its amazing biotransformed metabolites. The underlying action mechanisms of such pharmacological activities are discussed and related to its chemical content. This review presents the latest research progress on the role of PP in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases, and its protective health effects for future research to be used in nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peel is the main by-product during pomegranate processing that valuable source of bioactive compounds with health-beneficial effects. This study has comparatively assessed the effects of two extraction methods (enzymatic and acidic) on pomegranate peel by measuring their bioactivity in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic properties using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation decolourization assays, and the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The TPC mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight (GAE mg/g dw) of extracted pectin was ~ 243 and ~ 116 for enzymatic and acidic methods, respectively. The DPPH IC50 of enzymatic pectin was significantly lower than that of acidic pectin (p < 0.05). The ABTS IC50 of enzymatic pectin and acidic pectin was ~ 361 and ~ 945, respectively. The enzymatic pectin showed a significantly stronger α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition effect as compared to the acidic pectin. The α-amylase inhibition was stronger than α-glucosidase inhibition for all samples. The results indicated that enzymatic extracted pectin showed antioxidant and antidiabetic potential, which could be considered as a promising candidate for functional foods in food formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pomegranate (PG) fruit (punicagranatum L, Punicaceae contains many bioactive substances that play important role in the treatment of a variety of medical problems. Among PG parts, it was observed that the peel had the most potent antioxidant activity. Objective: To evaluate some serum antioxidants levels in mandibular bone injury healing in rabbits orally supplemented with pomegranate peel extract (PPE). Patients and Methods: Forty-five male rabbits (1-1.2 kg) were used and they were divided into 3 groups; the baseline group consisted of 5 rabbits without creating mandibular bone defects. 20 rabbits were used as a study group with creating mandibular bone defects and they received orally 1ml/day of PPE. Another 20 rabbits were used as a control group with creating mandibular bone defects without receiving PPE. For each rabbit of both study and control groups, a circular defect of 3 mm in diameter was made in the mid labial area of the alveolar bone of the lower right central incisor. Blood samples were taken from the baseline group and both the study and control groups at time intervals; 3hrs, 1, 3, and 7days after bone defect creation, for estimation of serum albumin (Alb), bilirubin (Bili), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) levels. Results: Serum Bili levels significantly increased 1and 3 days after bone defect creation in both study and control groups, while the levels returned back to baseline in a study group, 7 days after the operation. Serum Alb, Zn, and Mg levels showed a significant decrease in study and control groups, 1 day and 3 days after the operation, while the levels of these parameters returned back to baseline, in a study group, 7 days after bone defect. Conclusion: Supplementation of PPE can affect serum antioxidants and this was accompanied by the increase in the bone healing rate process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the adverse effects of artificial preservatives on food and its harmful effects on human health, researchers have been considering replacing these materials with natural substances. In this study, the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on the stability and antifungal activity of the walnut kernel was studied. Methods: The pomegranate peel was extracted by the solvent and water-solvent method. The extracted sap was evaluated using the antioxidant assay by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results showed that the extracted sap had 40.11 mg/g dry phenol and 47.27% free radicals scavenging. Four concentrations (0%, 2%, 6%, and 10%) of pomegranate liquid extract were prepared and studied for 90 days for the walnut kernel coating. Walnut kernels were coated on days 1, 15, 30, 60, and 90, and examined for moisture, acidity, peroxide, conjugated diene, and anisidine tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: By increasing the extract concentration from 2 to 10%, the stability of the walnut kernel during storage was increased. Acidity in the samples with 10% PPE coating, decreased from 0.18 to 0.11 on the first day until the 15th day, and increased to 0.48 from day 15 to 90. The results showed that the moisture content and acidity increased with increasing the extract concentration. By increasing the extract concentration up to 10%, the sustainability indices, including peroxide, anisidine, and conjugated diene were significantly decreased. At 90 days, by increasing the concentration of pomegranate extract from 2% to 10%, the count of molds and yeasts was reduced from 3.59 to 2.29 CFU/g. The count of molds and yeasts in the uncoated samples was 5.81 CFU/g. Conclusion: According to the results, PPE can increase the stability and antifungal activity of walnut, therefore, the health quality of the product increases.

In this study, some chemical, physical and sensory properties of biscuits prepared with various substitution ratios (0, 6, 12 and 18%) of pomegranate peel were determined. To this end, pomegranate peel substitution did not cause a significant alteration in the protein, fat and ash contents of the biscuits. Results show that the antioxidant activity (from 5.06 μmol TE/100g to 288.38 μmol TE/100g), total phenolic content (from 56.49 mg GAE/100g to 1108.35 mg GAE/100g), soluble, insoluble and total dietary fiber contents (from 1.93% to 9.31%) of the biscuits increased significantly by increase of the substitution ratio of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) in the formulation. Hardness decreased significantly with PPP addition in biscuits. It was observed a decrease in L and b color values and an increase in a values of biscuits by increase in the ratio of pomegranate peel substitution. The PPP added samples revealed bigger air cells compared to the control samples in the internal SEM micrographs. In sensory analyses, no significant differences in sensory parameters except taste and overall acceptance of biscuits were observed. Moreover, the panelists confirmed that they felt a more sour and bitter taste in biscuits prepared with 18% pomegranate peel powder and it was considered to be the reason of the decrease in sensory scores. Therefore, it is advised not to exceed 12% pomegranate peel powder substitution in biscuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel were investigated. The extraction conditions (temperature, time and ethanol concentration) of phenolic and flavonoid compounds obtained under 17 different conditions were optimized using the response surface method. At the end of optimization studies; for pomegranate peels; 78°C, 33% ethanol concentration 113 minutes were determined as the optimum conditions. The obtained extracts were found to have high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Phenolic compounds of the extracts obtained under optimum conditions were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography and pomegranate peels extracts were found to contain the most quercetin and epicatechin. The results support that pomegranate peels may be potentially useful as an important source of food or nonfood industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary pomegranate peel (PP; 9.61% crude protein and 13.1% crude fibre) on reproductive performance and milk yield of heat-stressed rabbit does. Forty-eight V-line rabbit does with average initial live body weight of 3.59±0.11 kg (2nd parity; 9 mo old) were divided into 4 treatment roups (12 does per group). The first group was fed diet free of PP. The second, third and fourth groups were fed diets containing 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0% PP, respectively, included in substitution of clover hay from the basal diet. Feed of the 4 groups was free of added antioxidants. The studied traits were: kindling rate, gestation period, litter size, litter weight, kit weight at both birth and weaning (28 d of lactation) for the last 3 parameters, pre-weaning mortality and milk yield. Range of temperatures and relative humidity during the experimental period in the rabbitry varied between 27.5-33.5°C and 64-76%, respectively. The inclusion of PP quadratically affected litter size at birth (P

Ginger is well known for its medicinal properties and health benefits through ages in almost all system of medicines against many diseases and infections but have moderate antioxidant activity. Pomegranate peels are employed in traditional medicine because of their strong phytochemicals profile. An attempt was made to optimize the process for production of antioxidant rich ginger candy by response surface methodology. The experimental variables considered were dried pomegranate peel powder (1-5% of total syrup) and blanching time (5- 15 minutes) using response surface methodology i.e. central composite design (CCD). Ginger slices were blanched as per the design followed by dipping in 75°B sugar syrup having different concentrations of pomegranate peel as per design and 2.0% citric acid for 24 hours at room temperature and dried at 50°C for 1 h. The candies so prepared were evaluated for different physico-chemical and sensory attributes. The optimum product qualities; total soluble solids (TSS) (67.24oB), titratable acidity (1.11%), antioxidant activity (66.70%), TSS: acid ratio (60.61), total phenolics (18.03 mg/100 g), total proteins (7.16 mg/100 g), overall acceptability (7.18) and acceptability index (79.74%) with 0.894 desirability were obtained using 5% peel concentration and 15 minutes blanching time. It was further observed that the loss of antioxidant activity due to blanching has been recovered with the addition of pomegranate peel powder. In nutshell, it is concluded that in the processing of antioxidant rich ginger candy, pomegranate peel had a great influence on antioxidant activity and total phenolics content of antioxidant rich ginger candy which is desirable from health point of view, whereas, blanching time had influence on the TSS, titratable acidity, TSS: acid ratio which is desirable from the sensory point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of male rabbits to heat stress during summer adversely affects their fertility, leading to major production losses. A total of 16 male rabbits were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups exposed to temperatures ranging from a high of 30.3 to a low of 27.3 °C. Animals from first to fourth groups were fed diets containing 0, 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5% pomegranate peel (PP) to evaluate the ability of PP feeding to enhance bucks’ reproductive status. Pomegranate peel treatments significantly increased ejaculate volume by 19, 18 and 12%, increased seminal plasma fructose by 7, 18, and 24%, improved sperm motility by 28, 34 and 49%, increased sperm total output by 37, 69 and 102% and reduced dead sperm by 24, 32 and 64% with diets containing 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5% of PP compared to the heat stressed control animals. Seminal plasma total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides increased while alkaline phosphatase decreased with PP treatments. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity increased to reach 126, 143 and 191% with diets containing 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5% of PP, while lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde) levels decreased significantly to reach around 54% of the heat stressed bucks’ value with the three PP dietary doses used. It was concluded that supplementations of PP in the diet of bucks during summer season in Egypt can improve their semen characteristics, probably due to their antioxidant actions.

Pomegranate peel powders were prepared by superfine grinding, whose effects were investigated on the composition, functional and antioxidant properties of the pomegranate peel products. Fluidised bed jet milling technology was used to process superfine pomegranate peel powder. The physical-chemical properties of coarse powder A (D50 = 413.4 μm) and B (D50 = 197.1 μm), fine powder C (D50 = 142.6 μm) and D (D50 = 41.2 μm), superfine powder E (D50 = 7.68 μm) and raw material powder (RMP) (D50 = 352.2 μm) were investigated in this study. SEM images revealed the shape and surface morphology of six pomegranate peel powders. The physical determinations showed that the smaller the powder particle size was, the greater the surface area (from 0.214 to 1.597 m2 g-1) and bulk density (from 0.653 to 0.751 g mL-1) were, the smaller the angles of repose (from 51.69° to 38.74°) and slide (from 48.32° to 34.18°) were. The water holding capacity (WHC), water-solubility index (WSI), polyphenols and flavonoids release were significantly improved as the size of pomegranate peel particle decreased. The results of FTIR and UV indicated that grinding process would not influence chemical composition of pomegranate peel. Vitamin C (VC) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were used in DPPH scavenging activity determination, and DPPH scavenging activity was A < RMP < BHT < B < C < D < E < VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review focuses on the nutritional, functional and anti-infective properties of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) peel (PoP) and peel extract (PoPx) and on their applications as food additives, functional food ingredients or biologically active components in nutraceutical preparations. Due to their well-known ethnomedical relevance and chemical features, the biomolecules available in PoP and PoPx have been proposed, for instance, as substitutes of synthetic food additives, as nutraceuticals and chemopreventive agents. However, because of their astringency and anti-nutritional properties, PoP and PoPx are not yet considered as ingredients of choice in food systems. Indeed, considering the prospects related to both their health promoting activity and chemical features, the nutritional and nutraceutical potential of PoP and PoPx seems to be still underestimated. The present review meticulously covers the wide range of actual and possible applications (food preservatives, stabilizers, supplements, prebiotics and quality enhancers) of PoP and PoPx components in various food products. Given the overall properties of PoP and PoPx, further investigations in toxicological and sensory aspects of PoP and PoPx should be encouraged to fully exploit the health promoting and technical/economic potential of these waste materials as food supplements. [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]

The growing demand for natural food preservatives has promoted investigations on their application for preserving perishable foods. Consequently, the meat market is demanding natural antioxidants, free of synthetic additives and able to diminish the oxidation processes in high-fat meat and meat products. In this context, the present review discuss the development of healthier and shelf stable meat products by the successful use of pomegranate peel extracts containing phenolics as natural preservative agent in meat and meat products. This paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the main active phenolic compounds of pomegranate peel identified and quantified by advances in the separation sciences and spectrometry, and its biological activities evaluation. Moreover, the impact of pomegranate peel use on the quality and oxidative stability of meat products is also evaluated. As natural preservative, pomegranate peel phenolics could improve stored meat products quality, namely instrumental color retaining, limitaion of microflora growth, retardation of lipid and protein oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]