Bioactive compounds from pomegranate peels - Biological properties, structure–function relationships, health benefits and food applications – A comprehensive review

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) a popular fruit known for its rich nutritional value and diverse bioactive compounds. While the edible seeds and juice of pomegranates have gained significant attention, pomegranate peels, which are often discarded as waste, have emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with numerous health benefits. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the biological properties, health benefits, and food applications of bioactive compounds derived from pomegranate peels. Pomegranate peels contain a wide array of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, and organic acids that exhibit various biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. The antioxidant properties of these compounds help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, pomegranate peel extracts have exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways. The antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel extracts make the latter potential candidates for food preservation and as natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents. In addition to their health benefits, bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel extracts can be used as natural food additives and preservatives due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, bioactive compounds derived from pomegranate peels possess diverse biological properties and offer significant health benefits.