Effect of pomegranate peel polyphenols on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells in vivo

Effects of Fermented Pomegranate Peel Polyphenols on the Growth Performance, Immune Response, Hepatopancreatic Health, and Disease Resistance in White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study evaluated the growth performance, immune response, hepatopancreatic health, and disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets supplemented with fermented pomegranate peel polyphenols (FPPP) for 45 days. Five diets were formulated to contain various levels of FPPP: FP0 (no FPPP), FPPP inclusion at 0.015% (FP1), 0.030% (FP2), 0.060% (FP3), and 0.120% (FP4). The results indicated there were no significant variations in weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion rate (FCR) of shrimp in all treatment groups (p > 0.05), but the survival (SR) of shrimp was significantly higher in all groups with the addition of FPPP (p < 0.05). Compared with FP0 group, the contents of total protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) in serum biochemical indexes of FP3 and FP4 groups were significantly increased, and the content of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with FP0 group, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lysozyme (LZM) in the hepatopancreas and serum of FP3 and FP4 groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Similarly, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and phenoloxidase (PO) in the hepatopancreas and serum of FP2 group were significantly higher than those of FP0 group (p < 0.05). In addition, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hepatopancreas and serum of shrimp in FPPP-added groups was decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with FP0 group, the expression levels of SOD, CAT, glutathione S-transferase (GST), LZM, prophenoloxidase (ProPO), penaeidin-3 (Pen3), Crustin, immune deficiency (Imd), Toll, and Relish genes were significantly upregulated in the hepatopancreas of shrimp in FP3 and FP4 groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, increasing the addition level of FPPP resulted in a more compact hepatosomal arrangement of the shrimp's hepatopancreas, a more visible star-shaped lumen structure, and a significantly higher number of B cells. Finally, the cumulative SR of shrimp in FPPP groups was significantly higher than that in FP0 group after 7 days of infection with Vibrio alginolyticus (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation of FPPP can improve SR, immunity, and hepatopancreatic health and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus of L. vannamei.

Antibacterial Effect of Fermented Pomegranate Peel Polyphenols on Vibrio alginolyticus and Its Mechanism

Vibrio alginolyticus frequently breaks out in aquatic animal breeding operations involving shrimp, and it can endanger human health through food and wound infections. The antibacterial effect and mechanism of fermented pomegranate peel polyphenols (FPPPs) on V. alginolyticus were investigated. The results indicated that FPPPs had a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of V. alginolyticus, and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 2 and 4 mg/mL. FPPPs significantly reduced biofilm formation and biofilm metabolic activity in V. alginolyticus, down-regulated the expression levels of lafA, lafK, fliS and flaK genes involved in flagellar synthesis and inhibited swimming and swarming motility (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, under the treatment of FPPPs, the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in V. alginolyticus were significantly reduced, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased (p < 0.05). FPPPs also resulted in a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, protein and nucleic acid content, as well as conductivity from V. alginolyticus cultures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images further revealed that V. alginolyticus treated with FPPPs showed leakage of intracellular substances, abnormal cell morphology and damage to cell walls and cell membranes, with the severity of the damage in a clear dose-dependent manner. Therefore, FPPPs can be used as a promising food-grade antibacterial agent, notably in seafood to control V. alginolyticus.

The detection of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel apoptotic effects using AgNOR staining in MDA-MB-231

In present study, it was purposed to determine the in vitro effect of the extract obtained from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel on the breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to pomegranate peel extract (PoPx) at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for varying durations (24 and 48 h) and doses (25 and 50 μg/mL). At the end of the incubation periods, argyrophilic nucleolus organizer regions (AgNOR) protein status, cell viability/apoptosis and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells were examined in the Muse Cell Analyzer device. Cell viability was observed to be decreased when the groups treated with PoPx were compared with the control group. The group in which apoptosis was observed with the highest value was 50 μg/mL PoPx group (p < 0.05). In the cell cycle test, the number of cells in the G0/G1 stage was found to be significantly higher in the 25 μg/mL PoPx group compared to the control and 50 μg/mL PoPx groups at the end of the 24-h incubation period (p < 0.05) The results also supported cell cycle and apoptosis, and at the end of 24 h, Total AgNOR area(TAA)/Total nuclear area (NA) ratio and AgNOR numbered decreased on the 50 μg/mL PoPx group and were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was determined that PoPx increased apoptosis on breast cancer cells by various mechanisms and inhibited cell viability/cell growth. This study showed that the widespread consumption of PoPx may be effective in preventing cancer formation and slowing its progression.

Integrated Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Pre-Formulation Process of Punica granatum L. Pericarp Polar Compounds

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a widely used fruit in the dietary supplement industry due to its richness in bioactive compounds. In this study, an experimental design was applied to optimize supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of polar compounds of interest (ellagic acid and punicalagins), known for antioxidant and skin care properties from pomegranate's pericarp. The effects of temperature, modifier percentage, and water additive percentage added in the modifier were explored through a Box-Behnken design, followed by a study of the extraction kinetics. The results indicated that 40 °C, 20% EtOH:H2O 80:20 v:v, with an extraction duration of 60 min allowed for the highest recovery of the above-mentioned molecules (19.59 mg/g). Due to solubilization issues encountered by the extract, a screening of cosmetic solvents was carried out to solubilize SFE pomegranate extracts and a composition of Gly:H2O 80:20 v:v was selected. Furthermore, an integrated SFE pre-formulation process of pomegranate pericarp extract (PPE) was elaborated. This allowed for the recovery of the extracts in cosmetic solvent, avoiding a full evaporation. Finally, the stability of the pre-formulated extracts was evaluated and showed high stability for over 3 months at 5 °C.

Crosstalk between dietary pomegranate and gut microbiota: evidence of health benefits

Gut microbiota (GM) is an invisible organ that plays an important role in human health. Increasing evidence suggests that polyphenols in pomegranate (punicalagin, PU) could serve as prebiotics to modulate the composition and function of GM. In turn, GM transform PU into bioactive metabolites such as ellagic acid (EA) and urolithin (Uro). In this review, the interplay between pomegranate and GM is thoroughly described by unveiling a dialog in which both actors seem to affect each other's roles. In a first dialog, the influence of bioactive compounds from pomegranate on GM is described. The second act shows how the GM biotransform pomegranate phenolics into Uro. Finally, the health benefits of Uro and that related molecular mechanism are summarized and discussed. Intake of pomegranate promotes beneficial bacteria in GM (e.g. Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp.) while reducing the growth of harmful bacteria (e.g. Bacteroides fragilis group, Clostridia). Akkermansia muciniphila, and Gordonibacter spp., among others, biotransform PU and EA into Uro. Uro contributes to strengthening intestinal barrier and reducing inflammatory processes. Yet, Uro production varies greatly among individuals and depend on GM composition. Uro-producing bacteria and precise metabolic pathways need to be further elucidated therefore contributing to personalized and precision nutrition.

The Therapeutic Efficacy of Punica granatum and Its Bioactive Constituents with Special Reference to Photodynamic Therapy

Punica granatum (P. granatum) is a fruit-bearing tree from the Punicaceae family, indigenous to Iran. This plant has healing qualities that have drawn the interest of the medical community as an alternative treatment for malignancies and non-malignancies. Its healing quality is due to the phytochemicals present in the plant. These include ellagic acid, punicic acid, phenols, and flavonoids. In traditional medicine, P. granatum has been used in treating diseases such as dysentery, bleeding disorders, leprosy, and burns. This review explores the effects of the phytochemical constituents of P. granatum on photodynamic therapy for cancer, chronic inflammation, osteoarthritis, and viral infections. Its antioxidant and antitumor effects play a role in reduced free radical damage and cancer cell proliferation. It was concluded that P. granatum has been used for many disease conditions for a better therapeutic outcome. This paper will give visibility to more studies and expand the knowledge on the potential use of P. granatum in photodynamic cancer treatment.

Bioaffinity ultrafiltration coupled with HPLC-ESI-MS/MS for screening potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from pomegranate peel

Pomegranate peel (PoP) contains plenty of bioactive compounds and exhibits strong activity to prevent postprandial hyperglycaemia and improve diabetes mellitus. Presently, bioaffinity ultrafiltration coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) is employed to screen and identify the efficient α-glucosidase inhibitors in PoP and the detailed inhibitory mechanisms are further investigated. The results show that many substances, including ellagic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and resveratrol in PoP reveal strong activity to inhibit α-glucosidase and ellagic acid (EA) is screened as the most effective compound. Further research indicates that EA plays a competitive and reversible inhibition role against α-glucosidase with the value of Ki was 6.24 × 105 mol/L. EA also directly interacts with the amino acids of α-glucosidase mainly via van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, thereby, influencing the secondary structure and stability of α-glucosidase. Finally, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of EA is further confirmed to significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose in vivo.

Dietary Polyphenols: Extraction, Identification, Bioavailability, and Role for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal and Prostate Cancers

Fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants in our diet have numerous health benefits, due to the bioactive compounds in these food items, including polyphenols. These plants are a rich and promising source of natural products and phytochemicals that can be used to treat and prevent numerous diseases and prevent the progression of cancer. Dietary polyphenols exhibit chemo-preventive and therapeutic effects against various ailments, including several types of cancer. The current study focuses on polyphenol’s traditional and advanced extraction methods, with supercritical extraction as a novel approach. It also deals with their identification, bioavailability, and role in preventing and treating colorectal and prostate cancers. Additionally, the article covers the literature that deals with the anticancer activities of polyphenols, as well as their potential use as anticancer agents.

Phenolic Compounds and Bioactivities from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peels

Pomegranate peels, which are normally processed as the main byproduct of pomegranate juice production, are worthy of being researched and utilized for the aim of economic and environmental benefits. In a phytochemical investigation of the peels of Punica granatum L., 10 phenolic compounds containing a common hexahydroxy diphenol moiety were isolated. Three of them were identified for the first time and named as pomegranatins A-C, and from the other seven known ones, two of them were obtained from pomegranate peels for the first time. Their structures were determined via extensive spectroscopic analysis. Besides, for the sake of preliminarily comprehending their biological activities, in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, as well as antitumor assays were detected. In the DPPH antioxidant assay, six compounds presented significant free radical scavenging ability. Two compounds exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans; one compound could inhibit the proliferation of both C. albicans and Escherichia coli within limits. Four compounds possessed weak antitumor activity toward the Hela cell line without taking into account the bioavailability of ellagitannins. Overall, these results provided further information on the structural diversity of bioactive compounds present in pomegranate peels, as well as on their biological activities.

Role for Plant-Derived Antioxidants in Attenuating Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia is the progressive muscle wasting and weakness experienced by many cancer patients. It can compromise the response to gold standard cancer therapies, impair functional capacity and reduce overall quality of life. Cancer cachexia accounts for nearly one-third of all cancer-related deaths and has no effective treatment. The pathogenesis of cancer cachexia and its progression is multifactorial and includes increased oxidative stress derived from both the tumor and the host immune response. Antioxidants have therapeutic potential to attenuate cancer-related muscle loss, with polyphenols, a group of plant-derived antioxidants, being the most widely investigated. This review describes the potential of these plant-derived antioxidants for treating cancer cachexia.

Prostate cancer: Therapeutic prospect with herbal medicine

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men worldwide. A geographic variation on the burden of the disease suggested that the environment, genetic makeup, lifestyle, and food habits modulate one's susceptibility to the disease. Although it has been generally thought to be an older age disease, and awareness and timely execution of screening programs have managed to contain the disease in the older population over the last decades, the incidence is still increasing in the population younger than 50. Existing treatment is efficient for PCa that is localized and responsive to androgen. However, the androgen resistant and metastatic PCa are challenging to treat. Conventional radiation and chemotherapies are associated with severe side effects in addition to being exorbitantly expensive. Many isolated phytochemicals and extracts of plants used in traditional medicine are known for their safety and diverse healing properties, including many with varying levels of anti-PCa activities. Many of the phytochemicals discussed here, as shown by many laboratories, inhibit tumor cell growth and proliferation by interfering with the components in the pathways responsible for the enhanced proliferation, metabolism, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in the prostate cells while upregulating the mechanisms of cell death and cell cycle arrest. Notably, many of these agents simultaneously target multiple cellular pathways. We analyzed the available literature and provided an update on this issue in this review article.

Pomegranate as a source of bioactive constituents: a review on their characterization, properties and applications

Increasing awareness about the use of compounds obtained from natural sources exerting health-beneficial properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, led to increased number of research papers focusing on the study of functional properties of target compounds to be used as functional foods or in preventive medicine. Pomegranate has shown positive health properties due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins. Punicalagin is the major antioxidant, abundantly found in pomegranate's peel. Research has shown that pomegranate polyphenols not only have a strong antioxidant capacity but they also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like V. cholera, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. virulence factor, and inhibits fungi such as A. Ochraceus, and P. citrinum. Compounds of natural origin inhibit the growth of various pathogens by extending the shelf life of foodstuffs and assuring their safety. Therefore, the need to find compounds to be used in combination with antibiotics or as new antimicrobial sources, such as plant extracts. On the basis of the above discussion, this review focuses on the health benefits of pomegranate, by summarizing the current body of research focusing on pomegranate bioactive constituents and their therapeutic potential against some pathogenic microbes.

Antidiarrheal effect of bioactivity-guided fractions and bioactive components of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate peels have been widely used to treat diarrhea in China. The antidiarrheal activities of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels have been evaluated. However, there have not been any bioactivity-guided fractionation studies on the antidiarrheal effect to identify the bioactive components of the extract.

METHODS

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of an aqueous extract of pomegranate peels was performed using different solvents of increasing polarity, generating fractions dissolved in ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol, and the residual fraction. The principal chemical composition of the active fraction was analyzed by HPLC/ESI-MS.

KEY RESULTS

Fecal frequencies revealed that only the ethyl acetate fraction possessed significant antidiarrheal activity. Furthermore, administration of the ethyl acetate fraction at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced gastrointestinal transit in charcoal meal tests in mice. It also significantly inhibited castor oil-induced enteropooling compared to control animals. Histopathological analysis revealed that small intestine lesions of mice treated with the ethyl acetate fraction were alleviated compared to those in mice treated with castor oil. The ethyl acetate fraction was found to be composed mainly of punicalagin, corilagin, and ellagic acid, and a combination of these compounds could mediate the antidiarrheal activities.

CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES

Our study describes the protective effects of pomegranate peels against castor oil-induced diarrhea. The findings showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the active fraction of pomegranate peels, of which punicalagin, corilagin, and ellagic acid were responsible for the antidiarrheal effect of aqueous extracts.

Phenolic compounds as beneficial phytochemicals in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel: A review

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 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.

The extract from Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel induces apoptosis and impairs metastasis in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer is a big threat to male for its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Natural compounds are important resources of many anticancer drugs. Pomegranate is a kind of antioxidant-rich fruit and its peel and seed has potential anticancer activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PoPx) on the apoptosis and metastasis of prostate cancer cells and the related mechanism. We found that PoPx showed growth inhibition on prostate cancer cells. Nuclei morphological and flow cytometer (FCM) analysis indicated that PoPx could induce prostate cancer apoptosis. Further investigation indicated that mitochondrial mediated intrinsic pathway is involved in the apoptosis. Exposure to PoPx led to loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δym), accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot analysis showed that PoPx could increase the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl2 and activation of apoptosis executor caspase 3. Wound healing assay and transwell migration and invasion assay implied that PoPx has the potential to inhibit migration and invasion, two critical steps in prostate cancer metastasis. Downregulation of MMP2/MMP9 and upregulation of TIMP2 showed accordance with the inhibition of migration and invasion. In summary, the present data showed that PoPx could be a promising drug candidate to treat prostate cancer, showing us a better way to develop novel drugs from natural compounds.