Beneficial Effects of Pomegranate Peel Extract and Probiotics on Pre-adipocyte Differentiation

Pomegranate peel: Bioactivities as antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents

This is a comparative study to evaluate the effectiveness of six pomegranate peel extracts (PPEs) as antibacterial and antiproliferative agents. The Six PPEs were prepared using four solvent systems and each filtrate was concentrated to a gummy material to be used in the evaluation. The well-diffusion method was used to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against bacteria typically associated with food spoilage: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and three Bacillus species. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTT) was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity against colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116), prostate adenocarcinoma (PC3), ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3), and fibroblasts (MRC-5). The antioxidant evaluation was done using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay. The pH of the water-containing extracts was acidic and almost the same over 6 weeks. The six PPEs inhibited the bacterial growth in a comparable level to standard antibiotics. The effectiveness of each extract was dependent on the bacterial strain, and the Listeria showed a remarkable inhibition when exposed to the aqueous extract prepared at room temperature (RT). The aqueous (RT) and methanol PPEs had a significant antioxidant scavenging capability and a remarkable cytotoxic activity against the PC3 with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.1 μg/mL. The boiled aqueous extract exhibited antiproliferative activity against HCT116 with an IC50 of 21.45 μg/mL. The effect on SKOV-3 and fibroblasts was insignificant. With the exception of butanol, the antioxidant screening shows an inverse correlation between the polarity of the extraction solvent and the IC50 exhibited by the PPEs. The variation in the effectiveness of PPEs is suggested to be due to variable soluble bioactive compounds that may interact differently with different cells, though water-containing extracts are promising antibacterial agents. The findings clearly show that pomegranate peel possessed the potential to be an eco-friendly novel source for natural compounds that can be implemented in the food industry as a natural antimicrobial and natural food additive to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The Prospective Effect of Green Tea versus Pomegranate Peels Extracts on Submandibular Salivary Glands of Albino Rats after Methotrexate Administration (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Background

There is curiosity in the use of substances that can stop cell damage. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent free radicals from damaging cells, and they can be used to treat and avoid a wide variety of illnesses.

Objectives

The current investigation set out to evaluate the histological changes brought on by a single high dose of methotrexate in the submandibular glands of rats treated with green tea and pomegranate peel extract, both are well-known as antioxidants.

Materials and Methods

Forty-eight healthy Albino rats were used in the current study. Animals were divided into six groups. Group 1: Vehicle group which is control group, Group 2: methotrexate treated group, Group 3: green tea control group, Group 4: pomegranate peel extract control group, Group 5: green tea + methotrexate group, and Group 6: pomegranate peel extract + methotrexate group. Rats of all groups were left 1 week after the end of the treatment. Cervical dislocation was used to kill all of the rats. Samples were gained from the rats' submandibular salivary glands of different groups for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation.

Results

Green tea + methotrexate group showed improvement in the histological picture of the submandibular salivary gland compared to methotrexate group and the pomegranate peel extract + methotrexate group.

Conclusion

The antioxidant activity of green tea is more potent than that of pomegranate peels extract in blocking methotrexate that induced cytotoxicity in the submandibular salivary glands of rats. As a result, it can be administered to people undergoing cancer treatment as a safeguard for their salivary glands.

Ameliorating the adverse effects of salinity on wheat plants using the bio-wastes (pomegranate peel extract and /or compost)

Climate changes and the related rise in the frequency of excessive weather proceedings have a strong influence on the physical, chemical, and hydrological processes in soils. Recently the investigators confirmed that the use of biological treatments and resources to overcome abiotic stress is fruitful. Thus, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) because of its high efficacy and/or compost application could improve soil characteristics, soil organic matter and nutrient status. This effect may be referred back to the enhancement in the plant antioxidative defense system against stress conditions. This experiment was done to study the influence of spraying wheat plants with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with and/or without soil compost added under salt stress on some growth parameters and physiological aspects. Wheat plants were grown in the presence or absence of compost in the soil and foliar sprayed with PPE (600 and 1200 mg L-1) under salt irrigation (3000 and 6000 mg L-1). Growth and yield traits were decreased with salinity stress. High levels of PPE (1200 mg L-1) induced the highest values of osmoprotectants (Total soluble sugars, total soluble protein, proline and free amino acids) in both unstressed or salinity-stressed plants presence or absence compost. Using compost in soil for cultivating wheat plants and PPE spraying treatments increased growth traits photosynthetic pigments and yield components. Moreover, these treatments increased the accumulation of minerals content (N, P, K and Ca) in plants. In general, the results of correlation coefficients showed a significant strong positive relationship among measured yield traits and other tested parameters. The correlation between 1000-grain Wt. and grain Wt./spike (r = 0.94**) was the highest. Meanwhile, a strong negative correlation coefficient between Na% and all yield parameters was recorded. Compost adding to soil and spraying pomegranate peel extract is a successful method for increasing wheat growth, yield and improving the nutritional value of the produced grains under salt stress.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antiangiogenic Activity of a Pomegranate Extract in BPH-1 Prostate Epithelial Cells

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that develops from hyper-proliferation of the stromal and epithelium region. Activation of pathways involving inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to cell proliferation in BPH and tumorigenesis. Agricultural-waste-derived extracts have drawn the attention of researchers as they represent a valid and sustainable way to exploit waste production. Indeed, such extracts are rich in bioactive compounds and can provide health-promoting effects. In particular, extracts obtained from pomegranate wastes and by-products have been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study focused on the evaluation of the anti-angiogenic effects and chemopreventive action of a pomegranate extract (PWE) in cellular models of BPH. In our experimental conditions, we observed that PWE was able to significantly (p < 0.001) reduce the proliferation and migration rates (up to 60%), together with the clonogenic capacity of BPH-1 cells concomitantly with the reduction in inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, PGE2) and pro-angiogenic factor (VEGF-ADMA) release. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of PWE in reducing angiogenesis in an in vitro model of BPH consisting in transferring BPH-1-cell-conditioned media to human endothelial H5V cells. Indeed, PWE was able to reduce tube formation in H5V cells through VEGF level reduction even at low concentrations. Overall, we confirmed that inhibition of angiogenesis may be an alternative therapeutic option to prevent neovascularization in prostate tissue with BPH and its transformation into malignant prostate cancer.

In Vitro Evaluation of Tooth-Whitening Potential of Peroxide-Free OTC Dental Bleaching Agents

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the tooth-whitening potential of five over-the-counter (OTC), peroxide-free dental bleaching methods as well as an experimental tooth-whitening solution containing 0.1% hydrogen peroxide complexed with doping agents with a gold standard (positive control) containing 16% carbamide peroxide. Material and Methods: Eighty permanent bovine incisor teeth were randomly allocated to eight different groups. Two teeth from each group were immerged into five staining solutions represented by coffee, tea, red wine, and curry mixed in warm oil or distilled water (control group) and stored at 37 °C for 28 days in an incubator. The teeth were then reallocated to the eight groups, resulting in ten samples per group, and each group was matched with a bleaching product. The bleaching procedures were executed following the manufacturer’s recommendations. The color of each sample was assessed over a white and black background using a quantitative numerical measurement approach with a calibrated spectrophotometer. Spectrophotometric measurements were performed after exposing the teeth to the bleaching agent for 60 min (T2), 100 min (T3), and 200 min (T4), and ΔE00 was calculated. Results: When analyzed over a white background, the mean ΔE00 values ranged from 2.14 (placebo) to 6.32 (Opalescence PF). When analyzed over a black background, the mean ΔE00 values ranged from 2.31 (placebo) to 5.78 (Opalescence PF). Statistically significant ΔE00 color changes over time for the eight groups and five staining solutions at T1 and T4 were assessed for both backgrounds using repeated ANOVA followed by Fisher’s LSD post hoc test (p-value < 0.01). Conclusions: All tested over-the-counter whitening kits except one exhibited positive color variation. However, the individual performance differed vastly from one brand to the other, and the overall performance was less effective compared to the conventional carbamide-peroxide-based positive control.

Developing novel oenological tannins from 44 plants sources by assessing astringency and color in model wine

BACKGROUND

Oenological tannins are commercial natural products extracted from different botanical sources, which were widely reported as prominent contributors to wine quality. Research on wine quality affected by tannins extracts promoted the development of new oenological products with low cost and high accessibility. In the present study, the structure and concentration of tannin in polyphenol extracts, as well as their correlation with astringency and the color of model wine, was investigated by UV spectrophotometer, HPLC, fluorescence quenching, sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, colorimeter and sensory evaluation.

RESULTS

Resource extracts from 16 of 44 plants were screened as wine oenological tannins, according to the total polyphenol and total flavanol, as well as the intensity of astringency and bitterness. Polyphenols extracted from grape seeds and green tea were more effective in increasing the wine astringency compared to other plant tannins.

CONCLUSION

Total flavanol content and tannin activity showed a strong correlation with wine astringency. Condensed tannins with mean degree of polymerization also exhibited strong color stability, and the concentrations of (-)-epigallocatechin were associated with the a* value, a negative qualitative factor for wine color. The present study provides new clues regarding the development of low-cost and highly accessible sources of polyphenol extracts and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of the oenological product. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ethnopharmacology, Antimicrobial Potency, and Phytochemistry of African Combretum and Pteleopsis Species (Combretaceae): A Review

Bacterial and fungal resistance to antibiotics is of growing global concern. Plants such as the African Combretum and Pteleopsis species, which are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of infections, could be good sources for antimicrobial extracts, drug scaffolds, and/or antibiotic adjuvants. In African countries, plant species are often used in combinations as traditional remedies. It is suggested that the plant species enhance the effects of each other in these combination treatments. Thus, the multi-species-containing herbal medications could have a good antimicrobial potency. In addition, plant extracts and compounds are known to potentiate the effects of antibiotics. The objective of this review is to compile the information on the botany, ethnopharmacology, ethnobotany, and appearance in herbal markets of African species of the genera Combretum and Pteleopsis. With this ethnobotanical information as a background, this review summarizes the information on the phytochemistry and antimicrobial potency of the extracts and their active compounds, as well as their combination effects with conventional antibiotics. The databases used for the literature search were Scopus, Elsevier, EBSCOhost, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder. In summary, a number of Combretum and Pteleopsis species were reported to display significant in vitro antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. Tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, stilbenes, and alkaloids-some of them with good antimicrobial potential-are known from species of the genera Combretum and Pteleopsis. Among the most potent antimicrobial compounds are arjunglucoside I (MIC 1.9 µg/mL) and imberbic acid (MIC 1.56 µg/mL), found in both genera and in some Combretum species, respectively. The in vitro antimicrobial properties of the extracts and compounds of many Combretum and Pteleopsis species support their traditional medicinal uses.

Recent Advances in Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from Food Wastes and By-Products: Biochemical Aspects

Bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids and other nitrogen-containing constituents, exert various beneficial effects arising from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can be found in vegetables, fruits, grains, spices and their derived foods and beverages such as tea, olive oil, fruit juices, wine, chocolate and beer. Agricultural production and the food supply chain are major sources of food wastes, which can become resources, as they are rich in bioactive compounds. The aim of this review is to highlight recent articles demonstrating the numerous potential uses of products and by-products of the agro-food supply chain, which can have various applications.

Potential of enhancing anti-obesogenic agriceuticals by applying sustainable fertilizers during plant cultivation

Overweight and obesity are two of the world's biggest health problems. They are associated with excessive fat accumulation resulting from an imbalance between energy consumed and energy expended. Conventional therapies for obesity commonly include synthetic drugs and surgical procedures that can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, developing effective, safe, and readily available new treatments to prevent and treat obesity is highly relevant. Many plant extracts have shown anti-obesogenic potential. These plant extracts are composed of different agriceuticals such as fibers, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, lignans, and proteins that can manage obesity by suppressing appetite, inhibiting digestive enzymes, reducing adipogenesis and lipogenesis, promoting lipolysis and thermogenesis, modulating gut microbiota and suppressing obesity-induced inflammation. These anti-obesogenic agriceuticals can be enhanced in plants during their cultivation by applying sustainable fertilization strategies, improving their capacity to fight the obesity pandemic. Biofertilization and nanofertilization are considered efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective strategies to enhance plant growth and development and increase the content of nutrients and bioactive compounds, representing an alternative to overproducing the anti-obesogenic agriceuticals of interest. However, further research is required to study the impact of anti-obesogenic plant species grown using these agricultural practices. This review presents the current scenario of overweight and obesity; recent research work describing different plant species with significant effects against obesity; and several reports exhibiting the potential of the biofertilization and nanofertilization practices to enhance the concentrations of bioactive molecules of anti-obesogenic plant species.

Pomegranate Pomace Extract with Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Antiviral Activity Enhances the Quality of Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie

Valorizing the wastes of the food industry sector as additives in foods and beverages enhances human health and preserves the environment. In this study, pomegranate pomace (PP) was obtained from the company Schweppes and exposed to the production of polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which were subsequently included in a strawberry-yogurt smoothie (SYS). The PP is rich in carbohydrates and fibers and has high water-absorption capacity (WAC) and oil-absorption capacity (OAC) values. The LC/MS phenolic profile of the PP extract indicated that punicalagin (199 g/L) was the main compound, followed by granatin B (60 g/L) and pedunculagin A (52 g/L). Because of the high phenolic content of PP extract, it (p ≤ 0.05) has high antioxidant activity with SC50 of 200 µg/mL, besides scavenging 95% of DPPH radicals compared to ascorbic acid (92%); consequently, it reduced lung cancer cell lines' viability to 86%, and increased caspase-3 activity. Additionally, it inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi i.e., L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, A. niger, and C. glabrata, in the 45-160 µg/mL concentration range while killing the tested isolates with 80-290 µg/mL concentrations. These isolates were selected based on the microbial count of spoiled smoothie samples and were identified at the gene level by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The interaction between Spike and ACE2 was inhibited by 75.6%. The PP extract at four levels (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.4 mg/mL) was added to strawberry-yogurt smoothie formulations. During 2 months storage at 4 °C, the pH values, vitamin C, and total sugars of all SYS decreased. However, the decreases were gradually mitigated in PP-SYS because of the high phenolic content in the PP extract compared to the control. The PP-SYS3 and PP-SYS4 scored higher in flavor, color, and texture than in other samples. In contrast, acidity, fat, and total soluble solids (TSS) increased at the end of the storage period. High fat and TSS content are observed in PP-SYS because of the high fiber content in PP. The PP extract (1.2 and 1.6 mg/mL) decreases the color differences and reduces harmful microbes in PP-SYS compared to the control. Using pomegranate pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods enhances SYS's physiochemical and sensory qualities.

Multi-Functional Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and Antimicrobial Effects in Minimally Processed Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv Jolly Red) Arils

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of both cells, and cell-free supernatants (CFS) of 7 selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains belonging to Limosilactobacillus fermentum (4 strains), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (1 strain), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (1 strain), and Enterococcus faecium (1 strain) species, against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, by both the agar-well diffusion and co-culture methods. In addition, probiotic and safety traits were also detected. Great variability was detected on antimicrobial effects, whereas all tested strains were found sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics, and without any DNase, gelatinase, or hemolytic activity. Moreover, strains showed excellent survival in acidic conditions and exhibited tolerance to pepsin and bile salts. Based on the in vitro results, the CFSs of two selected L. fermentum strains were applied, in a mixed solution, as bio-preservative into minimally processed pomegranate arils, inoculated with a cocktail of L. monocytogenes and E. coli. Samples, packaged in an ordinary atmosphere, were analyzed during refrigerated storage, for up to 12 days, for physicochemical (as weight loss, texture, color, pH, total soluble solids and organic acid content) and for microbiological traits. Results revealed the effectiveness of CFS, up to 12 days, in reducing weight loss and microbial growth, without any significant effect on texture, total soluble solid content and color, found comparable to the acid citric treatment, highlighting the multi-functional potential of selected probiotic strains.

Extraction of Polyphenols and Valorization of Fibers from Istrian-Grown Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Pomegranate fruit is an ancient fruit that is used not only because of its deep-red color and tasty arils but also due to the health benefits of its extracts. Pomegranate is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, including colorful anthocyanins and other polyphenols. The main objective of the present study was to gain comprehensive knowledge of the phenolic composition and antioxidative activity of a new pomegranate cultivar, grown in Northwest Istria, a part of the North Adriatic coastal area. Various parts of the pomegranate fruit parts were extracted in 70% ethanol or water. Total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity were respectively determined with Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and ABTS radical. Phenolics were examined and analyzed with TLC, LC-MS, and HPLC. Pomegranate juice was prepared from red arils and after thermal treatment, the stability of anthocyanins was monitored for several months to understand the effect of storage. The highest total phenolics were determined in ethanol pomegranate peel extracts (30.5 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g DM), and water peel extracts exhibited the highest antioxidative activity (128 ± 2 µg TE/g DM). After five months of storage of thermally treated pomegranate juice, 50–60 percentage points increase in anthocyanin degradation was observed. Pomegranate peel was further tested as a sustainable inedible food source for papermaking. Due to the low content of cellulose and the high percentage of extractives, as well as a distinguished texture and appearance, the paper made from pomegranate peel is best suited for the production of specialty papers, making it particularly interesting for bioactives recovery, followed by material restructuring.

Beneficial Effects of Standardized Extracts from Wastes of Red Oranges and Olive Leaves

The awareness of the large amount of waste produced along the food chain, starting in the agricultural sector and continuing across industrial transformation to the domestic context, has in recent years also aroused strong concern amongst the public, who are ing about the possible consequences that this could have on environmental sustainability, resource waste and human health. The aim of the present research is the recovery of substances with high added value from waste and by-products typical of the Mediterranean area, such as the residue from the industrial processing of red oranges, called pastazzo (peels, pulps and seeds), which is particularly rich in anthocyanins, flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acids, and has numerous nutraceutical properties, as well as the olive leaves coming from olive-tree pruning, which are rich in substances such as oleuropein, elenolic acid, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and rutin. The effect of Red Orange Extract (ROE) and Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) on HepG2 fatty storage capacity was assessed performing Oil Red O’ staining, and antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated following the steatosis model onset. Based on the results obtained, the preparation of natural extracts that are derived from these waste products can be useful for preventing, counteracting or delaying the onset of the complications of fatty liver disease, such as hepatic steatosis.

Hairy Root Cultures as a Source of Polyphenolic Antioxidants: Flavonoids, Stilbenoids and Hydrolyzable Tannins

Due to their chemical properties and biological activity, antioxidants of plant origin have gained interest as valuable components of the human diet, potential food preservatives and additives, ingredients of cosmetics and factors implicated in tolerance mechanisms against environmental stress. Plant polyphenols are the most prominent and extensively studied, albeit not only group of, secondary plant (specialized) metabolites manifesting antioxidative activity. Because of their potential economic importance, the productive and renewable sources of the compounds are desirable. Over thirty years of research on hairy root cultures, as both producers of secondary plant metabolites and experimental systems to investigate plant biosynthetic pathways, brought about several spectacular achievements. The present review focuses on the Rhizobium rhizogenes-transformed roots that either may be efficient sources of plant-derived antioxidants or were used to elucidate some regulatory mechanisms responsible for the enhanced accumulation of antioxidants in plant tissues.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Flour as Functional Ingredient for Chorizo: Effect Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Functional Meat Products

Functional meat products are necessary to improve the health of consumers without detrimental effects on high biological value protein consumption. The incorporation of natural antioxidants and dietary fibre from agro-industrial coproducts is a good alternative to improve the nutritional characteristics of meat products. Pomegranate peel flour was employed as a functional ingredient to replace part of the fat, in a raw meat product like chorizo, determining changes in instrumental colour and texture, sensory acceptation, and neophobia. Pomegranate peel flour presented high content of polyphenols with considerable antioxidant activity, and high content of dietary fibre as well. Fibre retained moisture, decreasing water activity of the chorizos, decreasing pH during storage. Pomegranate peel flour increased the colour tone of the chorizos and decreased colour intensity, with a tough but easy to crumble texture. Sensory acceptation of chorizos with pomegranate peel flour was higher than control, although taste and texture were scored lower than the control sample. Results show that incorporation of pomegranate peel flour decreased Aw and pH, besides increased the samples luminosity and tone. Chorizo with pomegranate peel flour were harder than control. Nonetheless, as a functional ingredient improved health benefits with a positive consumers’ acceptance, non-neophobic, particularly in older consumers (40-50 years old). Pomegranate peel flour is a viable ingredient in the formulation of functional meat products.

Using the remnants of pomegranate peel particles to strengthen the bases of PMMA dentures

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin was used as a basic material in this research with pomegranate peel particles with fractional masses ((0,5,10,15 ,20%,25 ,30 %) as a cementing material with a granular size of 45µm)). Samples for mechanical tests to study mechanical properties (bending, shock, thermal conductivity) and at laboratory temperature (27°C(. The results of mechanical tests represented by (bending, shock) showed that the best value obtained for the bending modulus is (67Mpa) at a mass fracture of 10%. Moreover, the best value for the shock resistance is (58kJ/m2) at 20% mass fracture, and the thermal conductivity property decreases to the lowest value (0.71W/m.c°) due to the increased reinforcement with pomegranate peels.

Chemical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of the Peel and Male Flower By-Products of Four Varieties of Punica granatum L. Cultivated in the Marche Region for Their Use in Cosmetic Products

We are now seeing an increase in the production of agri-food waste, which is an essential resource for the recovery of bioactive compounds that may be employed as innovative natural ingredients in cosmetics. To date, the approach to cosmetics preservation has seen a significant shift in the search for biological components that give healthier alternatives for customers and help businesses operate in an environmentally friendly manner. To achieve this goal, we studied pomegranate extracts using the peel and, for the first time, extracts from the male flowers of a wide pomegranate variety cultivated in the Marche region, specifically, the Wonderful, Mollar de Elche, Parfianka, and less-studied G1 varieties. We studied the phenol compounds profile, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and cell viability of the obtained pomegranate extracts. The identification and quantification of phenol compounds belonging to different classes, such as hydrolysable tannins, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, dihydroflavonol, gallocatechin, and anthocyanins, were performed using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Punicalagin isomers and punicalin resulted in the most abundant polyphenols found in the peel and male flower extracts. Mollar de Elche 2020 peel extract revealed a high concentration of punicalagin A and B (7206.4 mg/kg and 5812.9), while the content of gallic acid revealed high results in the G1 and Parfianka varieties. All extracts were spectrophotometrically analysed to determine their total phenol content (TPC) using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and their antioxidant capacity (AC). In terms of the total phenol obtained by the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method, Mollar de Elche 2020 extracts reported the highest TPC content of 12.341 µmol GAE/g. Results revealed that the Mollar de Elche and Wonderful 2020 peel extracts demonstrated the highest TPC and AC. Furthermore, AC results indicated that the peel extracts displayed higher AC than the male flower extract due to the high punicalagin content detected by UPLC analysis. The antimicrobial activity testing revealed that the Wonderful and G1 2020 peel extracts resulted active against Escherichia coli, while all extracts exhibited promising anticandidal activity. Additionally, the cytocompatibility was evaluated in keratinocytes HaCaT cells by testing concentrations of pomegranate extracts ranging from 0.15 to 5.00 mg/mL. Extracts were non-toxic for the cells in the tested concentration range. The acquired results may help exploit pomegranate agri-food waste products provided by the Marche region’s short supply chain for their use as an antimicrobial and antioxidant booster in the formulation of cosmetic products.

Modifying the diet and gut microbiota to prevent and manage neurodegenerative diseases

The global prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is steadily increasing due to the aging population. The lack of effective drugs against these neurodegenerative disorders makes it imperative to identify new strategies for their prevention and treatment. Recent studies have revealed that harnessing the power of the gut microbiota through modification of diet may be a valuable approach for reducing the risk, modulating the symptoms, and ameliorating the pathophysiological aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. Consuming specific dietary components can alter the prevalence of bacterial communities within the gut to a healthy enterotype, which can influence the production of beneficial metabolites by microbiota. This article focuses on several dietary components, which have been demonstrated to affect the gut microbiota-brain axis and therefore could lead to attenuation of specific pathological processes in neurodegenerative diseases. Published evidence indicates that fermented foods, including kefir, and foods that are high in bioactive polyphenols and complex carbohydrates, such as grapes, pomegranates, and seaweed, may be effective at reducing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and neuronal death associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Even though experimental evidence supporting the protective properties of the above dietary components in these diseases is emerging, it is evident that further human clinical studies are required to conclusively establish the benefits of any suggested dietary interventions. The translational potential of such research is illustrated by the clinical success of the recently developed Alzheimer's drug, GV-971, which is a seaweed derivative that works by modulating the gut microbiota-brain axis.

Recovery from Food Waste-Biscuit Doughs Enriched with Pomegranate Peel Powder as a Model of Fortified Aliment

The aim of the present work is the characterization of biscuit doughs enriched with pomegranate peel powder (PPP) at 3 (PPP3) and 5 (PPP5) wt% in the prospect of developing a fortified aliment as a support of the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract. The total phenolic content of the powder was preliminarily evaluated. Then, the main compounds present in the PPP were identified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis, being mainly hydrolysable tannins. The PPP was then treated at 180 °C for 20 min to mimic the baking treatment, and its water-soluble fraction (PPPwsf) was then added in the Caco-2 cell culture as a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier to verify its dose-dependent toxicity, ability in counteracting the oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory action. Rheological experiments were performed to predict the macroscopic behavior of the PPP-added doughs during lamination and biscuit baking. SEM investigations gave their contribution to the microscopic comprehension of the dough structure. Finally, a consumer panel composed by thirty volunteers was enrolled to express its opinion on the sensory agreeableness of the biscuits prepared with two different concentrations of PPP compared with the reference dough. The discussion is focused on the biological effects of the main components found in the PPP.

Enhanced Bioactivity of Pomegranate Peel Extract following Controlled Release from CaCO3 Nanocrystals

Pomegranate peel extract is rich of interesting bioactive chemicals, principally phenolic compounds, which have shown antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidative properties. The aim of this work was to improve extract’ bioactivity through the adsorption on calcium carbonate nanocrystals. Nanocrystals revealed as efficient tools for extract adsorption reaching 50% of loading efficiency. Controlled release of the contained metabolites under acidic pH has been found, as it was confirmed by quantitative assay and qualitative study through NMR analysis. Specific functionality of inorganic nanocarriers could be also tuned by biopolymeric coating. The resulting coated nanoformulations showed a great antimicrobial activity against B. cinerea fungus preventing strawberries disease better than a commercial fungicide. Furthermore, nanoformulations demonstrated a good antiproliferative activity in neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells carrying out a higher cytotoxic effect respect to free extract, confirming a crucial role of nanocarriers. Finally, pomegranate peel extract showed a very high radical scavenging ability, equal to ascorbic acid. Antioxidant activity, measured also in intracellular environment, highlighted a protective action of extract-adsorbed nanocrystals twice than free extract, providing a possible application for new nutraceutical formulations.

Multifunctional Probiotic and Functional Properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314, Isolated from Kimchi

In this study, the survival capacity (acid and bile salt tolerance, and adhesion to gut epithelial cells) and probiotic properties (enzyme activity-inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities, inhibition of adipogenesis, and stress hormone level reduction) of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314, isolated from kimchi (Korean traditional fermented cabbage), were investigated. LRCC5314 exhibited very stable survival at ph 2.0 and in 0.2% bile acid with 89.9% adhesion to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells after treatment for 2 h. LRCC5314 also inhibited the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are involved in elevating postprandial blood glucose levels, by approximately 72.9% and 51.2%, respectively. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with the LRCC5314 lysate decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon-γ by 88.5%, 49.3%, 97.2%, and 99.8%, respectively, relative to those of the cells treated with LPS alone. LRCC5314 also inhibited adipogenesis in differentiating preadipocytes (3T3-L1 cells), showing a 14.7% decrease in lipid droplet levels and a 74.0% decrease in triglyceride levels, as well as distinct reductions in the mRNA expression levels of adiponectin, FAS, PPAR/γ, C/EBPα, TNF-α, and IL-6. Moreover, LRCC5314 reduced the level of cortisol, a hormone with important effect on stress, by approximately 35.6% in H295R cells. L. plantarum LRCC5314 is identified as a new probiotic with excellent in vitro multifunctional properties. Subsequent in vivo studies may further demonstrate its potential as a functional food or pharmabiotic.

Ensiling process and pomegranate peel extract as a natural additive in potential prevention of fungal and mycotoxin contamination in silage

A study was conducted on six animal feed centers in Israel where fungal and mycotoxin presence was examined in maize and wheat silages. Fumonisin mycotoxins FB₁ and FB₂ were present in every maize silage sample analyzed. Interestingly, no correlation was found between the occurrence of specific mycotoxins and the presence of the fungal species that might produce them in maize and wheat silages. We further investigated the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on Fusarium infection and fumonisin biosynthesis in laboratory-prepared maize silage. PPE had an inhibitory effect on FB₁ and FB₂ biosynthesis by Fusarium proliferatum, which resulted in up to 90 % reduction of fumonisin production in silage samples compared to untreated controls. This finding was supported by qRT-PCR analysis, showing downregulation of key genes involved in the fumonisin-biosynthesis pathway under PPE treatment. Our results present promising new options for the use of natural compounds that may help reduce fungal and mycotoxin contamination in agricultural foodstuff, and potentially replace traditionally used synthetic chemicals.

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The mycotoxins fumonisin B₁ and B₂ were detected in all analyzed maize silage samples.

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No correlation was found between mycotoxins and their fungal sources in silages.

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Treatment with PPE demonstrated strong anti-mycotoxigenic activity in silages samples.

Ongoing and potential novel trends of pomegranate fruit peel; a comprehensive review of its health benefits and future perspectives as nutraceutical

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.

Ellagitannins, promising pharmacological agents for the treatment of cancer stem cells

Human tumors comprise subpopulations of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs) that possess stemness properties. CSCs can initiate tumors and cause recurrence, metastasis and are also responsible for chemo- and radio-resistance. CSCs may use signaling pathways similar to normal stem cells, including Notch, JAK/STAT, Wnt and Hedgehog pathways. Ellagitannins (ETs) are a broad group of substances with chemopreventive and anticancer activities. The antitumor activity of ETs and their derivatives are mainly related to their antiinflammatory capacity. They are therefore able to modulate secretory growth factors and pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ. Evidence suggests that ETs display their anticancer effect by targeting CSCs and disrupting stem cell signaling. However, there are still few studies in this field. Therefore, high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the ETs on CSCs. This paper reviews the structures, sources and pharmacokinetics of ETs. It also focuses on the function of ETs and their effects on CSCs-related cytokines and the relationship between ETs and signaling pathways in CSCs.

Hydrolyzable tannins (ellagitannins), flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenes and their glycosides in antimycobacterial extracts of the ethnopharmacologically selected Sudanese medicinal plant Combretum hartmannianum Schweinf

In Sudanese traditional medicine, decoctions, macerations, and tonics of the stem and root of Combretum hartmannianum are used for the treatment of persistent cough, a symptom that could be related to tuberculosis (TB). To verify these traditional uses, extracts from the stem wood, stem bark, and roots of C. hartmannianum were screened for their growth inhibitory effects against Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468. Methanol Soxhlet and ethyl acetate extracts of the root gave the strongest effects (MIC 312.5 and 625 µg/ml, respectively). HPLC-UV/DAD and UHPLC/QTOF-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of the root led to the detection of 54 compounds, of which most were polyphenols and many characterized for the first time in C. hartmannianum. Among the major compounds were terflavin B and its two isomers, castalagin, corilagin, tellimagrandin I and its derivative, (S)-flavogallonic acid dilactone, punicalagin, and methyl-ellagic acid xylopyranoside. In addition, di-, tri- and tetra-galloyl glucose, combregenin, terminolic acid, cordifoliside D, luteolin, and quercetin-3-O-galactoside-7-O-rhamnoside-(2→1)-O-β-D-arabinopyranoside were characterized. Luteolin gave better growth inhibition against M. smegmatis (MIC 250 µg/ml) than corilagin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid (MIC 500-1000 µg/ml). Our study justifies the use of C. hartmannianum in Sudanese folk medicine against prolonged cough that could be related to TB infection. This study demonstrates that C. hartmannianum should be explored further for new anti-TB drug scaffolds and antibiotic adjuvants.

Bioactive Compounds from Lemon (Citrus limon) Extract Overcome TNF-α-Induced Insulin Resistance in Cultured Adipocytes

The consumption of plant-based food is important for health promotion, especially regarding the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. We investigated the effects of a lemon extract (LE), containing ≥20.0% total flavanones and ≥1.0% total hydroxycinnamic acids, on insulin signaling in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with TNF-α, which was used to mimic in vitro the insulin resistance condition that characterizes diabetes mellitus. Our results showed LE increased PPARγ, GLUT4 and DGAT-1 levels, demonstrating the potential of this lemon extract in the management of insulin resistance conditions associated with TNF-α pathway activation. LE treatment further decreased the release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and restored triglyceride synthesis, which is the main feature of a healthy adipocyte.

Pomegranate Peel Extract as an Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Binding to Human ACE2 Receptor (in vitro): A Promising Source of Novel Antiviral Drugs

Plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes, which potentially have antiviral activities. As a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, thousands of scientists have been working tirelessly trying to understand the biology of this new virus and the disease pathophysiology, with the main goal of discovering effective preventive treatments and therapeutic agents. Plant-derived secondary metabolites may play key roles in preventing and counteracting the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections by inhibiting the activity of several viral proteins, in particular those involved in the virus entry into the host cells and its replication. Using in vitro approaches, we investigated the role of a pomegranate peel extract (PPE) in attenuating the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, and on the activity of the virus 3CL protease. Although further studies will be determinant to assess the efficacy of this extract in vivo, our results opened new promising opportunities to employ natural extracts for the development of effective and innovative therapies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.

Probiotics Can Further Reduce Waist Circumference in Adults with Morbid Obesity after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Whether probiotics could be used as an adjunct to bariatric surgery is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on body weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of the excess weight loss (%EWL), waist circumference (WC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adults with obesity after bariatric surgery (BS). PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched from the earliest record to March 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of probiotics in adults with obesity after bariatric surgery were analyzed according to the eligibility criteria. Four RCTs, including 172 participants, were analyzed. There was a statistically significant difference in probiotics in the reduction of waist circumference at 12 months after bariatric surgery. However, probiotics were not effective in weight, BMI, %EWL, WC, and CRP both within 3 months and at 12 months postoperation. Probiotics aid adults with morbid obesity in achieving further waist circumference improvement after BS, with no significant effect on weight, BMI, %EWL, and CRP. More quality clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of probiotics, and address a number of practical issues before the routine clinical use of probiotics in adults with obesity undergoing BS.

Preharvest and Postharvest Applications of a Pomegranate Peel Extract to Control Citrus Fruit Decay During Storage and Shelf Life

Green and blue molds are the most important postharvest diseases affecting citrus in storage. These diseases are commonly controlled with fungicides, but legislative restrictions, consumer concerns, and the development of resistant strains of the pathogens have increasingly led to the search for alternative methods of control. A pomegranate peel extract (PGE) was very effective in controlling Valencia orange and clementine postharvest rot under commercial conditions. After cold storage and 7 days of shelf life, the incidence of decay on oranges sprayed before harvest with PGE at 12, 6, and 3 g/liter was reduced by 78.9, 76.0, and 64.6%, respectively. Similarly, postharvest dipping treatments with PGE reduced rot by 90.2, 84.3, and 77.6%, respectively. Comparable levels of protection were also achieved on clementines. On both oranges and clementines, the extract provided a significantly higher level of protection compared with imazalil, a fungicide commonly used for postharvest treatments. The high level of efficacy and the consistent results on different fruit species (clementines and oranges) and with different application methods (preharvest and postharvest) were evidence of reliability and flexibility. PGE also showed a strong antimicrobial activity against fungi and bacteria, suggesting its possible use in sanitizers to reduce the microbial contamination of recirculated water in packinghouses. The results of the present study encourage the integration of conventional chemical fungicides and sanitizers with PGE to control citrus postharvest rot.

Pomegranate Peel Extracts as Safe Natural Treatments to Control Plant Diseases and Increase the Shelf-Life and Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Although the Green Revolution was a milestone in agriculture, it was accompanied by intensive use of synthetic pesticides, which has raised serious concerns due to their impact on human and environmental health. This is increasingly stimulating the search for safer and more eco-friendly alternative means to control plant diseases and prevent food spoilage. Among the proposed alternatives, pomegranate peel extracts (PPEs) are very promising because of their high efficacy. In the present review, we discuss the complex mechanisms of action that include direct antimicrobial activity and induction of resistance in treated plant tissues and highlight the importance of PPE composition in determining their activity. The broad spectrum of activity, wide range of application and high efficiency of PPEs against bacterial, fungal and viral plant pathogens suggest a potential market not only restricted to organic production but also integrated farming systems. Considering that PPEs are non-chemical by-products of the pomegranate industry, they are perceived as safe by the public and may be integrated in circular economy strategies. This will likely encourage agro-pharmaceutical industries to develop commercial formulations and speed up the costly process of registration.

Nanoencapsulation of Pomegranate Extract to Increase Stability and Potential Dermatological Protection

Pomegranate extract (PG-E) has been reported to exert a protective effect on the skin due to its antioxidant activity. Ingredients rich in phenolic compounds are unstable in extract solutions, and, therefore, the use of a suitable nanosystem to encapsulate this type of extract could be necessary in different biotechnological applications. Thus, we investigated the capacity of Brassica oleracea L. (cauliflower) inflorescence vesicles (CI-vesicles) to encapsulate PG-E and determined the stability and the antioxidant capacity of the system over time. In addition, the protective effect against UV radiation and heavy metals in HaCaT cells was also tested. The CI-vesicles had an entrapment efficiency of around 50%, and accelerated stability tests did not show significant changes in the parameters tested. The results for the HaCaT cells showed the non-cytotoxicity of the CI-vesicles containing PG-E and their protection against heavy metals (lead acetate and mercuric chloride) and UV-B radiation through a reduction of oxidative stress. The reduction of the percentage of deleted mtDNA (mtDNA4977, "common deletion") in UV-treated HaCaT cells due to the presence of CI-vesicles containing PG-E indicated the mechanism of protection. Therefore, the effects of CI-vesicles loaded with PG-E against oxidative stress support their utilization as natural cosmeceuticals to protect skin health against external damage from environmental pollution and UV radiation.

Pomegranate peel extract ameliorates the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via modulation of gut microbiota

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and inflammatory infiltration with a high disability rate. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the importance of gut microbiota as an environmental risk factor in MS and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Diet is the main determinant of gut microbiota composition and function, which greatly affects the shaping of microbial structure. Pomegranate peel, a waste product in the production of juice, is rich in health-promoting compounds. However, its individual constituents, immunoregulatory activities, and action associated with bacterial diversity in the gut microbiota are largely unknown. Here, the main nutrient ingredients of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) were identified as phenols, flavonoids, amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, lipids, nucleotides, organic acids, alcohols, and vitamins via metabolomics evaluation. We found, for the first time, oral PPE (100 mg/kg/day) not only effectively relieves EAE, inhibits CNS inflammatory factor infiltration and myelin loss, but also reshapes gut microbiota. Furthermore, recipient EAE mice with fecal transplantation from the PPE-treated donor delayed the disease development significantly. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the increased gut microbiota richness in PPE-treated group. Among them, Lactobacillaceae enriched significantly, while Alcaligenaceae and Acidaminococcacea decreased remarkably. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that gut microbiota mediated the beneficial effects of oral PPE on EAE, and provided new ideas for developing the prebiotic value of pomegranate peel for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Antimicrobial Activity of Pomegranate Peel and Its Applications on Food Preservation

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit is being cultivated since the civilization is known, and its production and consumption have been increased since the last century due to the scientific confirmation of its health benefits. Pomegranate fruits, fruit juice, its seeds, and peels are known to have higher contents of bioactive compounds, viz., phenolic acids, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins. The peels of pomegranate fruits are the major by-products produced during food processing of pomegranate enriched in antioxidants and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents and can prevent food deterioration even. This health potential of pomegranate is known to vary significantly upon the varieties, growing conditions, cultivation practices, stages of the development, and the extraction methods. Herein, the biochemical composition of the pomegranate peel extract (PPE), its efficacy in food preservation, and antimicrobial activities are discussed to provide a comprehensive guide for farmers, food processing, and storage sectors and academia.

NADPH Oxidase Inhibition in Fibrotic Pathologies

Significance: Fibrosis is a stereotypic, multicellular tissue response to diverse types of injuries that fundamentally result from a failure of cell/tissue regeneration. This complex tissue remodeling response disrupts cellular/matrix composition and homeostatic cell-cell interactions, leading to loss of normal tissue architecture and progressive loss of organ structure/function. Fibrosis is a common feature of chronic diseases that may affect the lung, kidney, liver, and heart. Recent Advances: There is emerging evidence to support a combination of genetic, environmental, and age-related risk factors contributing to susceptibility and/or progression of fibrosis in different organ systems. A core pathway in fibrogenesis involving these organs is the induction and activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) family enzymes. Critical Issues: We explore current pharmaceutical approaches to targeting NOX enzymes, including repurposing of currently U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. Specific inhibitors of various NOX homologs will aid establishing roles of NOXs in the various organ fibroses and potential efficacy to impede/halt disease progression. Future Directions: The discovery of novel and highly specific NOX inhibitors will provide opportunities to develop NOX inhibitors for treatment of fibrotic pathologies.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Antioxidants in Ameliorating Obesity Phenotype and Associated Comorbidities

Obesity has been a worldwide epidemic for decades. Despite the abundant increase in knowledge regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of obesity, the prevalence continues to rise with estimates predicting considerably higher numbers by the year 2030. Obesity is characterized by an abnormal lipid accumulation, however, the physiological consequences of obesity are far more concerning. The development of the obesity phenotype constitutes dramatic alterations in adipocytes, along with several other cellular mechanisms which causes substantial increase in systemic oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These alterations promote a chronic state of inflammation in the body caused by the redox imbalance. Together, the systemic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation plays a vital role in maintaining the obese state and exacerbating onset of cardiovascular complications, Type II diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and other conditions where obesity has been linked as a significant risk factor. Because of the apparent role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of obesity, there has been a growing interest in attenuating the pro-oxidant state in obesity. Hence, this review aims to highlight the therapeutic role of antioxidants, agents that negate pro-oxidant state of cells, in ameliorating obesity and associated comorbidities. More specifically, this review will explore how various antioxidants target unique and diverse pathways to exhibit an antioxidant defense mechanism.

Pomegranate Mesocarp against Colitis-Induced Visceral Pain in Rats: Effects of a Decoction and Its Fractions

The management of chronic visceral pain related to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is still a clinical problem and new therapeutic strategies continue to be investigated. In the present study, the efficacy of a pomegranate decoction and of its polysaccharide and ellagitannin components in preventing the development of colitis-induced abdominal pain in rats was evaluated. After colitis induction by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), the pomegranate decoction (300 mg kg-1), polysaccharides (300 mg kg-1), and ellagitannins (45 mg kg-1) were orally administered for 14 days. Repeated treatment with decoction reduced visceral hypersensitivity in the colitic animals both at 7 and 14 days. Similar efficacy was shown by polysaccharides, but with lower potency. Ellagitannins administered at dose equivalent to decoction content showed higher efficacy in reducing the development of visceral pain. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations performed on the colon 14 days after the damage showed that all three preparations reduced the overall amount of mast cells, the number of degranulated mast cells, and the density of collagen fibers in the mucosal stroma. Although ellagitannins seem to be responsible for most of the beneficial effects of pomegranate on DNBS-induced colitis, the polysaccharides support and enhance its effect. Therefore, pomegranate mesocarp preparations could represent a complementary approach to conventional therapies for promoting abdominal pain relief.

Synergistic Inhibition of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Production by Combination of Pomegranate Peel Extract and Azole Fungicide

Fungal plant pathogens cause considerable losses in yield and quality of field crops worldwide. In addition, under specific environmental conditions, many fungi, including such as some Fusarium and Aspergillus spp., are further able to produce mycotoxins while colonizing their host, which accumulate in human and animal tissues, posing a serious threat to consumer health. Extensive use of azole fungicides in crop protection stimulated the emergence of acquired azole resistance in some plant and human fungal pathogens. Combination treatments, which become popular in clinical practice, offer an alternative strategy for managing potentially resistant toxigenic fungi and reducing the required dosage of specific drugs. In the current study we tested the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on the growth and toxin production of the mycotoxigenic fungi Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium proliferatum, both alone and in combination with the azole fungicide prochloraz (PRZ). Using time-lapse microscopy and quantitative image analysis we demonstrate significant delay of conidial germination and hyphal elongation rate in both fungi following PPE treatment in combination with PRZ. Moreover, PPE treatment reduced aflatoxin production by A. flavus up to 97%, while a combined treatment with sub-inhibitory doses of PPE and PRZ resulted in complete inhibition of toxin production over a 72 h treatment. These findings were supported by qRT-PCR analysis, showing down-regulation of key genes involved in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway under combined PPE/PRZ treatment al low concentrations. Our results provide first evidence for synergistic effects between the commercial drug PRZ and natural compound PPE. Future application of these findings may allow to reduce the required dosage of PRZ, and possibly additional azole drugs, to inhibit mycotoxigenic fungi, ultimately reducing potential concerns over exposure to high doses of these potentially harmful fungicides.

Pomegranate peel as phenolic compounds source: Advanced analytical strategies and practical use in meat products

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.

Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and Novel Cape Analogue as Inducers of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting in the destruction of insulin producing β-cells of the pancreas, with consequent insulin deficiency and excessive glucose production. Hyperglycemia results in increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) with consequent oxidative/nitrosative stress and tissue damage. Oxidative damage of the pancreatic tissue may contribute to endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the potentially protective effects of phenethyl ester of caffeic acid (CAPE), a natural phenolic compound occurring in a variety of plants and derived from honeybee hive propolis, and of a novel CAPE analogue, as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducers, could reduce pancreatic oxidative damage induced by excessive amount of glucose, affecting the nitric oxide synthase/dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (NOS/DDAH) pathway in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats. Our data demonstrated that inducible nitric oxide synthase/gamma-Glutamyl-cysteine ligase (iNOS/GGCL) and DDAH dysregulation may play a key role in high glucose mediated oxidative stress, whereas HO-1 inducers such as CAPE or its more potent derivatives may be useful in diabetes and other stress-induced pathological conditions.