Technologies and Extraction Methods of Polyphenolic Compounds Derived from Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peels. A Mini Review

Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Agroindustrial Waste and Byproducts: Results and Perspectives According to the Green Chemistry and Circular Economy

Polyphenols are natural secondary metabolites found in plants endowed with multiple biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and anticancer). In view of these properties, they find many applications and are used as active ingredients in nutraceutical, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations. In accordance with green chemistry and circular economy strategies, they can also be recovered from agroindustrial waste and reused in various sectors, promoting sustainable processes. This review described structural characteristics, methods for extraction, biological properties, and applications of polyphenolic extracts obtained from two selected plant materials of the Mediterranean area as olive (Olea europaea L.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) based on recent literature, highlighting future research perspectives.

Supercritical Extraction Techniques for Obtaining Biologically Active Substances from a Variety of Plant Byproducts

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques have garnered significant attention as green and sustainable methods for obtaining biologically active substances from a diverse array of plant byproducts. This paper comprehensively reviews the use of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in obtaining bioactive compounds from various plant residues, including pomace, seeds, skins, and other agricultural byproducts. The main purpose of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the selective isolation and recovery of compounds, such as polyphenols, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, that have significant health-promoting properties. Using supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) not only eliminates the need for hazardous organic solvents, e.g., ethanol, and methanol, but also protects heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Moreover, this green extraction technique contributes to waste valorisation by converting plant byproducts into value-added extracts with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review highlights the advantages of SFE, including its efficiency, eco-friendliness, and production of residue-free extracts, while discussing potential challenges and future prospects for the utilisation of SFE in obtaining biologically active substances from plant byproducts.

Extraction and Biological Activity of Lignanoids from Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H.Wilson Residual Waste Biomass Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

Lignanoids are an active ingredient exerting powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of many diseases. In order to improve the efficiency of the resource utilization of traditional Chinese medicine waste, Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H.Wilson residue (MOR) waste biomass was used as raw material in this study, and a series of deep eutectic solvents (ChUre, ChAce, ChPro, ChCit, ChOxa, ChMal, ChLac, ChLev, ChGly and ChEG) were selected to evaluate the extraction efficiency of lignanoids from MORs. The results showed that the best conditions for lignanoid extraction were a liquid-solid ratio of 40.50 mL/g, an HBD-HBA ratio of 2.06, a water percentage of 29.3%, an extract temperature of 337.65 K, and a time of 107 min. Under these conditions, the maximum lignanoid amount was 39.18 mg/g. In addition, the kinetics of the extraction process were investigated by mathematic modeling. In our antioxidant activity study, high antioxidant activity of the lignanoid extract was shown in scavenging four different types of free radicals (DPPH, ·OH, ABTS, and superoxide anions). At a concentration of 3 mg/mL, the total antioxidant capacity of the lignanoid extract was 1.795 U/mL, which was equal to 0.12 mg/mL of Vc solution. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity study found that the lignanoid extract exhibited good antibacterial effects against six tested pathogens. Among them, Staphylococcus aureus exerted the strongest antibacterial activity. Eventually, the correlation of the lignanoid extract with the biological activity and physicochemical properties of DESs is described using a heatmap, along with the evaluation of the in vitro hypoglycemic, in vitro hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activity of the lignanoid extract. These findings can provide a theoretical foundation for the extraction of high-value components from waste biomass by deep eutectic solvents, as well as highlighting its specific significance in natural product development and utilization.

Development of a New Extraction Method for Pomegranate and Metabolite Profiling by a LC-MS and 1H NMR Combined Approach

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) market has steadily grown due to the increasing demand of health-conscious consumers of products with health-promoting effects. Recently, a growing interest in developing ecological and environmentally friendly extraction methods has led to investigating extraction procedures to obtain a higher extraction yield using a lower amount of solvents and energy. Herein, a new extraction procedure was developed to obtain an enriched pomegranate food supplement by using the peels of pomegranate, cultivar "Dente di Cavallo" and its juice. The extraction was performed through a non-conventional extraction technique like SLDE-Naviglio using ethanol and pomegranate juice as a solvent, and peels as a matrix. The extract was analysed by a combined approach based on LCESI/QExactive/MS/MS and NMR analysis, and its chemical profile was compared with those of pomegranate juice and of the extract obtained from peels by SLDE-Naviglio by using ethanol:H2O. The LC-MS analysis highlighted the presence of hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and phenol glucoside derivatives, while 1H NMR analysis completed the profile by detecting the primary metabolites. The LC-MS and 1H NMR analysis indicated that the extract obtained by SLDE-Naviglio using ethanol and pomegranate juice was enriched in the bioactives as confirmed by the highest phenolic, tannin and flavonoid content.

Can a Fraction of Flour and Sugar Be Replaced with Fruit By-Product Extracts in a Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Recipe?

Certain food by-products, including not-good-for-sale apples and pomegranate peels, are rich in bioactive molecules that can be collected and reused in food formulations. Their extracts, rich in pectin and antioxidant compounds, were obtained using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), a green, efficient, and scalable extraction technique. The extracts were chemically and physically characterized and used in gluten-free and vegan cookie formulations to replace part of the flour and sugar to study whether they can mimic the role of these ingredients. The amount of flour + sugar removed and replaced with extracts was 5% and 10% of the total. Physical (dimensions, color, hardness, moisture content, water activity), chemical (total phenolic content, DPPH radical-scavenging activity), and sensory characteristics of cookie samples were studied. Cookies supplemented with the apple extract were endowed with similar or better characteristics compared to control cookies: high spread ratio, similar color, and similar sensory characteristics. In contrast, the pomegranate peel extract enriched the cookies in antioxidant molecules but significantly changed their physical and sensory characteristics: high hardness value, different color, and a bitter and astringent taste. HC emerged as a feasible technique to enable the biofortification of consumer products at a real scale with extracts from agri-food by-products.

Improved Cardiovascular Effects of a Novel Pomegranate Byproduct Extract Obtained through Hydrodynamic Cavitation

The healthy properties of pomegranate fruit, a highly consumed food, have been known for a long time. However, the pomegranate supply chain is still rather inefficient, with the non-edible fraction, whose weight is roughly half the total and is endowed with plenty of valuable bioactive compounds, either disposed of or underutilized. A novel extract obtained from non-edible byproducts (called PPE), using hydrodynamic cavitation, a green, efficient, and scalable technique, was investigated for its cardiovascular effects in vivo. PPE showed efficacy in an acute phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertensive rat model, similar to the extract of whole fruit (PFE) obtained using the same extractive technique, along with good intestinal bioaccessibility after oral administration. Finally, when chronically administered for 6 weeks to spontaneously hypertensive rats, PPE was shown to significantly contain the increase in systolic blood pressure, comparable to the reference drug Captopril, and at a dose remarkably lower than the reported effective dose of ellagic acid. The extract from the non-edible fraction of the pomegranate fruit also showed good anti-inflammation and anti-fibrotic effects. The findings of this study, along with the extraction technique, could contribute to enhancing the value of the pomegranate supply chain, relieve the related environmental burden, and potentially improve public health.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Jordanian Pomegranate peels

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peels have shown numerous health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These health activities are owed to the unique phytochemical components present in pomegranate peels. Variations in the pomegranate cultivar, geographical region, and extraction methods significantly affect the phytochemical composition and concentrations of pomegranate fruits and their peels, hence their health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the phytochemical contents of pomegranate peels of Jordanian origin and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the 6 extracts of pomegranate peels tested, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC = 297.70 ± 1.73 mg GAE/g DW), highest total flavonoids content (TFC = 116.08 ± 3.46 mg RE/g DW), highest hydrolyzable tannins (HT) contents (688.50 ± 3.54 mg TE/g DW). Whereas the highest condensed tannins (CT) content was found in both the ethanol (13.87 ± 0.58 mg CE/g DW) and methanol (13.84 ± 0.55 mg CE/g DW) extracts. For the antioxidant activities, the water extract of pomegranate peels displayed the highest inhibitory effect on DPPH radicals (9.43 ± 0.06 μmole TE/g DW), while for the ABTS+ assay the methanol and ethanol extracts exhibited the highest activities of 11.09 ± 0.02 and 11.09 ± 0.06 μmole TE/g DW, respectively. For the FRAP assay, the aqueous methanol extract exhibited the highest reducing activity (1.60 ± 0.09 mmole Fe (II)/g DW). As for the antimicrobial activities of various extracts of pomegranate peels, the highest antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus was achieved by the ethanol extract (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL), whereas the lowest antimicrobial activity was observed against Candida krusei using the methanol extract (MIC = 100 mg/mL). These results indicate that pomegranate peels of Jordanian origin are rich in phytochemical content and exhibited strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities making these agroindustrial by-products potential candidates for various medical applications and possible safe sources for important bioactive components.

Ultrasonication/dynamic maceration-assisted extraction method as a novel combined approach for recovery of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peel

According to recent studies, pomegranate peel (PP) has the potential to be inverted from environmental pollutant waste to wealth due to possessing valuable phenolic compounds at a higher amount compared to edible parts. So far, different types of biological activities such as antimutagenic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and chemo-preventive properties were stated for pomegranate peel extract (PPE) according to chemical composition. In the present research, the probable intensifying effects of two extraction methods and optimum conditions for novel combined method of ultrasonication and dynamic maceration-assisted extraction of PPE using response surface methodology (RSM) were determined. A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize three extraction variables, including sonication time (X1), sonication temperature (X2), and stirring speed (X3) for the achievement of high extraction yield of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The optimized conditions to obtain maximum extraction efficiency were determined as X1 = 70 min, X2 = 61.8°C, and X3 = 1000 rpm. The experimental values were in line with the values anticipated by RSM models, which indicates the appropriateness of the applied quadratic model and the accomplishment of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions. The results suggest that the extraction of PPE by mix of ultrasonication as a modern method and dynamic maceration as a conventional method could improve its bioactive extractability and the obtained values were higher than any of the methods used. In other words, these two methods together have intensifying effects in increasing extraction efficiency which could further be utilized in food and agricultural industry.

Pomegranate Peel Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, Methods of Extraction, and Its Application: A Comprehensive Review

Pomegranate peel, derived from the processing of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate), has traditionally been considered agricultural waste. However, recent studies have revealed its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects. Pomegranate peel is a rich reservoir of antioxidants, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins, which contribute to its remarkable bioactivity. Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, wound healing, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel owing to the presence of phytochemicals, such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin. The extraction of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel requires a careful selection of techniques to maximize the yield and quality. Green extraction methods, including pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), offer efficient and sustainable alternatives to traditional methods. Furthermore, pomegranate peel has been utilized in the food industry, where it can significantly enhance the nutritional value, organoleptic characteristics, and shelf life of food products. Pomegranate peel has the potential to be used to develop innovative functional foods, nutraceuticals, and other value-added products, providing new opportunities for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Comparative analysis of the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of different parts of two pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars: 'Tunisia' and 'Qingpi'

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), with its abundant phenolic substances and strong antioxidant activity, holds significant research and utilization potential across various organs. However, there have been few studies on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different parts of pomegranate, especially the placenta. This study investigated the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of fruits, flowers, and leaves of two pomegranate varieties, 'Tunisia' and 'Qingpi', throughout their growth and development. Results indicated significant variations in phenolic content among different organs, with petals exhibiting the highest total polyphenol content (TPC, 49.40 mg GAE/g FW) and total anthocyanin content (TMAC, 1938.54 nmol/g FW). Placenta contained the highest levels of total flavonoids (TFC, 173.58 mg RE/g FW) and punicalagin (109.30 mg/g FW). The peel had the highest content of total flavanols (TFAC, 19.42 mg CE/g FW). Over the course of pomegranate development, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, total flavanols, punicalagin, and antioxidant activity declined in different organs. Antioxidant activity followed the order: fruit > flower > leaf, with the placenta exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity among fruits. Antioxidant activity showed a significant positive correlation with total polyphenols (R2 = 0.77-1.00), total flavonoids (R2 = 0.71-0.99, except tegmens), and punicalagin (R2 = 0.71-1.00). This study provides a comparative analysis of the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in different organs of pomegranate, highlighting the placenta as the primary source of punicalagin. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of pomegranate phenolic compounds.

Direct Polyphenol Attachment on the Surfaces of Magnetite Nanoparticles, Using Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium corymbosum, or Punica granatum

This study presents an alternative approach to directly synthesizing magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in the presence of Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Punica granatum derived from natural sources (grapes, blueberries, and pomegranates, respectively). A modified co-precipitation method that combines phytochemical techniques was developed to produce semispherical MNPs that range in size from 7.7 to 8.8 nm and are coated with a ~1.5 nm thick layer of polyphenols. The observed structure, composition, and surface properties of the MNPs@polyphenols demonstrated the dual functionality of the phenolic groups as both reducing agents and capping molecules that are bonding with Fe ions on the surfaces of the MNPs via -OH groups. Magnetic force microscopy images revealed the uniaxial orientation of single magnetic domains (SMDs) associated with the inverse spinel structure of the magnetite (Fe3O4). The samples' inductive heating (H0 = 28.9 kA/m, f = 764 kHz), measured via the specific loss power (SLP) of the samples, yielded values of up to 187.2 W/g and showed the influence of the average particle size. A cell viability assessment was conducted via the MTT and NRu tests to estimate the metabolic and lysosomal activities of the MNPs@polyphenols in K562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia, ATCC) cells.

An Overview of the Health Benefits, Extraction Methods and Improving the Properties of Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich edible food and medicinal plant of ancient origin, containing flavonols, anthocyanins, and tannins, with ellagitannins as the most abundant polyphenols. In the last decades, its consumption and scientific interest increased, due to its multiple beneficial effects. Pomegranate is a balausta fruit, a large berry surrounded by a thick colored peel composed of exocarp and mesocarp with edible arils inside, from which the pomegranate juice can be produced by pressing. Seeds are used to obtain the seed oil, rich in fatty acids. The non-edible part of the fruit, the peel, although generally disposed as a waste or transformed into compost or biogas, is also used to extract bioactive products. This review summarizes some recent preclinical and clinical studies on pomegranate, which highlight promising beneficial effects in several fields. Although further insight is needed on key aspects, including the limited oral bioavailability and the role of possible active metabolites, the ongoing development of suitable encapsulation and green extraction techniques enabling the valorization of waste pomegranate products point to the great potential of pomegranate and its bioactive constituents as dietary supplements or adjuvants in therapies of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.

Mechanisms Underlying Neurodegenerative Disorders and Potential Neuroprotective Activity of Agrifood By-Products

Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive loss in selected areas of the nervous system, are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide due to an aging population. Despite their diverse clinical manifestations, neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial disorders with standard features and mechanisms such as abnormal protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. As there are no effective treatments to counteract neurodegenerative diseases, increasing interest has been directed to the potential neuroprotective activities of plant-derived compounds found abundantly in food and in agrifood by-products. Food waste has an extremely negative impact on the environment, and recycling is needed to promote their disposal and overcome this problem. Many studies have been carried out to develop green and effective strategies to extract bioactive compounds from food by-products, such as peel, leaves, seeds, bran, kernel, pomace, and oil cake, and to investigate their biological activity. In this review, we focused on the potential neuroprotective activity of agrifood wastes obtained by common products widely produced and consumed in Italy, such as grapes, coffee, tomatoes, olives, chestnuts, onions, apples, and pomegranates.

Phenolic Compounds Recovery from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) By-Products of Pressurized Liquid Extraction

This study aimed to valorize pomegranate by-products (peel and carpelar membranes—PPCM) through their high biological potential for phenolic compounds recovery. The influence of lower temperatures (40 and 60 °C) and pressures (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 bar) than those generally used in pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was evaluated through global extraction yield (X₀), and qualitative and quantitative composition of the phenolic compounds. Chromatographic techniques were used to analyze the two treatments with the highest X₀. Temperature, pressure, and their interaction had a significant influence on X₀. The best phenolic compounds extraction conditions were using pressurized ethanol at 60 °C and 40 bar (extract 1—E1, 37% on d.b.) and 60 °C and 80 bar (extract 2—E2, 45% on d.b.). Nevertheless, E1 presented a significantly higher content of α, β punicalagin, and ellagic acid (48 ± 2, 146 ± 11, and 25.6 ± 0.3 mg/100 g, respectively) than E2 (40 ± 2, 126 ± 4, and 22.7 ± 0.3 mg/100 g). Therefore, this study could validate the use of low pressures and temperatures in PLE to recover phenolic compounds from pomegranate residues, making this process more competitive and sustainable for the pomegranate industry.

Preliminary Studies on Suppression of Important Plant Pathogens by Using Pomegranate and Avocado Residual Peel and Seed Extracts

Potential synergistic action of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peel (PP), avocado peel (AP), and avocado seed (AS) wastes isolated by microwave-assisted extraction were assessed in in vitro and in vivo assays as biocontrol agents against several plant pathogenic fungi. The study findings contribute to the utilization of a value-added industrial byproduct and provide significant value in advancing the development of new plant protecting compositions that benefit from the synergistic effects between two important plant species that contain several natural bioactive compounds. More specifically, the in vitro results proved that the use of 100%-pure (PP) extracted waste affected the mycelium growth of Penicillium expansum. Furthermore, mycelium growth of Aspergillus niger was decreased by 10.21% compared to control after 7 days of growth in medium agar containing 100% AP and extracted waste. Moreover, mycelium growth of Botrytis cinerea was affected by equal volume of avocado extraction wastes (50% peel and 50% seed) only at the first 3 days of the inoculation, while at the seventh day of the inoculation there was no effect on the mycelium growth. Equal volumes of the examined wastes showed decreased mycelium growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici by 6%, while Rhizoctonia solani mycelium growth was found to be the most sensitive in PP application. In addition, the in vivo assay shown that PP extract suppresses damage of tomato plants caused by R. solani followed by extracted wastes from AP. Based on the research findings, it can be argued that PP and AP extracts can be used as natural antifungals instead of dangerous synthetic antifungals to effectively treat phytopathogens that cause fruit and vegetable losses during cultivation.

The bioactivity and applications of pomegranate peel extract: A review

Pomegranate peel (PP) is a by-product in the processing of pomegranate products, which is usually discarded as a waste. However, a large number of researches have shown that pomegranate peel extract (PPE) is rich in a variety of phenolic substances, among which ellagic acid (EA), as one of the main active components, has significant biological activities, such as anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. We analyzed the mechanism of EA's biological activity, and discussed its application in the food industry, for instance, food preservation, food additives, and functional foods. Combined with the research status of PPE, we discussed the limitations and development potential of PPE, in order to provide theoretical reference and scientific basis for the development and utilization of pomegranate by-products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pomegranate peel (PP), the inedible part of the fruit, is usually treated as waste. In recent years, researchers have been committed to exploring various bioactive ingredients in PP and exploring its potential benefits to human health, which has far-reaching significance. In this paper, the chemical constituents of polyphenols in PP were reviewed, mainly focusing on the biological activity and mechanism of ellagic acid (EA). We reviewed the applications and invention patents of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) in food field, including food preservation, food additive, and functional foods, providing reference for the recycling and reuse of PP.

Croton lechleri Extracts as Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Admiralty Brass in Hydrochloric Acid

Croton lechleri, commonly known as Dragon’s blood, is a tree cultivated in the northwest Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and Peru. This tree produces a deep red latex which is composed of different natural products such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and others. The chemical structures of these natural products found in C. lechleri latex are promising corrosion inhibitors of admiralty brass (AB), due to the number of heteroatoms and π structures. In this work, three different extracts of C. lechleri latex were obtained, characterized phytochemically, and employed as novel green corrosion inhibitors of AB. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE%) was determined in an aqueous 0.5 M HCl solution by potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel plots) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, measuring current density and charge transfer resistance, respectively. In addition, surface characterization of AB was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Chloroform alkaloid-rich extracts resulted in IE% of 57% at 50 ppm, attributed to the formation of a layer of organic compounds on the AB surface that hindered the dezincification process. The formulation of corrosion inhibitors from C. lechleri latex allows for the valorization of non-edible natural sources and the diversification of the offer of green corrosion inhibitors for the chemical treatment of heat exchangers.

Analytical Methods for Lipid Oxidation and Antioxidant Capacity in Food Systems

Lipid oxidation is the most crucial quality parameter in foods. Many methods were developed to determine the level of oxidation and antioxidant activity. This review compares the methods used to determine lipid oxidation and antioxidant capacity in foods. Lipid oxidation methods developed are based on the direct or indirect measurement of produced primary or secondary oxidation substances. Peroxide values and conjugated diene methods determine the primary oxidative products of lipid oxidation and are commonly used for plant oils and high-fat products. 2-Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and chromatographic methods are used to determine the secondary products of oxidation and are suitable for meat and meat-based products. The fluorometric and sensory analyses are indirect methods. The antioxidant capacity of additives is determined indirectly using the lipid oxidation methods mentioned above or directly based on the free-radical scavenging activity of the antioxidant compounds. Each lipid oxidation and antioxidant capacity methods use different approaches, and one method cannot be used for all foods. Therefore, selecting proper methods for specific foods is essential for accurately evaluating lipid oxidation or antioxidant capacity.

Corn Silage Supplemented with Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Avocado (Persea americana) Pulp and Seed Wastes for Improvement of Meat Characteristics in Poultry Production

In the present study, pomegranate peels, avocado peels, and seed vacuum microwave extraction solid by-products were supplemented in corn silage in order to investigate the effects on meat quality and growth rate in broiler chicken. There were 50 broilers, divided in two groups, treated with experimental or usual feed for 43 days (group A: 25 broilers fed with avocado and pomegranate by-products and group B: 25 broilers fed with corn-silage used as control). The results showed that broiler chickens fed with a diet supplemented with a mixture of pomegranate avocado by-products (group A) showed significant differences in chicken leg meat quality, significantly improving the level of proteins and fatty acids content in breast and leg meat, respectively. More specific ω3 and ω6 fatty acids content were three times higher than in group B. Moreover, a protective effect on the decomposition of polyunsaturated fatty acids, induced by free radicals and presented in chicken meat, is based on the evaluation of lipid peroxidation by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Pomegranate peels, avocado peels, and seed by-products appeared to have a slight reduction on meat production, while it was found to improve the qualitative chicken meat characteristics. Regarding the production costs, it was calculated that the corn-silage supplementation, used in this study, lead to a 50% lower cost than the commercial corn-silage used for the breeding of broilers.

The In Vitro and In Vivo Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of Vacuum Microwave Assisted Aqueous Extracts from Pomegranate and Avocado Fruit Peels and Avocado Seeds Based on a Mixtures Design Model

The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial properties of encapsulated lyophilized powdered extracts of pomegranate peels (PP), avocado peels (AP) and avocado seeds (AS) in vitro and in vivo. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods, optical density measurement, and well diffusion assay were used to determine antimicrobial activity against food borne bacteria (Gram− Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas putida), (Gram+ Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Lactobacillus plantarum), and fungi (Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger) based on a mixture design model. Additionally, the most effective powder was studied in vivo in yogurt, cream cheese, and minced meat burger. The samples that contained high polyphenol content also exhibited higher antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity. From the results of the well diffusion, the MIC/MBC, and the cell optical density assays, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts was found to be correlated to the total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples and the type of the microorganism. The pomegranate peels extract presented the higher TPC and antioxidant activity and constitute the highest percentage in the most active antimicrobial mixture. The powders that were tested in vitro showed microbial type-dependent effects in each food model. The results presented here can be further studied in the large-scale industrial production of natural food preservatives.

Enhancement of Biological and Pharmacological Properties of an Encapsulated Polyphenol: Curcumin

There is a dearth of natural remedies available for the treatment of an increasing number of diseases facing mankind. Natural products may provide an opportunity to produce formulations and therapeutic solutions to address this shortage. Curcumin (CUR), diferuloylmethane; I,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione is the major pigment in turmeric powder which has been reported to exhibit a number of health benefits including, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this review, the authors attempt to highlight the biological and pharmacological properties of CUR in addition to emphasizing aspects relating to the biosynthesis, encapsulation and therapeutic effects of the compound. The information contained in this review was generated by considering published information in which evidence of enhanced biological and pharmacological properties of nano-encapsulated CUR was reported. CUR has contributed to a significant improvement in melanoma, breast, lung, gastro-intestinal, and genito-urinary cancer therapy. We highlight the impact of nano-encapsulated CUR for efficient inhibition of cell proliferation, even at low concentrations compared to the free CUR when considering anti-proliferation. Furthermore nano-encapsulated CUR exhibited bioactive properties, exerted cytotoxic and anti-oxidant effects by acting on endogenous and cholinergic anti-oxidant systems. CUR was reported to block Hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatic cells, inhibit MRSA proliferation, enhance wound healing and reduce bacterial load. Nano-encapsulated CUR has also shown bioactive properties when acting on antioxidant systems (endogenous and cholinergic). Future research is necessary and must focus on investigation of encapsulated CUR nano-particles in different models of human pathology.

Nutritional and Bioactive Components of Pomegranate Waste Used in Food and Cosmetic Applications: A Review

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit that is rich in bioactive compounds that has a biowaste (rind and seed) with the potential to be converted into value-added products in a wide variety of applications. Recent studies have demonstrated the potent antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of using pomegranate rind and seed as natural food additives, thus making researchers incorporate them into bioplastics and edible coatings for food packaging. Additionally, these components have shown great plasticizing effects on packaging materials while extending the shelf life of food through active packaging. Even within skin health applications, pomegranate seed oil and its bioactive compounds have been particularly effective in combating UV-induced stresses on animal skin and in-vitro models, where cells and microorganisms are separated from the whole organism. They have also aided in healing wounds and have shown major anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-bacterial properties. This review highlights all of the relevant and recent food and skin health applications found in the value-added conversion of pomegranate biowaste. The lack of research in particular areas and future outlook are also discussed.