Changes of physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds & antioxidant capacity of four different cultivars of Punica granatum (L.) at four distinct maturity stages

Abstract

In this comprehensive exploration of Punica granatum, the investigation delves into the alterations of physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity across various anatomical segments of four distinct pomegranate cultivars cultivated in Sri Lanka (cv. "Nayana," "Kalpitiya Hybrid," "Nimali," and "Daya") at four discrete stages of maturity, namely one month (immature), two months (semi -mature), three months (mature), and four months (ripen) after fruit set. The Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was measured using a Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Concurrently, Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) were analyzed using the modified Folin- Ciocalteu method, and the colourimetric method, respectively. Results revealed that all parts of all tested varieties contain a significant amount of TAC, TPC, and TFC. Among tested cultivars, physicochemical parameters were increased from immature through semi-mature to ripened fruit, being maximum at this stage except for Titratable acidity (TA), and it significantly declined with the advancing fruit maturity. The content of bioactive compounds of four tested cultivars was varied as Nimali>Daya>Nayana>Kalpitiya hybrid, respectively. Since immature fruits of tested pomegranate cultivars contain many bioactive molecules, using immature fruits in traditional medicine has been scientifically validated and could be recommended for value-added nutraceutical production.