The Effect of Sequential Fractionation Technique on the Various Efficacies of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Abstract

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub. Various parts of this plant are used in the treatment of dyspepsia, bronchitis, hypotensive, throat inflammation, etc. and its nutritional value has well been accepted. In the present study, antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy of different solvent fractions of P. granatum leaves was investigated. Fractionation was done sequentially in Soxhlet apparatus, using various solvents like petroleum ether, toluene, ethyl acetate, acetone, and water. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, and reducing capacity assessment. Total phenol and flavonoid content was also measured. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by agar well diffusion method against some of the tested food borne, pathogenic, and skin disease causing microorganisms. Antiulcer activity of the P. granatum acetone fraction (PGA) was evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. The PGA had maximum phenol content and had higher antioxidant activity. The PGA showed better DPPH free radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity than that of the standards. The results demonstrated that acetone fraction had potent gastroprotective and antisecretory effects. This study suggests that sequential fractionation technique is an excellent technique of extracting bioactive components of this plant at least. This study also demonstrated that PGA can serve as a potential natural source for use in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industry.