Granatum Extract Research Articles

Preparation and study of the structural and optical properties of silver nanoparticles prepared from extracts of some plants

The study included the preparation of silver nanoparticals using Punica granatum extract . as silver nanoparticals were prepared by biological method . which is one of the best ways for its cheapness and the fact that is does not require time and does not leave toxic substance .in the study , the active compounds of the extract were detected and some physical properties of AgNps were studied . the optical and structural properties of the prepared nanoparticles were studied by Uv-Visible spectrophoto meter measurement. perform an infrared spectrophotometric test (FTIR ) a filed – emitting scanning electron microscope was also performed , ( EDX ) , ( X-RAY ) and the results of ( FESEM ) measurement showed that silver nanoparticles are of oval shape , and of different sizes ranging from ( 32.55 -70.55 ) nm . with a rate of (45.98) nm . Keywords: Punica granatum plant , silver nitrate , ethanol alcohol . DOI: 10.7176/APTA/85-03 Publication date: December 30 th 2021

Estrogenic Effect of Asparagus racemosus, Cissus quadrangularis, Punica granatum and Pueraria tuberosa in Post-menopausal Syndrome

Pharmacognosy Research,2021,13,4,238-245.DOI:10.5530/pres.13.4.17Published:October 2021Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Seema Singh, Santosh Kumar, Sunita Singh, Chetna Mishra, Dinesh Tripathi, and S K Verma Author(s) affiliations:Seema Singh1,*, Santosh Kumar1, Sunita Singh2, Chetna Mishra3, Dinesh Tripathi3, SK Verma1 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. 2Department of Microbiology, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. 3Department of Physiology, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Asparagus racemosus, Cissus quadrangularis, Punica granatum and Pueraria tuberosa are employed for their supposed properties in treatment in alleviating symptoms of menopause traditionally from ages. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the estrogenic effect of Asparagus racemosus, Cissus quadrangularis, Punica granatum and Pueraria tuberosa in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Materials and Methods: Female wistar rats were divided into sham control and ovariectomized (OVX), OVX rats receiving standard drug, raloxifene (5.4 mg/kg) and groups treated with 500 mg/kg and 700 mg/kg of test drug (containing equal quantity of Asparagus racemosus, Pueraria tuberose, Cissus quadrangularis and Punica granatum extracts) daily for 90 days. The vaginal cornification, uterine weight, bone loss, biomechanical, biochemical and histopathological observation were carried out to ascertain the effect of test drug in post-menopausal syndrome. Results: The experimental animals treated with mixture of extract of four drugs showed dose dependent activity. The significant increase in uterine weight, femur BMD, femur hardness, was observed. In addition, increased levels of calcium and phosphorus in serum and significant decreased in urine were observed as compared to control OVX group. The histopathological results also confirm the protective effect of extracts. Conclusion: The present findings strongly suggest that Asparagus racemosus, Cissus quadrangularis, Punica granatum and Pueraria tuberosa possess the potent estrogenic activity in ovariectomized rats and substantiate the ethnic use in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Keywords:Biochemical, Estrogenic, Histopathological, Menopause, Ovariectomized (OVX) rats, Post menopausal syndromeView:PDF (994.49 KB)

Virucidal and antiviral activities of pomegranate (Punica granatum) extract against the mosquito-borne Mayaro virus

BackgroundThe arthropod-borne Mayaro virus (MAYV) causes “Mayaro fever,” a disease of medical significance, primarily affecting individuals in permanent contact with forested areas in tropical South America. Recently, MAYV has attracted attention due to its likely urbanization. There are currently no licensed drugs against most mosquito-transmitted viruses. Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruits cultivated in Brazil have been subjected to phytochemical investigation for the identification and isolation of antiviral compounds. In the present study, we explored the antiviral activity of pomegranate extracts in Vero cells infected with Mayaro virus.MethodsThe ethanol extract and punicalagin of pomegranate were extracted solely from the shell and purified by chromatographic fractionation, and were chemically identified using spectroscopic techniques. The cytotoxicity of the purified compounds was measured by the dye uptake assay, while their antiviral activity was evaluated by a virus yield inhibition assay.ResultsPomegranate ethanol extract (CC50 = 588.9, IC50 = 12.3) and a fraction containing punicalagin as major compound (CC50 = 441.5, IC50 = 28.2) were shown to have antiviral activity (SI 49 and 16, respectively) against Mayaro virus, an alphavirus. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the virucidal effect of pomegranate extract, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed damage in viral particles treated with this extract.ConclusionsThe P. granatum extract is a promising source of antiviral compounds against the alphavirus MAYV and represents an excellent candidate for future studies with other enveloped RNA viruses.Graphical abstract

Anti-Aging Activity of Xylocarpus Granatum Phytoextracts and Xyloccensins K Compound

Cellular aging is promoted by the deleterious effect of free radicals. This can be lowered by antioxidant treatments. Xylocarpus granatum and its compound, Xyloccensins K have been reported to have antioxidant activity but there have been no reports of antioxidant and anti-aging activities at the cellular level. Thus, the aim of this study to investigate the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of X. granatum-derived extract and Xyloccensins K at a cellular level in yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Four vegetative and three generative parts of X. granatum organs including root, stem, leaf, twig, seed, flesh of fruit, and peel of fruit were extracted using 70% ethanol by the maceration method. Whereas, Xyloccensins K was obtained from seed of X. granatum. The samples tested, other than peel of fruit, prolonged cell longevity in lower concentration as compared to that without phytoextracts treatment. Also, our data indicate that all samples could promote oxidative stress tolerance phenotype, as yeast was capable of dealing with H2O2-induced oxidative stress treatment at 1, 2, and 3 mM H2O2 with the best phenotypes by the administration of twig extracts. Most of the phytoextracts showed an increase in mitochondrial activity, except that of seed extract. The result showed the administration of Xyloccensins K compound did not increase the expression of transcriptional factors of oxidative stress response gene cluster, sty1 and pap1. We suggest that the Xyloccensins K compound acts as direct Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenger. Thus further study in elucidating the phenomenon of longevity-induced X. granatum extract is required.

GC-MS Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies of Active Phytochemicals from Medicinal Plants against Malassezia Globosa LIP1 (SMG1) Enzyme

Malassezia globosa LIP1 (SMG1) lipase plays a crucial role in the pathogenicity of M. globosa in dandruff sufferers. In this study, GC-MS analysis of selected medicinal plants was done, and antifungal activity of these identified phytochemicals was checked by molecular docking method against Malassezia globosa LIP1 (SMG1) lipase using AutoDock 4.0. SwissADME tool was used to analyze the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) of phytoligands. GC-MS showed various phytoconstituents in the Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, including glabridin, 2-propenal, 3-phenyl-eugenol, 4'-O-methylglabridin, hispaglabridin A, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, stigmasta-5,3-dien-7-one, glabrol. Punica granatum extract contains hydroxymethylfurfural, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, 4h-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, 1,2,3-benzenetriol, d-glucopyranose, 1,6-anhydro- as the major compounds. Among one hundred thirty screened compounds, twenty-one followed Lipinski’s rule of five and were nontoxic in nature. Docking results reveal that among all, β-sitosterol, stigmatsa-5,3-dien- 7-one, glabrol and 22,23-dibromostigmast-5-en-3-yl acetate (DBSA) showed the highest binding affinity with SMG1 i.e. -6.29 kcal/mol, -6.50 kcal/mol, -10.12 kcal/mol and -11.04 kcal/mol respectively as compared to standard inhibitor RHC 80267 (-5.83 kcal/mol). From the results, we conclude that the lead compounds may be used as potential anti-dandruff agents. Plant-based anti-dandruff products are eco-friendly and considered a safe alternative due to their less or negligible side effects.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) extract and its polyphenols reduce the formation of methylglyoxal-DNA adducts and protect human keratinocytes against methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress

Pomegranate extract (PE) and its polyphenols have been reported to show skin protective effects but their cytoprotective effects against methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced DNA damage and cell dysfunctions are unclear. Herein, we evaluated whether PE, punicalagin (PA), ellagic acid (EA), and urolithin A (UA), can alleviate MGO-induced DNA damage in human keratinocytes. PE (50 µg/mL) and PA (50 µM) protected DNA integrity and reduced the formation of MGO-DNA adducts and tailed DNA by 60.2 and 49.7%, respectively, in HaCaT cells. PE and PA reduced MGO-induced cytotoxicity by increasing the cell viability (by 17.5 and 15.0%) and decreasing reactive oxygen species (by 28.3 and 30.0%), respectively. PE and PA also ameliorated MGO-induced cell dysfunction by restoring cell adhesion, migration, and wound healing capacity. Findings from this study provide insights into the skin protective effects of PE and its polyphenols supporting their applications as potential bioactive ingredients for cosmeceuticals.

The Effect of Ethanol Extract of Punica granatum Linn. Leaves on Lipid Profiles of Dyslipidemic Rat

It has been reported that peel of Punica granatum has antidyslipidemic activity. The aim of this research was to investigate the antidyslipidemic activity of Punica granatum leaf. The dried Punica granatum leaves were extracted with 96% ethanol. Rats were divided into several groups, which were normal, positive control, simvastatin at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw as reference group, and Punica granatum extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Before treatment, male Wistar rats were fed with high cholesterol chow for 3 months, and then plant extract was given for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at week 0, 12, 14, and 16 to measure the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and triglyceride. Furthermore, at the last day of extract treatment, the aorta was isolated and haematoxylin-eosin stained. Administration of ethanol leaf extract of Punica granatum at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 2 weeks significantly reduced the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels up to 27.6% and 34.79%, respectively, compared to positive control group. After 4 weeks of extract treatment, the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level were up to 59.9% and 75.05%, respectively. There was no effect of extract on HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride level. Furthermore, histological study showed that ethanol extract of P. granatum reduced aortic wall thickness significantly compared to untreated group. Punica granatum leaf is potential to be developed as an antidyslipidemic drug.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effects of Pollen Extracts on Human Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria

The present work was designed to search the possible antibacterial effect of the ethanolic extract of pollens from six botanical origins, Punica granatum, Quercus ilex, Centaurium erythraea, Coriandrum sativum, Ruta graveolens, and Citrus aurantium, against multidrug pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The content of phenolic compounds, flavones, and flavonols was measured. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using four assays: total antioxidant capacity, DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power. Antibacterial activity was studied using the agar disk diffusion method, and the MIC and MBC were determined. Results obtained showed a positive correlation between the antioxidant content of pollen extracts and the antibacterial capacity, Punica granatum and Quercus ilex pollen extracts were the most efficient against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and Centaurium erythraea, Coriandrum sativum, and Ruta graveolens had a moderate effect, while Citrus aurantium had no antibacterial effect. It is concluded that pollens can be a good source of bioactive molecules that exhibit potent antioxidant effects and strong antibacterial activities.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles having specific anticancer activity against MDA-MB 468 carcinoma cells

In this work formation of silver nanoparticles using pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) extract and its bio applications were studied. Gradual appearance of a peak at 422 nm during the reduction of AgNO3 by the fruit extract confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR spectra indicated the details of formation mechanism. Images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the sample contains spherical AgNPs and XRD analysis showed its (FCC) crystal structure. This study also revealed that the synthesised AgNPs were monocrystalline in nature. Application of these AgNPs were studied measuring their affinity to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA). Cytotoxicity of the synthesised AgNPs was determined by DAPI staining. The results showed that the nanoparticles have significant anticancer activity against triple negative breast carcinoma and MDA-MB-468 cells. We concluded that the cell death was routed through apoptotic pathway.

Modulatory effects of Punica granatum L juice against 2115 MHz (3G) radiation-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rat.

Advancements in telecommunication sector result in increasing exposure to electromagnetic (EM) radiation, which has been correlated with incidence of male infertility. Therefore, the present study focused on analyzing the consequence of EM radiation (2115 MHz) exposure on the reproductive system of male Wistar rats. Besides, the antioxidant protective effect of Punica granatum juice was also evaluated. For experimental analysis, rats were divided into five groups (control, sham exposed, exposed, herbal plus exposed, and herbal only). Individual group consisted of 6 rats which were exposed to radiation for 45 days (2 h/day). The herbal-treated groups were given 1 ml of Punica granatum extract orally. Various parameters such as organ to body ratio, sperm count, motility, viability, and testis histopathology were studied. Furthermore, oxidative stress parameters and free radical generation were analyzed. The exposed group showed changes in sperm parameters along with decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter. On the contrary, herbal-exposed group showed enhanced sperm count, increased motility, and viability in comparison to exposed group. Histopathology studies also revealed the protective role of herbal juice. Significant alteration in oxidative parameters along with an enhanced free radical generation in exposed group and reduction in herbal groups was observed. The results thus indicate that continuous exposure to EM radiation can lead to oxidative stress which induces biochemical changes in rat sperms. However, Punica granatum extract has a protective role against oxidative damage induced by EM radiation.

Xylocarpus granatum Mangrove Fruit Extract and Sodium Alginate Extract Lotion as Potent Wound Treatment Medicine

A preliminary study to gauge the antimicrobial potency of Xylocarpus granatum mangrove fruit extract and sodium alginate extract against pathogenic microbe from the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Lotions made of mangrove fruit extract (Sample 1) lotion and of a mixture of fruit extract and sodium alginate extract lotion (Sample 2) were topically tested on incision cut wound on mice abdominal area. The lotion was applied daily for five consecutive days. Observation on the test subjects were conducted to determine the rate of blood agglutination, tissue recovery rate, and fibroblast development rate using histology. The results showed that X. granatum extract lotion displayed significant antimicrobial activity against both pathogenic microbe species and did not show any conflict with the microbial activity found in sodium alginate lotion. Lotion adhesiveness test measured sample 1 at 0.26 seconds and sample two at 0.16 seconds. Both samples were shown to be oily in water. Subject observation showed blood coagulation on the first day, onset of tissue recovery on the second day and by the third day the wound had undergone complete tissue recovery. Observation on the fifth day showed that fibroblast tissue on the subject with sample 2 treatment was more solid than that with sample 1 treatment. It was concluded that the mix of X. granatum mangrove fruit and sodium alginate extracts showed most potency in wound treatment.Key words: X. granatum; incision wound; lotions; skin; histology; fibroblast.

Characterization and antioxidant-antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Punica granatum extract

In this study, low-cost, simple, and eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed using pomegranate extract (Ag NPs/PG). Punica granatum extract acts as a reducing agent and capping agent in the synthesis of Ag NPs. The presence of Ag NPs/PG was analyzed using characterization methods such as UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD, TEM, and XPS analysis showed the presence elements, surface morphology, various shapes, and the presence of Ag NPs in the sample. The Ag NPs/PG particle sizes were found to be 5–45 nm in TEM analysis. By using the XRD technique, Ag NPs were determined to be a cubic crystal structure with face-centered. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Ag NPs/PG were also investigated. The enhanced biological activity of Punica granatum-mediated green synthesized Ag NPs was investigated based on antioxidant, antimicrobial, and DNA cleavage studies. The Ag NPs showed 91.6% DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical inhibition rate activity at the highest concentration (500 mg mL−1). It exhibited significant chemical nuclease activity. Ag NPs/PG had significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but gram-negative bacteria more susceptible than gram-positive. Biogenic synthesis of Ag NPs with the help of Punica granatum extract is a useful and environmentally safe synthesis technique. It is thought that Ag NPs obtained using Punica granatum may have potential use in the fields of nanomedicine, nanobiosensor, and nanobiotechnology in the near future.

Antibacterial Screening on Xylocarpus grastrnatum Extract Against Fish Pathogenic Bacteria

This research aims to analyze the antibacterial potential of Xylocarpus granatum extract (stem, fruit and leaves) on pathogenic bacteria of Vibrio alginoliticus, Aeromonas hydrophilla, Pseudomnas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. This research also identified the bioactive compounds contained in the extract. Mangrove samples were collected from the Marine Station of Purnama Village, Dumai City. Indonesia. It was noted that the extract inhibited V. alginolithicus with the following inhibitory sequence; stem (10.0 mm), leaf (5.1 mm) and fruit (4.6 mm). This plant also inhibited A. hydrophilla in the order of inhibitory level; stem (10.00 mm), leaf (5.4 mm) and fruit (5.3 mm). Similar impacts were also seen in P. aeruginosa and E. coli. The clear zones produced for P. aeruginosa are as follows; stem (10.8 mm), leaf (5.2 mm) and fruit (5.3 mm). Whereas for E. coli the inhibitory level was stem (8.7 mm), leaf (5.1 mm) and fruit (4.9 mm). Identification work on bioactive compounds of mangrove stems, leaves and fruits were phenolic, safonin, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids.

Punica granatum Extract Inhibits Bladder Cancer Cell Viability, Invasion and Migration through Down-Regulation of HOXD10 Signalling Pathway.

The present study investigated Punica granatum extract (PGE) as potential proliferation inhibitory agent for bladder cancer cells and elucidated the possible mechanism. PGE reduced viabilities of HT-1197 and RT4 cells in concentration-based manner at 72 h. Colony forming potential of HT-1197 and RT4 cells was also significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited on exposure to 2 and 12 mg/mL PGE. Exposure to 12 mg/mL PGE for 72 h significantly (p < 0.05) decreased miR‑10b expression and suppressed migration potential of HT-1197 and RT4 cells. In PGE exposed HT-1197 and RT4 cells, invasiveness was reduced to 30.25 and 33.47%, respectively. PGE treatment of HT-1197 and RT4 cells caused a significant (p < 0.05) elevation in HOXD10 protein and mRNA levels compared to control. The miR‑10b mimic transfection in HT-1197 and RT4 cells reversed inhibitory effect of PGE on cell viability. Thus, PGE exhibited cytotoxicity and anti-invasive effect on HT-1197 and RT4 cells through targeting miR‑10b and up-regulation of HOXD10 expression. Thus, PGE may be developed as therapeutic agent for treatment of bladder cancer.

Contribution to understanding synergistic effect of Punica granatum extract and potassium iodide as corrosion inhibitor of S355 steel

Abstract The inhibition effectiveness of Punica granatum (also called Pomegranate) extract and the synergistic effect of potassium iodide (KI) against the degradation of mild steel in 1 M HCl was studied. Potentiodynamic polarization measurement (PDP) was used in order to investigate the performance of this compound. The presence of a mixture of iodide ions (KI) and inhibitor (PG) increased the degree of surface coverage. Also, the inhibition efficiency reaches 82% at 323 K when the concentration of P. granatum (PG) is 2 mg/L with 10 mM of KI. The synergistic effect between the inhibitor and KI could be explained by the reinforcement of the layer being adsorbed onto the steel surface. The adsorption of inhibitor onto the steel surface followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Characterization techniques, such as scanning electronic microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X–ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Raman, and ultra-violet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopies, confirm the adsorption of inhibitor onto the surface morphology.

A Study of the Disruptive Effect of the Acetate Fraction of Punica granatum Extract on Cryptococcus Biofilms.

Cryptococcosis, caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus, is an infectious disease with a worldwide distribution. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the species that commonly cause this disease in humans; however, infections caused by Cryptococcus laurentii, especially in immunocompromised patients, are increasingly being reported. Owing to the increase in the resistance of fungi to antifungals, and a lack of treatment options, it is important to seek new therapeutic alternatives such as natural products. Among these are plant species such as Punica granatum, which is used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of the acetate fraction of P. granatum leaf extract against environmental and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus. Three environmental isolates of C. laurentii, PMN, PMA, and PJL II, isolated from soils of different municipalities in the state of Maranhão, a clinical isolate, C. gattii, from a patient with neurocryptococcosis, and a standard strain of C. gattii (ATCC 32068) were used. The minimum and fractional inhibitory concentrations (MIC and FIC, respectively) and time-kill curve of the extract and fluconazole were determined to assess the susceptibility profile of the fungal isolates. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor were infected with Cryptococcus strains, and the effects of acetate fraction of P. granatum extract and fluconazole on the survival and fungal burden were determined. The extract activity was tested against pre-formed biofilms. The acetate fraction of P. granatum extract showed promising antifungal activity against all the species of Cryptococcus evaluated in this study, with an MIC value lower than that of fluconazole. The indices obtained in the FIC test indicated that the antimicrobial effect of the combination of the extract and antifungal was indifferent for 80% of the isolates. The P. granatum acetate fraction reduced the pre-formed biofilm of some isolates, showing better activity than fluconazole, which is consistent with results from fluorescence microscopy. This is the first study on the use of P. granatum and its ability to inhibit Cryptococcus biofilms; therefore, further studies and tests are needed to investigate the components and mechanism of action of P. granatum against cryptococcosis agents.

The antimicrobial capacity of Cistus salviifolius and Punica granatum plant extracts against clinical pathogens is related to their polyphenolic composition

Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to human health worldwide. Plant compounds may help to overcome antibiotic resistance due to their potential resistance modifying capacity. Several botanical extracts and pure polyphenolic compounds were screened against a panel of eleven bacterial isolates with clinical relevance. The two best performing agents, Cistus salviifolius (CS) and Punica granatum (GP) extracts, were tested against 100 Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, which resulted in average MIC50 values ranging between 50–80 µg/mL. CS extract, containing hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids such as myricetin and quercetin derivatives, demonstrated higher activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates. GP extract, which contained mostly hydrolyzable tannins, such as punicalin and punicalagin, was more effective against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolates. Generalized linear model regression and multiple correspondence statistical analysis revealed a correlation between a higher susceptibility to CS extract with bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and quinolones. On the contrary, susceptibility to GP extract was related with bacteria sensitive to quinolones and oxacillin. Bacterial susceptibility to GP and CS extracts was linked to a resistance profile based on cell wall disruption mechanism. In conclusion, a differential antibacterial activity against S. aureus isolates was observed depending on antibiotic resistance profile of isolates and extract polyphenolic composition, which may lead to development of combinatorial therapies including antibiotics and botanical extracts.

Therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from Punica granatum extracts against aging and complicity of FOXO orthologue DAF-16 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Some natural fruits have significant importance in improving health which provides many nutritional supplements essential to maintain proper metabolism with the age. In this study, phytochemical screening of extract (methanolic) of Punica granatum arils, outer and inner peels was confirmed by the respective spot tests. Quantification of phytochemical constituents revealed the plentiful of total phenols in the outer peels in comparison to inner peels and juice whereas total flavonoids and vitamin C are abundant in inner peel and juice, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography along with mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of compound 9, 17-octadecadienal, (Z) in the outer/inner peels. A compound N-hexadecanoic acid was also observed in the outer peels. Extracts from every section of the fruits were comprehensively evaluated for their antioxidant activity. Contrary to fruit aril juice, the extracts of outer and inner peels exhibited significant and dose-dependent in vitro antioxidant and radical-scavenging potentials. The supplementation of P. granatum extracts (PGEs) significantly enhanced the lifespan of C. elegans. The protective effect of PGEs was also observed against oxidative stress in C. elegans. Additionally, the involvement of FOXO orthologue DAF-16 dependent longevity was obtained with PGEs (outer peel and inner peel) fed TJ356 worms. Overall, the results indicate the vital role of PGEs especially the extracts of outer peels in life-saving mechanisms of C. elegans by virtue of their antioxidant asset and life-prolonging effects via daf-16 dependent Insulin signaling pathway. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

Punica granatum and amygdalin extracts plus cobalamin combined with albendazole reduce larval burden and myositis in experimental trichinosis.

Trichinellosis is a zoonosis results from eating raw or semi-cooked meat of infected animals. Medicinal plants have been used lately as alternatives and/or combined therapies to resolve some drawbacks of the current regimens. This work analyzed the effect of albendazole monotherapy on Trichinella spiralis experimental infection (group A), in comparison to P. granatum and amygdalin extracts +cobalamin (group B), plus its combination with albendazole (group C). The study revealed that the extracts alone or combined with albendazole had an inferior effect to albendazole monotherapy regarding number of adult worms (40.83 ±3.82, 18.67 ±1.86 and 16.83 ±2.32, respectively). However, their effect was more obvious in muscle phase combined with albendazole, achieving the lower number of larvae/mL tissue homogenate (22.33 ±3.27 in comparison to 39.67 ±2.58 achieved by albendazole monotherapy). The extracts exerted a significant immunomodulatory effect by reducing the local CD4+ expression in the intestine as well as in muscle phase (1.15 ±0.25 and 3.80 ±0.65 in comparison to 4.97 ±0.37 and 12.20 ±0.87 with albendazole monotherapy, respectively). So, these extracts improved the therapeutic efficacy of albendazole, specifically in muscle phase and counteracted the inflammatory reaction caused by albendazole monotherapy, thus extensively alleviating the resulting myositis.

Glutathione Combined with Punica granatum and Acerola Cherry Extracts reduced Melanin accumulation

Blue light was common in natural light and white light, and long-term blue light exposure caused skin damage. Glutathione (GSH) inhibited melanin production and brightened the skin. In addition, the high content of polyphenol in punica grantum and vitamin C in acerola cherry had whitening effects. The purpose of this study was to explore whether GSH formula that combined GSH, punica grantum, and acerola cherry can reduce melanin formation. Blue light to stimulate A375 cell line to produce melanin, used GSH formula to treat A375 cell line, analyzed melanin, tyrosinase activity, melanogenesis associated genes, and functional analysis in CCD-996SK by nCounter analysis. GSH formula significantly decreased the melanin content and tyrosinase activity under blue light exposure. GSH formula also decreased melanogenesis associated genes. And nCounter analysis showed that GSH formula had antioxidant, anti-aging, DNA repair, and anti-inflammatory abilities. GSH formula supplemented with GSH, punica granatum, and acerola cherry extracts can reduce melanin formation, and accompanied by anti-oxidation, anti-aging, DNA repair, anti-inflammatory ability.