Pomegranate Juice Extract Research Articles

Phytofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Juice Extract for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities

AbstractIn the current research, monowave‐assisted biosynthesis of AgNPs utilising aqueous Pomegranate Juice extract (PJE) for antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. The synthetic approach used for the biosynthesis of AgNPs was simple, affordable and eco‐friendly. UV‐Visible, DLS, FTIR, XRD, FE‐SEM and HR‐TEM techniques were used to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The DLS technique confirmed the monodispersed nature and zeta potential of −25.8 mV. FTIR technique revealed that OH functional groups of phytochemicals were crucial for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. FESEM and HRTEM techniques confirmed that biosynthesized AgNPs appeared spherical and triangular. XRD analysis resulted in 18.04 nm size of AgNPs. The antioxidant capacityof biosynthesized AgNPs was analysed via DPPH (IC50 35.20 μg/mL), ABTS (IC50 37.77 μg/mL), FRAP (4.37 mM Fe(II)/mL at 90 μg/mL) and total antioxidant (77.16 g AAE/mL at 90 μg/mL) assays. Biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Colletotrichum graminicola and antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis, Klebsiella aerogenes at 50 μg/mL. Owing to these studies, synthesized AgNPs may be valuable in the future for biomedical and agricultural applications.

Pomegranate seeds: a comprehensive review of traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties.

Pomegranate seeds (PS) are the dried seeds derived from pomegranate fruit, accounting for approximately 20% of the fruit's total weight, and are a by-product of pomegranate juice extraction. These seeds hold significance in traditional medicine among Uyghurs and Tibetan cultures, featuring diverse clinical applications within traditional Chinese medicine. These applications include management of gastric coldness and acidity, abdominal distension, liver and gallbladder fever, and pediatric enteritis. PS demonstrates properties such as stomach tonicity, qi regulation, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory effects. Extensive research underscores the richness of PS in various phytochemical compounds and metabolites, notably unsaturated fatty acids (particularly linolenic acid and linoleic acid), phenolic compounds tocopherols, proteins, and volatile oils. Notably, among these bioactive compounds, punicic acid (PA), found within PS, demonstrates potential in the prevention and treatment of cancers, diabetes, obesity, and other ailments. Despite extensive literature on pomegranate as a botanical entity, a comprehensive review focusing specifically on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of PS remains elusive. Therefore, this review aimed to consolidate knowledge regarding the medicinal properties of PS, summarizing its chemical composition, traditional uses, and pharmacological effects in treating various diseases, thereby laying a foundation for the advancement and application of PS in the field of pharmacology.

Taify Pomegranate Juice Extract Abrogates Testicular Dysfunction Induced by Acrylamide: Role of Inflammatory, Antioxidants, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

High altitude (HA) poses various dangers to living organisms, the most serious of which are oxidative stress and its accompanying metabolic problems, as well as hypoxia and its associated metabolic abnormalities. Acrylamide is a poisonous chemical produced under the oxidative stress as a result of intracellular reactive oxygen species formation and toxicity. Heating carbohydrates-rich meals give acrylamide that is widely used in the industry. The precise mechanism of acrylamide toxicity is unknown. The current study aimed to examine the impacts of Taify pomegranate juice (TPJ) from Taif area (Punica granatum L.) on acrylamide-induced testicular stress and dysfunction. Twenty four male of adult Wistar rats, were divided into four groups: Group 1 was a negative-control received only saline; Group 2 was a positive-control that received orally acrylamide (20 mg/kg/bw) for consecutive 4 weeks; and Group 3 received TPJ; 2 mL/kg/bw, orally for 4 weeks. Rats in Group 4 received pomegranate juice and acrylamide as described in Groups 2 and 3, with the TPJ delivered 1 week before the acrylamide. Acrylamide elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)). Moreover, acrylamide decreased concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone and altered semen characteristics (decreased sperm viability and concentration, and increased sperm abnormalities). Acrylamide increased malondialdehyde levels (MDA), while it decreased antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase; SOD and reduced glutathione; GSH). The inflammation associated cytokines were restored by TPJ administration to acrylamide rats. GSH and SOD were significantly recovered to near control levels in TPJ plus acrylamide group compared to acrylamide-administered rats. TPJ preadministration to rats restored semen profiles, alteration in testis pathology, and normalized the changes on the male reproductive hormones affected by acrylamide. Furthermore, the TPJ reversed the upregulation in caspases-3 and the decrease in B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene expressions affected by acrylamide, with significant upregulation of hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) mRNA expression. These findings collectively revealed that TPJ possesses anti-inflammatory, potent antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effect against acrylamide-induced testicular damage.

Urolithin A Produced by Novel Microbial Fermentation Possesses Anti-aging Effects by Improving Mitophagy and Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species in Caenorhabditis elegans

Urolithin, intestinal microbiota metabolites of ellagitannin-rich foods, exhibit anti-aging activities. However, urolithin A is significantly superior to other types of urolithin with regard to this anti-aging function. This study aimed to screen edible urolithin A-producing strains of bacteria and explore the corresponding anti-aging efficacy of fermented products produced by these strains using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. Our results showed that the Lactobacillus plantarum strains CCFM1286, CCFM1290, and CCFM1291 converted ellagitannin to produce urolithin A; the corresponding yields of urolithin A from these strains were 15.90 ± 1.46, 24.70 ± 0.82, and 32.01 ± 0.97 μM, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that the pomegranate juice extracts fermented by the CCFM1286, CCFM1290, and CCFM1291 strains of L. plantarum could extend lifespan by 26.04 ± 0.12, 32.05 ± 0.14, and 46.33 ± 0.12%, respectively, by improving mitochondrial function and/or reducing reactive oxygen species levels. These findings highlight the potential application of this fermentation in the subsequent development of anti-aging products.

Nutritional importance and industrial uses of pomegranate peel: A critical review.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), commonly known as a seeded or granular apple, is a delectable fruit eaten worldwide. Pomegranate is one of the healthiest fruits, with a high concentration of phenolic compounds. Large quantities of byproducts, such as seeds and peels, are produced during the pomegranate juice extraction process, which causes disposal problems and environmental contamination. Pomegranate peel (PoP), which accounts for around 30%-40% of the fruit component, is a byproduct of the fruit juice manufacturing industry. PoP is a rich source of polyphenols including phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids, especially anthocyanin. These peels offer several functional and nutraceutical qualities owing to their bioactive ingredients, including lowering blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, lowering cholesterol levels, and restoring heart health. PoPs have a variety of biological effects, including the ability to resist pathogenic microbes effectively, and used as an additive in various food applications. The current review focuses on the PoP's nutritional and practical attributes, as well as their functions as food additives and functional food preparations.

Effect of Adding Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Juice and Seed Extract on the Physicochemical, Rheological and Sensory Properties of Ice Cream

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%) of pomegranate juice (PJ) and 1% of pomegranate seed extract (PS) on the physicochemical and sensory properties of ice cream. Increase concentration of PJ and PS caused increase in ash, pH and overrun values of ice cream. Similarly, there was increase in the total solid, acidity as well as viscosity of the ice cream samples. The addition of PJ and PS significantly improved the concentration of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), Manganese (MN) and non-heam iron (Fe) in the ice cream. According to this study, the hardness of Ice cream was affected by different levels of PJ and PS. The result of the sensory evaluation showed that the ice cream with 10% PJ was the highest evaluated by the panelist. The use of pomegranate in the formulation of ice cream, it is hoped, will foster economic utility, meet the ever-changing consumers’ preference for new foods and provide a safe food medium through which important nutrients can be made available to consumers.

The application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in discriminating different pomegranate juice extraction methods

ISHS V International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits The application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in discriminating different pomegranate juice extraction methods

Inhibition of the Growth of Tumors Induced Ehrlich Ascites by Pre-Treatment with Pomegranate and Beetroot Juice in Mice

The present study was to investigate the antioxidant and antitumor effects of three natural juice (pomegranate, beetroot, and both of them pomegranate and beetroot) injected with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) - bearing female mice. The results show that pomegranate and beetroot juice extract is notable sources of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The biological experimental were distributed into six mice groups, the control negative group, and the resultant mice were injected with EAC. The mice were divided into a control EAC positive, group (3) EAC and injected with cisplatin, in addition, the EAC (4, 5, and 6) groups were separately taken orally with pomegranate, beetroot, and both pomegranate and beetroot. The total blood count, hepatic lipid peroxidation index, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), catalase enzyme activity (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were evaluated, as well as liver sections were histopathological examined. In mice harboring EAC, there was a reduction in CAT and GPx activity and an increase in TBARS content. Pomegranate, beetroot, and both pomegranate and beetroot juice treatments improved the complete blood count, the negative changes in the liver enzymes, and the histopathological changes in liver sections. These improvements included increased antioxidant activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, inhibition of EAC cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. From the results, it could be concluded that the pomegranate and beetroot had the highest contained phenolic and flavonoid content. As a result, it can prevent the biochemical and histological alterations brought on by EAC without having any negative side effects. Keywords: Pomegranate, Beetroot juice, Ehrlich Ascites carcinoma, Cisplatian, Cancer

Pomegranate Peel Extract Decreases Plaque Necrosis and Advanced Atherosclerosis Progression in Apoe -/- Mice.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic lipid-driven inflammatory condition of the arteries and is a leading cause of stroke, myocardial infarction, and other peripheral arterial diseases. Plant products rich in polyphenols such as pomegranate juice and peel extract are known to have beneficial effects in suppressing atherogenesis. However, the mechanism of action and its effect on advanced atherosclerosis progression which results in adverse clinical outcomes are not well understood. Herein, we use a standardized hydroethanolic extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel in the Apoe -/- a murine model of advanced atherosclerosis. It was observed that the pomegranate peel extract fed mice have decreased plaque necrosis and elevated lesional collagen content which was associated with a favorable metabolic profile including lowering of blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The decrease in plaque necrosis was linked with increased lesional macrophage efferocytosis efficiency which was associated with enhanced expression of the efferocytosis receptor Mertk. Using in vitro studies, we show that pomegranate peel extract blocks the shedding of Mertk and preserves macrophage efferocytosis efficiency. These data identify a novel mechanism by which pomegranate peel extract promotes the resolution of inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Ameliorative Effect of Punica Granatum on Histological Integrity of Sertoli Cells and Leydig Cells in Rats with Exposure to Radio Electromagnetic Radiation

Nowadays, infertility is a global problem; it affects 15% of couples worldwide. Male infertility can be attributed to an array of mobile phone (MP) radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). The purpose of this study is to explore the capability of pomegranate juice (PJ) extract in protecting rat testis against the impairment caused by RF-EMR. To evaluate the effect of Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation and efficacy of Pomegranate juice on the structural integrity of Sertoli cells and interstitial cells of Leydig. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were split into five groups (n = 6/group) such as control - I; RF-EMR - II; RF-EMR + PJ - III; RF-EMR Recovery - IV; Pomegranate juice - V. Histological integrity of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells were found in 4G MP RF-EMR exposed rats when compared to group I. Seminiferous tubules (STs) showed the winding of interstitial spaces and an overall reduction in their size. Sertoli cells were resting irregularly. Leydig cells are darkly stained nuclei, vascular nuclei, and acidophilic vacuolated cytoplasm containing tiny lipid droplets. The co-administration of pomegranate juice showed improvement in STs was normal in shape. Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells rest on an intact basement membrane. Sertoli cells appeared as tall cells between spermatogenic cells with prominent nuclei compared to RF-EMR group II. Exposure to 4G MP RF-EMR causes Histo-morphological changes (damage) of Sertoli and Leydig cells. However, co-administration of pomegranate juice acts as an agent against the 4G MP RF-EMR induced alterations.

Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Juice and Peel Extract on Antioxidant Status Individually and in Combination with Metformin in Diabetic Male Albino Rats

The experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice and peel extract on antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The study included seven treatment groups comprising of ten albino Wistar rats each. The various groups in this study included normal control Group I (NC), diabetic control (Group II (DC), diabetic rats treated with metformin at the rate of 500 mg/kg bw Group III (MF), diabetic rats treated with pomegranate fresh juice at 1mL/day Group IV(PJ), diabetic rats treated with pomegranate peel extracts at 100mg/day Group V (PPE), diabetic rats treated with pomegranate fresh juice 1mL + pomegranate peel extracts (100mg) at 50 per-cent dosage and metformin (half dose) Group-VI (PJ+PPE+MF 50%), diabetic rats treated with pomegranate fresh juice (0.5mL) + pomegranate peel extracts extract (50mg) at 50 per-cent dosage and metformin (half dose) (Group-VII (PJ+PPE @ 50% +MF 50%). Antioxidant status of rats was evaluated by estimating product of oxidative injury (MDA) and endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) in the liver on 3rd, 15th, 30th and 45th day. All the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) markedly reduced in diabetic control (DC) rats. However, treatment groups treated with pomegranate juice or pomegranate peel extract (Group IV to VII) individually or in combination showed a significant improvement in all the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) compared to the diabetic control rats. It was observed that metformin substantially alleviated the effects of STZ in diabetic rats compared to all the treatment groups. Pomegranate peel extract was observed to have marginally improve antidiabetic effects compared to pomegranate juice. Combination of pomegranate juice and pomegranate peel extract with metformin at half dose and full dose also alleviated STZ induced diabetic effects significantly. However, there was no dose dependent and synergistic effect. It could be inferred that bioactive compounds of pomegranate juice and pomegranate peel extract have antiperoxidative effect due to their ability to scavenge free radicals or chelate metal ions in STZ induced rats.

Hepatoprotective effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum l.) in a rabbit model of steatohepatitis

The study aimed to exhibit liver protection, activity, and probable side effects of LPJE on a steatohepatitis rabbit model. In this study, 48 rabbits were used. The first group (Group 1) rabbits were fed a standard diet (SD), while the second group (Group 2) rabbits were fed a high-fat diet (HFD). In two groups, three different doses of LPJE (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) were given simultaneously to the rabbits for eight weeks. Results showed that the serum albumin concentration was significantly different in the LPJE group (100 mg/kg) than in the positive control group. The cholesterol concentration of the LPJE (50mg/kg) administered subgroup of Group 2 (96.71 ± 12.03) was found to be the lowest. According to histopathological examination results, Group 2 did not display a statistical difference; however, the lowest liver fat deposition degree was 26.49 ± 8.64% in the LPJE (50 mg/kg) subgroup. As a result of this study, the lyophilized pomegranate extract has hepatoprotective activity. The most effective dose was 50 mg/kg on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rabbit model. No side effects were determined up to 100 mg/kg pomegranate juice extract on rabbits.

Antiproliferative effects of Turkish pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extracts on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines with focus on antioxidant potential and bioactive compounds analyzed by LC-MS/MS.

In this study, eight different pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars from Turkey were evaluated for their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A breast fibrocystic epithelial cell lines with a focus on their chemical compositions by LC-MS/MS. Cell lines were treated with pomegranate juice extracts in different doses at selected time intervals (24th, 48th, and 72nd hour). Afterwards, WST-1 cell proliferation assay was performed to investigate the cytotoxicity of the extracts. Accordingly, all extracts decreased the cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and had no cytotoxic effect on the cell viability of MCF-10A cell lines. Among eight extracts, P7 (Izmir 1513), which was rich in anthocyanins such as cyanidin chloride (69.76±8.02μg/g extract), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (903.66±101.89μg/g extract), and punicalagin (992.09±174.53μg/g extract), was found to demonstrate the strongest cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by decreasing the cell viability in half at 24th hour with an IC50 value of 49.08µg/ml. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Eight commercially valuable pomegranate (Punica granatum) cultivars from Turkey were examined. Pelargonidin, cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-gl, callistephin, and delphinidin-3-O-gl were quantified. Two cultivars (P1 and P3) showed comparatively higher antioxidant effects. A cultivar (P7) showed strongest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The cultivars have potential to be used as natural antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Role of pomegranate extract in restoring endometrial androgen receptor expression, proliferation, and pinopodes in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial hormonal disorder accompanied by impairment of endometrial function and structure. Pomegranate is recognized for its role in normalizing the female sex hormones in PCOS with little known about its effect on the accompanying endometrial histological alterations. To assess the possible ameliorative role of pomegranate juice extract (PJE) on endometrial injury in a rat model of PCOS. Forty adult albino rats were equally divided into 4 groups; control, PJE-treated (400mg/kg/day for 3 weeks), letrozole-treated (PCOS) (1mg/kg/day for 3 weeks), and PJE & PCOS groups. Serum Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. Uterine samples were processed for histological staining with hematoxylin & eosin and Masson's trichrome stains, Ki67 and androgen receptor immunohistochemical staining, and scanning electron microscopy. PCOS group revealed a significant increase in serum FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, and tissue MDA. Uterine sections depicted various histological alterations in the endometrium with signs of inflammation. A significant increase in the endometrial collagen fiber content, as well as a significant upregulation in Ki67 and androgen receptor immunohistochemical expression were detected. Scanning electron microscopy showed a significant decrease in the mean number of pinopodes. Concomitant administration of PJE efficiently restored the studied biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters. PJE ameliorated PCOS accompanying endometrial histological alterations through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-androgenic effects most probably due to its polyphenols content.

POTENTIAL ROLE OF PUNICA GRANATUM JUICE FOR TREATING DENGUE FEVER ON CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE INDUCED SWISS ALBINO MICE

The present work aims at analysing the potential of pomegranate juice which is used for the treatment of dengue fever as it is used in increasing the bodys immune power by increasing the platelets count. The phytochemical characteristics of pomegranate juice extract is studied and compared with papaya leaf juice extract. Both the papaya leaves and pomegranate are naturally and easily available, which are non toxic, has no side effects. In our study, the effectiveness of pomegranate juice was studied by introducing the juice into cyclophosphamide induced swiss albino mice. Before the administration, the platelet count, White Blood Cells (WBC) and Red Blood Cells (RBC) was analysed, after the induction of cyclophosphamide platelet count and white blood cells decreased from 9,74,200, 11380 to 8,42,400, 6140 and no significance for RBC. The blood samples were rechecked after introduction of pomegranate juice extract. It was observed that platelet count, WBC increased significantly, but there was no significant increase in RBC. Therefore, it can be concluded that pomegranate juice significantly increases the platelet count and WBC.

Effects of the Extraction Technology on Pomegranate Juice Quality

Pomegranate juice is a rich source of phenolic components; its consumption has considerably increased throughout the world in recent years, due to its nutraceutical properties. Commercial juice production involves pressing the fruits. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the pressing stage on pomegranate juice properties, in terms of value, duration of the applied pressure and juice yield in order to examine the influence of pressure level on volatiles and nutraceutical properties of the juice. Pomegranate fruits cv. Wonderful One were manually harvested and mechanically processed for extracting the juice by means of a shelling machine, a peristaltic pump and a pneumatic press. Chemical analytical determinations were performed on the juice samples corresponding to the different pressure levels applied. They did not show a univocal trend with respect to the increase in pressure; total phenol content values gradually increased as the pressure applied increased, conversely the highest total anthocyanins value was obtained in the first step of the process (552 mg L−1), afterwards a 40% decrease occurred. More than forty Volatile Organic Compounds were identified in the obtained pomegranate juices. The results showed a significant increase in the values in some compounds, particularly for pressure values higher than 0.7 bar, while in others there was a significant decrease as pressure increases. Therefore, the application of different pressure values during pomegranate juice extraction process allowed to obtain products of different quality.

Bioactive Polyphenols from Pomegranate Juice Reduce 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Different noxious agents, among them also anticancer therapies, can impair intestinal epithelial integrity triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. A frequent complication of chemotherapy is gastrointestinal mucositis, strongly influencing the effectiveness of therapy, increasing healthcare costs, and impairing patients’ quality of life. Different strategies are used to treat gastrointestinal mucositis, including products from natural sources. Our study focused on the effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice extract on IEC-6 cells, both during inflammatory conditions and following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The polyphenolic profile of pomegranate juice was characterized in detail by Online Comprehensive two dimensional Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The evaluation of pomegranate juice extract in IEC-6 indicates a significant inhibition in proinflammatory factors, such as cytokines release, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and nitrotyrosine formation. Pomegranate also inhibited oxidative stress and adhesion protein expression. In 5-FU-treated IEC-6, pomegranate also inhibited both inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters and apoptosis. It promoted wound repair and tight junction expression. These results suggest a potential use of pomegranate as an adjuvant in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory and oxidative stress states, which also occur during chemotherapy-induced mucositis.

Green and eco-friendly synthesis of Nickel oxide nanoparticles and its photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degradation

In this study the catalytic ability of green synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) is investigated for degradation of methyl orange as a hazardous environmentally contamination in water. The NiO NPs was prepared at ambient conditions using the antioxidant content of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) juice extract and their bio-reducing ability were studied in details. This process is entirely green process, free from toxic and hazardous solvent. The biosynthesized NiO NPs were in nano scale and their morphology, sizes, surface area and optical properties were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), BET surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The biosynthesized NiO NPs were found to be active catalysts, particularly with the reducing agents for instance sodium borohydride, for the degradation of the toxic organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO) in contaminated water. The NiO NPs are stable and reusable for reducing MO to its leuco-form, in a short time, in an aqueous medium in the absence of reducing agents. This method is much cheaper than the other methods. The catalytic activity of NiO NPs can be explained by its small size, compared with the bulk materials, which produce numerous active sites due to its big surface area per unit volume.

Biosynthesis and characterisation of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Punica granatum (pomegranate) juice extract and its application in thin films preparation by spin‐coating method

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film has been assembled through the spin-coating method and accumulated on the p-type silicon (100) wafer. The ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) prepared via an entirely green procedure using Punica granatum (pomegranate) juice extract as an efficient chelating and capping agent. The coated ZnO NPs exhibited a homogeneous thin film over the silicon wafer. The crystal structure, surface morphology, alignment, and optical characteristics of ZnO thin film were studied through X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, EDX analysis, infrared spectroscopy, in addition to UV–vis spectra, correspondingly. The structure of the ZnO thin film was indexed as a wurtzite structure. UV–vis spectroscopy reveals that the alteration is straight bandgap energy (E g) and it is precisely 3.41 eV. The acquired ZnO thin films conceivably utilised as a photovoltaic material. The IR absorbance spectra indicate that the ZnO NPs spin-coated on the Si substrate improves the crystalline quality.

Pomegranate Juice and Peel Extracts are Able to Inhibit Proliferation, Migration and Colony Formation of Prostate Cancer Cell Lines and Modulate the Akt/mTOR/S6K Signaling Pathway.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is known to contain polyphenols with many potential health benefits, including anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. It has been used in popular medicine for cancer treatment, which still represents the major cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Importantly, pomegranate peels are valuable by-products of the food industry that are rich in polyphenols. Here we report a comparison between juice and peel aqueous extracts in prostate cancer DU-145 and PC-3 cell lines. Both extracts were able to inhibit the proliferation, migration and colony formation of those cells, although peel extracts presented more robust effects compared to juice. Besides, the growth-related mTOR/S6K signaling pathway presented strong inhibition after pomegranate extracts treatment. This study presents evidence that both juice and isolated peel extracts from promegate fruit have important anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cells, modulating the mTOR/S6K signaling pathway.