Pomegranate Peel Research Articles

Interactions, structures, and functions of pomegranate peel reinforced starch film

This work aimed to exploit the effects of pomegranate peel (PP) addition (10 %) and homogenization process (0–12,000 rpm) on the film-forming behavior and interactions of starch film to improve its microstructures and properties. Microrheology results showed that the viscosity of the film suspension was reduced by homogenization, and the amylopectin aggregation was restricted by PP particles under film formation. This helped improve the accessibility of starch and PP, increasing the hydrogen bond energy in the composites from 18.12 to 19.35 kJ/mol and promoting the ester bonds as confirmed by the FTIR results. As a result, the starch film reinforced by PP and homogenization showed a uniform and compact microstructure with reduced water activity, increased UV-blocking capacity (from 67.46 % to 90.11 %), enhanced mechanical resistance, and reduced water vapor permeability (from 4.70 to 2.21 × 10−10·g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1). Additionally, the starch film with 10 % PP also presented superior antimicrobial properties and antioxidant activity with rates of over 86 %, providing an effective strawberry preservation function.

Constituents of Pomegranate Peel Extract, and its Ameliorative Effect Against the Toxicity of Vancomycin on the Hematological Parameters of Male Albino Rats

Constituents of Pomegranate Peel Extract, and its Ameliorative Effect Against the Toxicity of Vancomycin on the Hematological Parameters of Male Albino Rats

Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Test of Gel from Fermented Red Pomegranate Peel Juice (Punica Granatum L)

Red pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel has secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins which are known to have antioxidant potential. The purpose of this study was to see the comparison of antioxidant activity of juice before and after fermentation and then formulated into a gel preparation that is physically and chemically stable. Red pomegranate peel juice was dried by freeze drying method and then fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 bacteria and measured OD600, pH, and antioxidant activity using DPPH reagent. The results showed that pomegranate peel juice before fermentation had strong antioxidant activity with a value (of IC50 35.64 ± 0.68 ppm) and after fermentation, it was in the very strong category (IC50 8.00 ± 0.01 to 8.11 ± 0.06 ppm); pH before and after (3.96 ± 0.02 and 3.33 ± 0.01). Formula II with juice concentration of 300 x IC50 has the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values ​​(64.37 ± 1.13 ppm); pH (6.33); spreadability (6.20 ± 0.07); and viscosity (31333.3 ± 577.35 dPas). There was an increase in antioxidant activity of red pomegranate peel juice after fermentation, the resulting gel is physically and chemically stable based on the results of accelerated stability tests for 4 weeks .

Effects of aerobic exercise and pomegranate peel extract on the gene expression of PI3K and mTOR proteins related to cardiac hypertrophy in the heart of obese female rats

Background. Obesity is a spreading disease that can lead to various heart diseases. Performing aerobic exercises and taking antioxidant supplements can prevent the pathological conditions of heart disease. Therefore, this research aimed to study the effect of aerobic exercise and consumption of pomegranate peel extract alone or in combination with each other on the expression of PI3K and MTOR genes related to cardiac hypertrophy in obese female rats. Methods. In this experimental study, 30 female Wistar rats with an average weight of 180 ± 20 g were randomly divided into healthy control, obese control, obese + extract, obese + exercise, and obese + exercise + extract. The aerobic training program reached 50% VO2max and 65% VO2max in the first and last weeks, respectively. The rats were fed with the pomegranate peel extract by gavage at 60 mg per kg of body weight. Results. Although there was a significant difference in the heart weight of rats in the exercise group compared to other groups (P < 0.05), no significant difference was observed in the expression of PI3K genes between the studied groups. However, the exercise intervention could significantly increase the expression of the mTOR gene in comparison with the other obese groups. Conclusion. Despite the significant increase in heart weight in the exercise group and the combination of exercise and extract, no significant change was observed in the PI3K gene expression after exercise and consumption of the pomegranate peel extract, but mTOR gene expression. After exercise intervention, there was a significant difference compared to non-exercise groups, which is probably one of the mechanisms involved in heart hypertrophy. Therefore, it seems that to obtain stronger results on the effects of both PI3K and mTOR genes, other factors such as training conditions, including duration, intensity, number of repetitions, recovery time, and conditions of subjects, should also be taken into consideration. In addition, the conditions of taking antioxidant supplements, for example, their duration or dosage, should be studied more. Practical Implications. Cardiac complications caused by obesity can probably be prevented with proper exercise and an effective dose of the pomegranate peel extract.

Antibacterial Effect of Fermented Pomegranate Peel Polyphenols on Vibrio alginolyticus and Its Mechanism.

Vibrio alginolyticus frequently breaks out in aquatic animal breeding operations involving shrimp, and it can endanger human health through food and wound infections. The antibacterial effect and mechanism of fermented pomegranate peel polyphenols (FPPPs) on V. alginolyticus were investigated. The results indicated that FPPPs had a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of V. alginolyticus, and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 2 and 4 mg/mL. FPPPs significantly reduced biofilm formation and biofilm metabolic activity in V. alginolyticus, down-regulated the expression levels of lafA, lafK, fliS and flaK genes involved in flagellar synthesis and inhibited swimming and swarming motility (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, under the treatment of FPPPs, the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in V. alginolyticus were significantly reduced, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased (p < 0.05). FPPPs also resulted in a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, protein and nucleic acid content, as well as conductivity from V. alginolyticus cultures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images further revealed that V. alginolyticus treated with FPPPs showed leakage of intracellular substances, abnormal cell morphology and damage to cell walls and cell membranes, with the severity of the damage in a clear dose-dependent manner. Therefore, FPPPs can be used as a promising food-grade antibacterial agent, notably in seafood to control V. alginolyticus.

Combining the Powerful Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Pomegranate Waste Extracts with Whey Protein Coating-Forming Ability for Food Preservation Strategies.

Different solvents water, ethanol and ethanol/water (6:4 v/v), were compared in the extraction of pomegranate peels and seeds (PPS) in terms of recovery yields, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial action against typical spoilage bacterial and fungal species. The best performing extract (ethanol/water (6:4 v/v) was shown to contain mostly ellagic acid and punicalagin as phenolic compounds (5% overall) and hydrolysable tannins (16% as ellagic acid equivalents) and was able to inhibit the growth of the acidophilic Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris at a concentration as low as 1%. The preservation of the organoleptic profile of A. acidoterrestris-inoculated apple juice with extract at 1% over 20 days was also observed thanks to the complete inhibition of bacterial growth, while the extract at 0.1% warranted a significant (40%) inhibition of the enzymatic browning of apple smoothies over the first 30 min. When incorporated in whey proteins' isolate (WPI) at 5% w/w, the hydroalcoholic extract conferred well appreciable antioxidant properties to the resulting coating-forming hydrogel, comparable to those expected for the pure extract considering the amount present. The WPI coatings loaded with the hydroalcoholic extract at 5% were able to delay the browning of cut fruit by ca. 33% against a 22% inhibition observed with the sole WPI. In addition, the functionalized coating showed an inhibition of lipid peroxidation of Gouda cheese 2-fold higher with respect to that observed with WPI alone. These results open good perspectives toward sustainable food preservation strategies, highlighting the potential of PPS extract for the implementation of WPI-based active packaging.

Pomegranate Peel Extract Mitigates Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndromes via MAPK and NF-κB Pathway Modulation in Rats.

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes diarrheal and intestinal barrier disruptions. Although pomegranate peel extract (PPE) has been reported for the treatment of diarrheal and intestinal inflammation, its effectiveness and mechanisms specifically for the treatment of IBS-D remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of PPE on IBS-D and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. A high-fat diet, restraint stress, and senna gavage were combined to establish a rat model mimicking IBS-D, to evaluate the therapeutic effects of PPE. Network pharmacology analysis, serum medicinal chemistry, and transcriptomics were employed to investigate potential downstream signaling pathways. Findings were further validated through molecular docking and Western blot analysis. The findings revealed that PPE significantly improved the symptoms of IBS-D, ameliorated intestinal inflammation, and promoted intestinal barrier function. The target genes in the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were significantly enriched and down-regulated. Molecular docking and Western blot assays were performed to verify that PPE had a high affinity for the protein candidates in these pathways, and significantly down-regulated the expression of p-IκB, p-p65, p-JNK, p-p38, and p-ERK1/2. The present study is the first to demonstrate that PPE alleviates diarrheal and intestinal damage in IBS-D, potentially by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings suggest that PPE may provide a novel therapeutic option for IBS-D.

Pomegranate peel extract for green synthesis of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanozymes as a colorimetric probe for determination of diclofenac

A nanozyme based on Fe3O4 was constructed for colorimetric detection of diclofenac in pharmaceutical formulations. Firstly, an eco-friendly, rapid, and simple green approach was introduced to synthesize magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. Pomegranate peel extract was employed as a green reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized magnetite NPs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, BET, X-ray diffraction, and zeta potential (Ƶ) techniques and have an average size of 14.24 nm. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, a redox interaction takes place, and the resulting hydroxyl promotes a colorimetric conversion from colorless to blue in the presence of 3,3′,5,5′-tetra-methyl-benzidine (TMB). In addition, diclofenac can inhibit colorimetric conversion once it competes with TMB’s interaction with hydroxyl. There is a relationship between the colorimetric distinction and the target amount. It is also obvious that there is a colorimetric distinction between diclofenac and TMB due to their competition. The signal responses to diclofenac are linear in the range of 0.1–75 mg/L, and the limit of detection is 0.01 mg/L. In practical assays of diclofenac in pharmaceutical formulations, the relative standard deviation of the sample tests is 0.51 %, and the recovery for the spiked assays is 96.93 % with an RSD of 1.68 %. The effects of different interferences were studied with recovery ranging from 95.02 to 99.93 %.

Organic farming innovations: Cultivation of wheatgrass microgreens in soil enriched with fruit peels and antimicrobial assessment

ObjectiveThis study explores the viability of fruit peel-enriched soils as a sustainable growth medium, acting as a biofertilizer for wheatgrass microgreens. Additionally, the research seeks to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of fruit peels, typically considered agricultural waste, to determine their influence on plant growth parameters. MethodsFruit peels from pomegranate, orange, and sweet lime were collected and processed into powder, and diluted with water to create enriched soil. Wheatgrass microgreens were cultivated in conventional potting soil and soil enriched with fruit peel powder. Growth parameters, including germination rates, shoot and root length, and total yield of wheatgrass microgreens, were monitored over a 15-day growth cycle. Antimicrobial analysis was conducted on selected fruit peels, assessing their impact on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to a control (Rifampicin). ResultsThe results, analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey (post hoc) tests, indicate significant differences among fruit peel-enriched soils. Pomegranate peel emerged as a particularly effective enhancer of wheatgrass microgreen growth. Furthermore, the antimicrobial analysis revealed that pomegranate and sweet lime peels exhibited superior properties, with a notable zone of inhibition effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to the control (Rifampicin). ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential of fruit peels as effective biofertilizers to promote wheatgrass microgreen growth in sustainable agricultural practices. The multifaceted benefits include enhanced crop development and the discovery of natural antimicrobial agents, particularly in pomegranate and sweet lime peels. These findings support the broader adoption of environmentally conscious approaches in agriculture, emphasizing the value of utilizing agricultural waste for plant growth promotion and the development of natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents.

Optimization of biomimetic fermentation technique for enhanced and eco-friendly extraction of phenolics from pomegranate peel

In this research, we mimicked pomegranate orchard conditions for Aspergillus growth on powdered pomegranate fruit waste (PFW) to extract and purify phenolic compounds. Pomegranate's high ellagitannin content makes it attractive to Aspergillus sp., whose spores are abundant in these environments. Four experiments were conducted with varying PFW:water ratios (1:2.5, 1:5, 1:7, and 1:10), aeration, agitation, and incubation times. The 1:10 ratio achieved the highest antioxidant activity (256.34 mg GAE/g DM) and total phenolic content (300.3 mg GAE/g DM) after 48 h of fermentation, comparable to advanced chemical methods. PCR analysis identified Aspergillus tubingensis, and mycotoxin measurements showed no detectable aflatoxins or ochratoxin A, confirming extract safety and purity. This study introduced a pioneering, natural method for phenolic extraction. Additionally, the very higher protein content of fermented extract (1.18 %) compared to the non-fermented extract (0.03 %), suggests its potential as an attractive topic for future investigations as source of food industrial enzymes.

Performance analysis of biodegradable composite using polyvinyl alcohol and pomegranate peel powder for sustainable dry packaging applications

This study focuses on the fabrication of a biodegradable dry packaging material for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, with an emphasis on affordability for street vendors. Approximately 55% of waste originates from packaging materials. To address this issue, a biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol/Pomegranate peel powder (PVA/PPP) composite film was fabricated. The PVA, a water-soluble synthetic biodegradable polymer, served as the matrix, while PPP, an agro-waste product, was used as the filler. The PVA/PPP films were characterized through optical microscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, moisture absorption analysis, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability testing. The inclusion of PPP enhanced the film’s properties via increasing moisture absorption by 85%, reducing PVA crystallinity index from 33.2 to 17.5%, percentage crystallinity reduced from 73.90 to 0.57%, lowering WVTR from 0.063 to 0.042 g/h.m2, low oxygen permeability and improving thermal stability up to 423 °C. Additionally, the pH of PPP (4.5) contributed to microbial resistance. The fabricated PVA/PPP films were fully biodegradable and produced via green synthesis without any hazardous chemicals. The use of PPP as a filler not only improved film performance but also reduced environmental hazard, demonstrating the material’s suitability for sustainable packaging applications.

Comparison Among Food By-Products to Improve the Shelf Life of a Fresh Burger Based on Shelled Shrimps.

Pomegranate peels, fig peels, and by-products from turnip greens were used as novel ingredients in burgers based on shelled shrimps. With the aim, a control without any by-products and three fortified samples with 7.5% (w/w) by-product were realized. To verify the benefic effects of by-product addition on the chemical quality of burgers, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were measured in both the control and fortified samples. In addition, during storage under refrigerated conditions, the microbiological proliferation of the main spoilage bacteria, the pH, and the sensory acceptability were properly monitored in all the samples. Results from chemical analyses confirmed that the nutritional level of shrimp-based burgers enriched with by-products was better than that of the control. Burgers with peels from pomegranate recorded the best results (2.67 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g dw, 1.62 ± 0.21 mg QE/g dw, and 12.63 ± 0.41 mg Trolox/g dw for total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, respectively). From the microbiological point of view, the bacterial proliferation was always more rapid in the control than in the other samples. Among the by-products, the pomegranate peels better delayed the spoiling phenomena, even though mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria grew abundantly and rapidly in all the products, thus reducing the differences among samples. All the burgers maintained sensory acceptability for more than two weeks, regardless of the by-product addition. Considering both microbiological stability and sensory properties, the shelf life of this product was calculated to be around 1 week for the control burger, 8.5 days for both burgers with fig peels and by-products from turnip greens, and 9 days for the shrimp-based burger fortified with pomegranate peels.

Exploration of Secondary Metabolites in Black Pomegranate Peel Extract (Punica granatum L.) as Antioxidants Using DPPH Method

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a plant that contains secondary metabolite compounds that can be used as medicinal content. Black pomegranate contains the highest secondary metabolites compared to red pomegranate and white pomegranate, the skin of the pomegranate contains flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and saponins. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of black pomegranate peel extract (Punica granatum L.) with the DPPH method. DPPH method is a method to determine the antioxidant activity in the sample by looking at its ability to counteract the free radical compound 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. The results of testing the antioxidant activity of black pomegranate skin (Punica granatum L.) produced an IC50 value of 47.51 ppm which can be concluded that black pomegranate skin is classified as very strong. This research is important because there has not been much research on black pomegranate, especially its skin, so there is a need for additional expansion and renewal of the species. In addition, it can be used as the main basis for the advancement of natural materials, especially in the field of health.

Effect of Natural Inhibitors on the Corrosion Properties of Grade 2 Titanium Alloy.

This study investigates the effects of natural inhibitors (pomegranate, algae, and tomato extracts) on the corrosion resistance of titanium (grade 2). To deepen understanding the inhibition mechanism, Molecular Dynamic (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed to analyze adsorption behaviors and identify optimal adsorption sites on titanium oxide (TiO2) surfaces for compounds within the inhibitors. Results indicate non-flat adsorption orientations, with pomegranate peel extract components showing superior inhibition capabilities, attributed to the formation of strong O-H chemical bonds with the TiO2 surface. In the experimental part of the study Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP) were conducted. Two electrolytes were tested: a solution 3.5% NaCl and a solution 0.5 M NaOH. All the tests were performed with 5% of inhibitor and with the reference solution. Also, inhibition efficiency was calculated on the base of PDP tests. The study found that pomegranate extract can act as a good corrosion inhibitor for titanium alloy in aqueous solutions 0.5 M NaOH. This was demonstrated by the increase in the corrosion potential and impedance modulus and decrease in the corrosion current density after the addition of pomegranate extract to the solution. However, in a 3.5% NaCl solution, the efficacy of pomegranate extract was less pronounced, probably due to the high aggressivity of the electrolyte. Tomato and algae extract have instead shown very low inhibition effects in all the tested conditions.

The Inhibitory Effect of Pomegranate Peel and Mint Ethanolic Extracts and the Synergy Between Their Active Components on Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteria Isolated from Urinary Tract Infection

Many people rely on medicinal plants to treat illnesses, enhance health, and support a variety of sectors like food and pharmaceuticals. As a result, they are an ancient source of therapy and healthcare. This is as a result of their potent chemicals. This study examined the inhibitory impact of various doses of pomegranate and mint plant alcoholic extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, two types of bacterial pathogens that cause urinary tract infections. The studied extracts elicited different responses from the bacteria. The bacteria that responded to the pomegranate peel alcoholic extract the most was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, then Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly impacted by the pomegranate peel extract, but less so by the mint extract. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth was less affected by the alcoholic extract of mint than Escherichia coli. The combined inhibitory impact of both extracts, at varying doses, was shown to be more effective against Escherichia coli than it was against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Evaluating Zinc or Selenium Supplementation with Pomegranate Peel Extract in Rabbit Diet: Effects on Carcass Traits, Growth Performance, Antioxidant, and Immunological Responses

Evaluating Zinc or Selenium Supplementation with Pomegranate Peel Extract in Rabbit Diet: Effects on Carcass Traits, Growth Performance, Antioxidant, and Immunological Responses

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Color Formation in the Peel of an Evergreen Pomegranate Cultivar 'Danruo No.1' During Fruit Development.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit crop that has been cultivated worldwide and is known for its attractive appearance and functional metabolites. Fruit color is an important index of fruit quality, but the color formation pattern in the peel of evergreen pomegranate and the relevant molecular mechanism is still unknown. In this study, the contents of pigments including anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll in the peel of 'Danruo No. 1' pomegranate fruit during three developmental stages were measured, and RNA-seq was conducted to screen key genes regulating fruit color formation. The results show that pomegranate fruit turned from green to red during development, with a dramatic increase in a* value, indicating redness and anthocyanins concentration, and a decrease of chlorophyll content. Moreover, carotenoids exhibited a decrease-increase accumulation pattern. Through RNA-seq, totals of 30, 18, and 17 structural genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis and chlorophyll metabolism were identified from differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Transcription factors (TFs) such as MYB, bHLH, WRKY and AP2/ERF were identified as key candidates regulating pigment metabolism by K-means analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The results provide an insight into the theory of peel color formation in evergreen pomegranate fruit.

Utilizing pomegranate extracts for enhancing yogurt quality and preservation

As consumers become increasingly conscious of synthetic preservatives, the demand for natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents is rising. This study investigates the potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) extracts to control yogurt spoilage. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of pomegranate peel, seed, and leaf were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and inhibitory effects on ‘yogurt starter strains’ and selected food-related bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus sciuri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi, and Shigella flexneri). Yogurt samples treated with pomegranate extracts were stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Sensory evaluation was performed on fresh yogurt samples. Physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity (TTA), and antioxidant activity) and microbiological changes (aerobic plate count (APC), coliform count, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count, and total yeast and mold count (TYMC)) were examined weekly. Among the extracts tested, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of peel had the highest TPC (603 and 576.9 mg GAE/g) and the strongest antioxidant activity with the lowest IC50 (141.8 and 183.43 µg/mL). Overall, pomegranate peel, seed, and leaf extracts inhibited foodborne bacteria more effectively than probiotic strains, indicating significant antibacterial potential against spoilage microorganisms. Based on a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, ethanolic pomegranate extracts were incorporated into lab-made yogurt at 8 mg/mL. Throughout the storage period, all yogurt samples maintained a standard pH (≤ 4.6) and TTA (> 0.5 %). Yogurt fortified with pomegranate peel and leaf extracts exhibited greater antioxidant activity and a significantly lower aerobic plate count while retaining LAB probiotic levels (≥ 106 CFU/g), ensuring safety for consumption (TYMC ≤ 102 CFU/g) and acceptability in terms of five selected quality attributes. Consequently, pomegranate peel and leaf extracts present a promising natural alternative to potassium sorbate in yogurt preservation, maintaining probiotic properties without compromising quality.

The Nephroprotective Effect of Punica granatum Peel Extract on LPS-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Sepsis is an exaggerated immune response resulting from systemic inflammation, which can damage tissues and organs. Acute kidney injury has been detected in at least one-third of patients with sepsis. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury increases the risk of a secondary infection. Rapid diagnosis and appropriate initiation of antibiotics can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. However, microorganisms are known to develop resistance to antibiotics. Estimations indicate that the annual casualties caused by microbial resistance will surpass cancer fatalities by 2050. The prevalence of bacterial infections and their growing antibiotic resistance has brought immediate attention to the search for novel treatments. Plant-derived supplements contain numerous bioactive components with therapeutic potential against a variety of conditions, including infections. Punica granatum peel is rich in phenolic compounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of P. granatum peel extract (PGPE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury. Experimental groups were Control, LPS (10 mg/kg LPS, intraperitoneally), PGPE100, and PGPE300 (100 and 300 mg/mL PGPE via oral gavage, respectively, for 7 days). According to biochemical results, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and C-reactive protein (CRP), kidney tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels significantly decreased in the PGPE groups compared to the LPS group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings revealed that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) level and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression increased in the LPS group compared to the Control group. In addition, the anti-Gram-negative activity showed a dose-dependent effect on Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the agar well diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC value was remarkable, especially on A. baumannii. We conclude that PGPE has the potential to generate desirable anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

Cell Type-Specific Anti- and Pro-Oxidative Effects of Punica granatum L. Ellagitannins.

Pomegranate and its by-products contain a broad spectrum of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins, having pleiotropic preventive and prophylactic properties in health disorders related to oxidative stress and microbial contamination. Here, we examined the biological effects of a pomegranate peel ellagitannins-enriched (>90%) extract, PETE. In vitro studies revealed that PETE has a strong antiradical action towards synthetic radicals and biologically relevant ROS surpassing or comparable to that of Trolox. In cellular models, it showed concentration-dependent (25-100 µg/mL) yet opposing effects depending on the cell membrane type and exposure conditions. In erythrocytes, PETE protected membrane integrity in the presence of the strong oxidant HClO and restored reduced glutathione levels to up to 85% of the control value while having much weaker acute and long-term intrinsic effects. Such protection persisted even after the removal of the extract from cells, indicating strong membrane interaction. In HeLa cancer cells, and at concentrations lower than those used for red blood cells, PETE induced robust potentiation of ROS production and mitochondrial potential dissipation, leading to autophagy-like membrane morphology changes and cell death. In S. aureus, the growth arrest and bacterial death in the presence of PETE (with MIC = 31.25 µg/mL and MBC = 125 µg/mL, respectively) can be linked to the tripled ROS induction by the extract in the same concentration range. This study indicates a specificity of ROS production by the pomegranate extract depending on the type of cell, the concentration of the extract and the time of incubation. This specificity witnesses a strong potential of the extract components as candidates in antioxidant and pro-oxidant therapy.