Moroccan Pomegranate Peel Extract: Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity Evaluation for Oral Health ^†

Pomegranate peel, a by-product traditionally used for oral health in Mediterranean medicine, represents a sustainable natural alternative to synthetic oral care products [1]. The present study evaluates the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of Moroccan Punica granatum L. pericarp extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction with 96% ethanol. LC-MS identified key compounds including gallic acid, rutin, and epigallocatechin. High total polyphenol (220.2 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (118.9 mg QE/g) were confirmed using spectrophotometric Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride assays. The extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity in ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, reflecting versatile free radical scavenging and reducing abilities with the potential to mitigate oxidative stress. Antimicrobial testing showed significant activity against oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC: 12.5 µg/mL). Moderate proteinase inhibitory activity (18.53%) suggested anti-inflammatory effects. Metal analysis revealed no detectable heavy metals, while aluminum was present at relatively high concentrations. Cytotoxicity assays on HaCaT cells showed safety up to 50 µg/mL. In vivo biocompatibility and modulation of angiogenesis were confirmed using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, supporting roles in inflammation control and tissue repair. These findings demonstrate that Moroccan pomegranate peel extract, rich in bioactive polyphenols, possesses potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis-modulating activities, with confirmed safety in vitro and in vivo, thus representing a promising sustainable phytotherapeutic candidate for oral health applications.