Search Results (445)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is widely valued for its rich nutritional profile and distinctive sensory characteristics. As one of the oldest cultivated fruits, it has an extensive history of cultivation in China and possesses abundant germplasm resources. Nevertheless, systematic evaluation of these resources remains inadequate, limiting progress in germplasm innovation and utilization. In this study, we analyzed 16 fruit quality traits across 142 pomegranate accessions. Most traits showed wide phenotypic variation, with coefficients of variation (CVs) ranging from 2.10% to 108.83%. Notably, titratable acidity (TA) and anthocyanin content showed high variability (coefficient of variation, CV > 78%), while fruit shape index and total soluble solids (TSS) showed relatively low variability (CV < 10%). Cluster analysis delineated three distinct phenotypic groups. The first group comprised accessions characterized by large fruit size, thick peel, high acidity, and soft seeds. The second group exhibited high seed hardness, low acidity, and elevated sugar-acid and TSS–acid ratios. The third group displayed reduced levels of bioactive compounds such as tannins, phenols, and anthocyanins, combined with high seed hardness. Correlation analysis followed by principal component analysis (PCA) extracted six principal components, and based on comprehensive scoring, SXXA23, AHHB13, SD41, SXXA27, AHHB40, HS1, AHHB8, HY22, HN4, and AH27 were identified as priority accessions for further evaluation within this repository panel. Full article

Agronomic practices and interannual climate variability significantly modulate the bioactive composition of agricultural by-products. This study evaluated the effects of farming systems (organic vs. conventional) and geographic locality across two harvest seasons (2022–2023) on the fatty acid (FA) profiles of peel and seeds from the “Mollar de Elche” pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Gas chromatography (GC-FID) analyses demonstrated that the harvest year, characterized by significantly reduced extreme temperature days in 2023, exerted a dominant, overriding effect on lipid biosynthesis compared to agronomic management. In the seeds, punicic acid was the unequivocal predominant FA, increasing dramatically from an average of ~75,700 mg/kg dry matter (DM) under severe heat stress (2022) to ~150,000 mg/kg DM under milder conditions (2023) (p < 0.001). In the peel, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) accumulation was strictly dependent on the interaction between localized geographic micro-conditions and climate, rendering the farming system a secondary factor. Crucially, the milder 2023 season significantly enhanced the unsaturated-to-saturated (U/S) ratio in both tissues and markedly improved cardiovascular lipid quality, lowering both the Atherogenic (AI) and Thrombogenic (TI) indices. These findings demonstrate that while organic farming can optimize lipid unsaturation under favorable climatic conditions, severe environmental stress nullifies these agronomic benefits, highlighting the need for climate-resilient strategies to valorize pomegranate by-products. Full article

The growing emphasis on sustainability in fashion and textile systems has renewed interest in natural dyes as both ecological colorants and expressive design tools. This study investigates a design-oriented approach to sustainable screen-printing by combining plant-based dyestuffs with conceptual pattern development and scientific performance analysis. It assumes that natural dyes can function not only as environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic colorants but also as active design materials within contemporary textile printing. Accordingly, the study asks how dye type and fiber type influence color performance, fastness behavior, and fiber–dye interaction in screen-printed natural fabrics. Natural dyes derived from Rubia cordifolia (Rubia^®), Punica granatum peel (Mallow^®), and Morus alba leaves (Leafy Green^®) were applied to 100% cotton, linen, and silk fabrics through an environmentally responsible screen-printing process. A garlic-inspired motif was developed to support the study’s visual and conceptual framework by representing circularity, low-impact agriculture, and cultural sustainability. Colorimetric properties (L*, a*, b*, K/S, ΔE) were measured by spectrophotometric analysis, while washing and rubbing fastness were evaluated according to international standards. FTIR spectroscopy was used to examine fiber–dye interaction mechanisms, and statistical significance was tested through two-way ANOVA. The findings show that fabric type is the dominant factor affecting color performance, with cotton exhibiting the highest color strength due to its cellulose-rich and hydroxyl-dense structure. Rubia^® produced the darkest and most saturated tones, whereas Mallow^® yielded lighter pastel-like shades. FTIR results indicated that dye fixation occurred primarily through non-covalent interactions, explaining the balance between aesthetic richness and moderate fastness. The study offers a replicable model for environmentally responsible, design-oriented textile production that integrates material innovation with cultural and visual narratives. Full article

Pomegranate (Punica granatum), a shrub belonging to the Lythraceae family, has long been recognized for its diverse pharmacological benefits, including potential roles in managing inflammation and diabetes. The present study explored the insulin-secretory and β-cell proliferative properties of the ethanol extract of P. granatum fruit peel (EEPG) and assessed its influence on glucose regulation in high-fat-fed diet-induced obese mice (HFDi-OM) through in vivo and in silico studies. In vitro, EEPG was found to activate cAMP-dependent pathways and regulate K_ATP channels, thereby enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from BRIN-BD11 β-cells, with partial reliance on extracellular calcium. EEPG promoted β-cell proliferation, as indicated by an increase in Ki-67 positive cells, and displayed inhibitory effects on glucose diffusion and starch hydrolysis, suggesting a capacity to delay carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Furthermore, EEPG demonstrated antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals. In an acute test, EEPG (at doses of 150 and 250 mg/5 mL/kg) improved oral glucose tolerance and elevated plasma insulin levels. Long-term oral treatment for 21 days to HFDi-OM led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, body weight, and food and fluid intake. It also enhanced gastrointestinal motility and improved lipid profiles by increasing HDL and lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. The therapeutic properties of EEPG are likely attributed to its rich bioactive components, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, and epicatechin) and phenolic acids (ellagic acid), which exhibited strong multi-target binding affinities in in silico molecular docking studies toward SUR1, PDE4, PI3K, and α-amylase, thereby supporting enhanced insulin secretion, β-cell function and glucose homeostasis. Full article

Stilbocrea banihashemiana Bolboli, Tavakolian & Mostowf. is an emerging pathogen causing canker and dieback in a broad range of fruit and ornamental trees in Iran, and its distribution is expanding across the country. Extensive surveys conducted over five consecutive years (2019–2023) yielded 88 isolates of S. banihashemiana from multiple hosts, including different fig (Ficus caricae L.) cultivars, as well as loquat (Eryobotria japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, across eight distinct regions of southern Iran. Species identification was performed morphologically and molecularly by employing the S. banihashemiana-specific primer pair TEF-Sb1 and TEF-Sb3. The genetic diversity of the S. banihashemiana population of isolates was assessed using eight inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers. The UPGMA dendrogram demonstrated broad genetic variability among the isolates, with similarity coefficient values spanning from 0.46 to 1.00. This wide range indicates the presence of multiple divergent genotypes within the population, rather than a single dominant lineage. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped the 88 isolates into three distinct genetic clusters that partially corresponded to geographic origin and host species. Pathogenicity assessment of 53 selected isolates from various hosts and geographic origins on detached fig shoots demonstrated highly significant variability in aggressiveness among isolates originating from different host species and geographically distinct regions. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) combined with heatmap-based clustering of the aggressiveness dataset clearly separated the isolates into four distinct groups, ranging from highly to less aggressive. A susceptibility assessment of 10 fig cultivars using the ex-type-isolate of S. banihashemiana revealed that the pathogen caused internal lesions and wood discoloration in all cultivars. Based on statistical analysis, the cultivars were classified into three groups: susceptible (cv. ‘Siah’), moderately susceptible (‘Brown Turkey’, ‘C8-M’, ‘C8-F’, ‘Dehdez’, ‘Gilasi’, ‘Payves’, ‘Shah-Anjeer’ and ‘Sabz’), and less susceptible (‘Matti’). High genetic variability, multiple-host association, and partial geographic structure indicate that in Fars Province S. banihashemiana’s population structure and epidemiology are complex, with high adaptive potential. This complexity may influence disease spread, management strategies, and long-term evolutionary trajectories. Full article

Compounds from olive (Olea europaea L.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) have many beneficial effects on human health. This review paper considers the inhibitory potential, under in vitro conditions, of bioactive components of olive and pomegranate on different enzyme systems. Research shows that olive polyphenols (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, luteolin, and oleocanthal), as well as pomegranate polyphenols (punicalagin, urolithin A, ellagic acid), inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, which are associated with inflammatory processes. They also show an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and β-secretase, which opens up the possibility of a strong neuroprotective effect. Olive and pomegranate polyphenols also have an inhibitory effect on enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, such as amylase and glucosidase, and can help fight diabetes and regulate human metabolism. In addition, polyphenols and extracts of both plants showed an inhibitory effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes, which metabolize most drugs. These data open up the possibility of interactions with certain groups of drugs. The current evidence supports the view that olive and pomegranate polyphenols act as biologically versatile compounds with considerable pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential. Future investigations integrating enzymology, metabolomics, molecular docking, and clinical validation will be essential for translating these promising in vitro findings into evidence-based therapeutic applications. Full article

Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. The growing interest in natural bioactive compounds has highlighted plant-derived phytochemicals as promising agents for cancer prevention and adjunctive therapy due to their pleiotropic biological activities and relatively low toxicity. In parallel, increasing attention has been directed toward agro-industrial by-products generated during food processing, which represent abundant and sustainable sources of valuable phytochemicals. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the identification, extraction, and biological evaluation of phytochemicals derived from plants and agro-industrial residues, using pomegranate (Punica granatum) peels, onion (Allium cepa) skins, and citrus by-products as representative examples of phytochemical-rich agro-industrial residues. These by-products are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites—including punicalagins, ellagic acid, quercetin, hesperidin, and naringin—that have demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that these compounds can modulate key molecular pathways involved in breast cancer initiation and progression, such as oxidative stress regulation, apoptosis induction, inhibition of cell proliferation, and suppression of signaling cascades including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, the valorization of agro-industrial waste offers a sustainable strategy to recover high-value bioactive compounds while reducing environmental impact. Overall, phytochemicals obtained from plant materials and food processing by-products represent promising functional agents for breast cancer prevention and therapy, although further studies are required to improve bioavailability, elucidate mechanisms of action, and validate their clinical potential. Full article

Strawberry preservation remains a critical challenge due to rapid postharvest microbial spoilage. This study investigated the preservative efficacy of Cinnamomum cassia and Punica granatum peel aqueous extracts, prepared via spray drying, on strawberries over 5 days of storage, with a specific focus on their regulatory impact on the fruit surface microbiome. Preservation tests demonstrated that the C. cassia extract was more effective in reducing visible mold development. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the C. cassia treatment reshaped microbial community structures, decreasing the relative abundance of spoilage-associated bacteria and the primary pathogenic fungus Botrytis (94.37%), while enriching potentially beneficial or antagonistic genera such as Sphingobium (28.72%), Sphingomonas (9.52%), and Cladosporium (0.62%). Using a probability threshold of 0.7, 121 compounds were identified as potential active candidates from a library of 675 C. cassia constituents. These compounds predominantly have a molecular weight between 100 and 250 and are characterized by prevalent functional groups including alkene (49.60%), hydroxyl (38.80%), and benzene rings (36.40%). In vitro antibacterial assays confirmed the inhibitory activity of vanillin and its isomers, validating the reliability of the computational predictions. These findings suggest that the preservative mechanism of C. cassia is likely mediated by the collective action of a multi-component matrix that modulates the microecological balance on the fruit surface, rather than the isolated effect of a single compound. This integrated approach provides an effective framework for developing plant-derived preservation strategies by combining microbiome dynamics with machine learning. Full article

The development of sustainable technologies capable of simultaneously addressing environmental pollution and renewable energy production remains a major scientific challenge. In this work, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (GTiO₂) were synthesized through a plant-extract-assisted route using Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract and subsequently modified with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) to obtain an efficient photocatalyst for the photoreforming of organic pollutants. The resulting Pt-GTiO₂ material exhibited an anatase crystal structure with an average crystallite size of approximately 12 nm and a specific surface area of about 140 m² g⁻¹. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, BET, TEM, FTIR, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) revealed favorable structural and optoelectronic properties that promote efficient charge separation. The photocatalytic performance of Pt-GTiO₂ was evaluated through the simultaneous degradation of 2-naphthol, a priority aromatic pollutant, and hydrogen evolution under simulated solar irradiation in anaerobic conditions. Under the investigated conditions, Pt-GTiO₂ effectively promoted 2-naphthol degradation, with substantial but incomplete mineralization, as confirmed by TOC removal. The synthesized catalyst showed degradation efficiency higher than Pt-UV100 and comparable to Pt-P25, while exhibiting superior hydrogen evolution when compared with Pt-P25. Mechanistic investigations combining scavenger experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and the identification of reaction intermediates suggest that photogenerated holes play a major role in the initial oxidation step under the mechanistic test conditions. The detected intermediates indicate that photoreforming proceeds via multiple pathways, including hydroxylation, ring-opening, reduction, and fragmentation. These findings highlight the potential of biogenic TiO₂-based photocatalysts for converting hazardous organic pollutants into clean hydrogen fuel while simultaneously achieving wastewater purification, offering a promising route toward sustainable environmental and energy technologies. Full article

Cadmium (Cd), a highly mobile and phytotoxic heavy metal, threatens plant growth and food safety and has increased interest in woody plant-based phytoremediation. However, the genome-wide characteristics of the NAC transcription factor family and its role in Cd tolerance remain largely unknown in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a stress-tolerant woody plant. In this study, 121 PgNAC genes were identified from the chromosome-level genome of the pomegranate cultivar ‘Tunisia’. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into two major groups and 16 subgroups. PgNAC genes were unevenly distributed across the eight chromosomes and showed evident clustered distribution patterns. Synteny and Ka/Ks analyses further revealed that segmental and tandem duplication jointly shaped the expansion of the PgNAC family, while the duplicated pairs have largely evolved under strong purifying selection. Conserved motif and gene structure analyses showed that PgNAC proteins possessed a highly conserved N-terminal NAM domain, whereas their C-terminal regions were relatively divergent. Promoter analysis further identified abundant hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements, suggesting diverse regulatory roles of the PgNAC family. Transcriptome profiling identified PgNAC87, a member of the NAP subfamily, as a Cd-responsive candidate gene that was consistently upregulated in both roots and leaves under Cd stress. Heterologous overexpression of PgNAC87 in tobacco significantly enhanced Cd tolerance, as reflected by alleviated growth inhibition, increased antioxidant enzyme activities and osmotic adjustment substances, and reduced oxidative damage. Collectively, our results clarify the evolutionary features of the PgNAC family and its involvement in Cd-induced transcriptional regulation, while highlighting PgNAC87 as a potential genetic target for enhancing Cd tolerance in pomegranate and related woody species. Full article

Increasing incidence of candidiasis and emergence of antifungal resistance necessitate the development of alternative antifungal strategies. In this context, the antifungal activity of the crude extract of Punica granatum L. peel (PGPE) and its chitosan nanoparticle-coated formulation (PGPE-CSNPs) was investigated against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Candida glabrata (ATCC 66032), Candida kefyr (ATCC 46764), Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), and Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803). Although the individual antimicrobial activities of PGPE and CSNPs have been investigated, their combined application against Candida spp. remains unexplored in the literature. The antifungal efficacy was evaluated using agar well diffusion, disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) testing, and compared with fluconazole and amphotericin B. The morphological characterization of PGPE-CSNPs was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed successful encapsulation and revealed a smoother surface with uniformly distributed nanometric pore structures and reduced aggregation compared to uncoated CSNPs. PGPE-CSNPs showed greater inhibition zones than amphotericin B, except against C. albicans. The CSNPs formulation reduced the MIC from 8 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL and the MFC from 16 µg/mL to 8 µg/mL, representing a two-fold enhancement against C. albicans. No enhancement in activity was observed against C. glabrata, whereas for C. kefyr, only MFC values decreased from 8 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL. For both C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, MIC values reduced from 16 µg/mL to 8 µg/mL, and MFC values reduced from 32 µg/mL to 16 µg/mL for both species. PGPE-CSNPs exhibited significantly lower MIC and MFC values than the crude extract alone (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that chitosan-based nanocarriers may enhance the antifungal efficacy of plant-derived bioactive compounds, highlighting their potential as a promising alternative antifungal strategy, a combinatorial approach not previously reported in the literature. Full article

The potential of methanolic extracts from jara (Barkleyanthus salicifolius) and pomegranate carpel membranes (Punica granatum) as biological alternatives for the control of phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated against pathogens associated with commercially important crops in the Ciénega de Chapala region. Extracts were assessed in vitro against Botrytis cinerea and Rhizoctonia solani (strawberry), Curvularia sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Fusarium oxysporum (blackberry), Pythium sp. and Fusarium sp. (tomato), and Sclerotium rolfsii (onion). Antifungal bioassays demonstrated that the B. salicifolius extract inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani, whereas the pomegranate extract inhibited seven of the eight species tested, with the exception of S. rolfsii. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavones, flavonols, chalcones, and quinones in pomegranate, and flavones, flavonols, alkaloids, and sterols in jara. Additionally, phytol and caryophyllene were identified in the latter via GC–MS. Full article

This study investigated the use of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf extracts as a source of bioactive compounds in edible coatings for strawberry postharvest preservation. Extraction conditions were evaluated by varying solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, and time, using total phenolic content (TPC) as the response variable. Response surface analysis indicated that the best predicted extraction conditions within the studied range were 1:50 (w/v), 57.36 °C, and 25 min. Among the evaluated treatments, extract C503 (1:50 (w/v), 50 °C, and 25 min) showed the highest experimental TPC (474.62 ± 21.69 mg GAE/g DM) and was selected for further characterization. This extract also showed high antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 7085 ± 72.0 µM FeSO₄/g; ABTS: 4921 ± 149.0 µM Trolox/g) and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. When incorporated into gelatin- and starch-based edible coatings and applied to strawberries, both coatings reduced mass loss and delayed deterioration during nine days of storage at room temperature. At the end of storage, mass loss was reduced by approximately 25% with the gelatin-based coating and 11% with the starch-based coating. These results support aqueous pomegranate leaf extract as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of sustainable edible coatings to improve strawberry preservation. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents for extracting phenolic compounds from plant materials. However, their effectiveness depends on both solvent composition and the botanical matrix. This study examined water, ethanol, and choline chloride–urea (CCU) and choline chloride–glycerol (CCG) systems containing 30% or 60% NADES for the extraction of anthocyanins, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) from cornflower, safflower, and pomegranate flowers. Pomegranate flowers exhibited the highest levels of anthocyanins, total phenolics, and antioxidants, while safflower showed the highest total flavonoid content. Overall, the 60% NADES formulations delivered the best extraction results, whereas ethanol had the lowest overall efficiency. A combined heatmap analyzing all responses identified 60% CCU and 60% CCG as the most effective solvents across all tested materials. Anthocyanin stability in pomegranate flower extracts was further evaluated over 8 weeks at 4 and 20 °C. First-order kinetic analysis revealed that ethanol and 60% CCG maintained the highest anthocyanin stability, whereas 60% CCU exhibited the lowest stability, especially at 20 °C. These findings support the use of NADES as efficient solvents for floral bioactives, while indicating that the highest extraction yield does not necessarily correlate with the best storage stability. Full article

This study evaluated the potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice byproducts (PJB) as a functional dietary additive for juvenile red seabream (Pagrus major). Four experimental diets were formulated to contain various levels of PJB (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/kg) and fed to fish with an initial body weight of 7.0 ± 0.01 g for 8 weeks. Growth performance, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity, whole-body composition, plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant responses, immune parameters, and resistance to Edwardsiella tarda infection were evaluated. Fish fed the diet containing 2.5 g/kg PJB exhibited significantly higher final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate compared with the control group and those with higher PJB doses, whereas feed intake, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. Intestinal trypsin and lipase activities were significantly elevated in the PJB2.5 group, whereas amylase activity remained unchanged. Whole-body proximate composition and plasma biochemical parameters, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, glucose, and total protein, were not significantly influenced by dietary PJB supplementation. Dietary inclusion of PJB at 2.5 g/kg also significantly enhanced plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels, while catalase activity was elevated in fish fed the PJB2.5 and PJB5 diets. Innate immune responses were also stimulated, with significantly higher serum lysozyme activity and interleukin-1 levels observed in fish fed the PJB2.5 diet. Following experimental challenge with E. tarda, fish fed diets containing 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg PJB exhibited significantly higher cumulative survival than the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PJB at 2.5 g/kg improved growth performance, digestive capacity, antioxidant status, innate immune responses, and disease resistance in juvenile P. major without adverse physiological effects. Full article