Search Results (299)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the bioactive composition of pomegranate peel and to produce a phenolic-rich extract for encapsulation using vibrating nozzle technology. Conventional heat- and advanced microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds were investigated, and the extract with the highest phenolic content was used to perform encapsulation with alginate-based delivery solutions containing fava bean proteins, mucin, carboxymethyl cellulose, nutriose, and collagen hydrolysates. The formulated beads were characterized for their physico-chemical (morphology, size distribution parameters, and FT-IR spectra) and bioactive (encapsulation efficiency and simulated gastrointestinal digestion) properties. The highest yields of punicalin, punicalagin, and ellagic acid (9.40, 44.51, and 3.95 mg g⁻¹ DM, respectively) were achieved by heat-assisted extraction at 80 °C. The addition of fava bean proteins and carboxymethyl cellulose to the alginate-based delivery solutions resulted in the highest encapsulation efficiency of total phenols (83.99 and 83.78%, respectively). However, the beads formulated with fava bean proteins were irregularly shaped, while those with carboxymethyl cellulose were predominantly spherical. All beads showed limited phenolic release under simulated gastric conditions, followed by enhanced release in the intestinal phase. Overall, the obtained results indicate that encapsulation efficiency was governed by the combined effects of rheological parameters, bead morphology, and molecular interactions, highlighting the importance of a multi-parameter design approach in the development of effective delivery systems. 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

Psoriasis is a refractory skin disease that is often accompanied by systemic comorbidities. While the efficacy of biologics in treating psoriasis is well-established, these treatments are also associated with frequent adverse reactions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies for psoriasis. Pomegranate peel, which is widely used in skincare and protection, has not been fully studied for its therapeutic potential in psoriasis. This article investigates the therapeutic effectiveness of pomegranate peel ethanol extract (PEE) on psoriasis. A total of 2872 compounds were identified in PEE. The topical application of PEE alleviated primary psoriasis-like skin lesions and reduced lesion recurrence in mice. PEE simultaneously activates AhR and inhibits the Th17/IL-17 axis and neuronal-related pathways, which may serve as a mechanism for PEE in the treatment of psoriasis. In conclusion, our study establishes that PEE may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for psoriasis, with a unique mechanism of action that simultaneously activates AhR and suppresses neuronal-related pathways. Full article

Using plant byproducts as bioactive sources for in ovo injection (IOI) can enhance embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of air cell IOI of sweet orange peel (SP), pomegranate peel (PP), and olive leaf (OL) aqueous extracts on embryonic days 10 and 18, assessing chicken hatching and post-hatch performance up to 42 days of age. Nine hundred eggs were assigned to 10 treatments. Each treatment had three replicates (n = 30 eggs/replicate) with a 5 × 2 factorial design (uninjected negative control, injection with distilled water as positive control, or injection with 1% SP, PP, or OL on day 10 or 18 of embryogenesis). Compared to the negative control, the results revealed that in ovo-injected substances (IOSs) did not alter hatchability but significantly decreased pipped-chick percentage, the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. However, IOSs were found to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, liveability, and final body weight. Specifically, SP maximised hatch weight, gut length, and thymus weight, whilst decreasing eggshell conductance and uric acid. SP and OL reduced liver enzyme activities, whereas PP lowered creatinine. Compared to day 10, IOI on day 18 improved hatchability, packed cell volume, SOD activity, liveability, and organ development. In conclusion, IOI with SP or OL, particularly on day 18 of incubation, is recommended to improve antioxidant status, biochemical indices, and cumulative body weight. Full article

Pomegranate peel, an abundant agro-industrial by-product, represents a sustainable source of bioactive polyphenols, particularly punicalagin, which has been associated with antioxidant and photoprotective potential. This study aimed to develop microemulsions (MEs) containing pomegranate peel extract for dermal delivery of punicalagin using biocompatible surfactant systems. Three MEs differing in surfactant–cosurfactant composition (ME-A, ME-P, and ME-E) were prepared. Each formulation solubilized 1% (w/w) of pomegranate peel extract and was evaluated regarding in vitro release behavior, skin permeation/retention, antioxidant activity, and in vitro sun protection factor (SPF). All investigated MEs provided sustained release of punicalagin (≈10–17% of the applied dose in 8 h). ME-A, based on an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, showed a significantly higher cumulative release of punicalagin (60.4 µg/cm²) compared with ME-E and ME-P. In skin penetration/permeation studies, ME-A also exhibited the highest numerical total delivery of punicalagin (≈48.2 µg/cm² after 24 h), although differences among formulations were not statistically significant. All formulations demonstrated high antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay and measurable in vitro photoprotective potential, with SPF values ranging from approximately 11 to 14. Overall, pomegranate peel extract-loaded MEs showed potential as dermal delivery systems capable of improving solubilization and modulating skin delivery of punicalagin. The combination of agro-waste-derived bioactives with biocompatible surfactants highlights the potential of these systems as sustainable approaches for skincare formulations. 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

Pomegranate peel, an agro-industrial by-product, is a promising source of functional compounds. This study evaluated pomegranate peel powder (PP) as a multifunctional yogurt ingredient and assessed its effects on the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, physicochemical properties, color, texture, microstructure, mineral composition, storage stability, and sensory acceptability. Yogurts supplemented with 3% and 6% PP were compared with a control. PP contained 12.49 mg GAE/g dw total polyphenols, 9.16 mg CE/g dw flavonoids, 63.66 mg C3G/100 g dw anthocyanins, 17.48% dietary fiber, 341.88 mg/100 g calcium, and 140.99 mg/100 g magnesium. PP addition improved yogurt functionality in a concentration-dependent manner. The 6% formulation showed the highest total polyphenol content (9.71 mg GAE/g dw), antioxidant activity (63.67 µmol TE/g dw), dry matter (19.20 g/100 g), and dietary fiber (1.19 g/100 g). Syneresis decreased from 18.22% in the control to 12.17% and 9.22% in the 3% and 6% PP yogurts, respectively, while firmness increased from 3.85 N to 4.80 N. After 21 days of refrigerated storage, fortified yogurts retained high phytochemical and antioxidant levels. Although the 6% formulation provided greater enrichment, the 3% yogurt offered the best balance between functionality, technological performance, and sensory quality, supporting PP valorization in cleaner-label dairy products. Full article

Pomegranate peel is a food industry waste rich in polyphenols. To date, its effect in alleviating fatigue remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs), evaluate its antioxidant and anti-fatigue capacities, and investigate the underlying mechanism. In the current study, twenty main compounds, primarily flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, were identified from PPPs using LC-MS/MS. In H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells, PPPs promoted cellular repair and reduced the production of intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) via enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px). In the endurance swimming-induced fatigue mice model, PPPs prolonged mice exhaustion times, reduced accumulation of fatigue-related metabolites (BUN, LA, BA, LDH and CK), and alleviated liver and muscle tissue damage. Mechanistically, PPPs mitigated oxidative stress via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, leading to increased expression of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Furthermore, PPPs stimulated energy metabolism by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α/PPAR-α pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing glycogen storage, increasing ATPase activity (Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase, and T-ATPase) and accelerating lipid β-oxidation. These findings suggest that PPPs is a promising anti-fatigue supplement and could be further utilized in the nutritional industry. Full article

Punica granatum L. is a nutritionally relevant fruit with a complex phytochemical profile that varies across its anatomical fractions, including peel, arils, juice, seeds, and seed oil. Although pomegranate is widely recognized for its health-promoting potential, the nutritional significance of its matrix-dependent composition, bioavailability, and gut microbiota-mediated metabolism remains insufficiently integrated. This review aimed to critically evaluate the phytochemical diversity of pomegranate and its nutrition-related multi-target biological functions, with particular emphasis on food matrices, bioaccessibility, and translational relevance. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies indexed in major scientific databases from 2000 to January 2026 was conducted. Eligible reports included analytical, preclinical, and clinical studies addressing the composition of pomegranate-derived materials and their biological effects, with attention to extraction matrix, processing, bioavailability, microbial biotransformation, and mechanisms of action. Pomegranate exhibits marked matrix-specific phytochemical diversity. Peel is particularly rich in ellagitannins, especially punicalagin and punicalin; arils and juices are enriched in anthocyanins and flavonols; and seed oil contains high levels of punicic acid. Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, anti-aging, and anticancer effects. These actions appear to result from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds rather than from a single dominant constituent. Importantly, gut microbiota-driven conversion of ellagitannins and ellagic acid into urolithins is a major determinant of systemic bioactivity and may contribute to interindividual variability in response. The health effects of pomegranate should be interpreted within a nutrition-focused, matrix-dependent framework integrating composition, processing, bioavailability, and microbiota-derived metabolism. Full article

Currently, the resource wastage and safety hazards caused by fruit and vegetable spoilage are becoming increasingly prominent. Developing green, efficient, and non-toxic novel preservation materials has emerged as a hot spot in fruit and vegetable research. Based on this, this study utilized pomegranate peel as a raw material to prepare spherical multifunctional carbon dots (P-CDs) with an average particle size of 1.98 ± 0.58 nm through a one-step hydrothermal reaction. Subsequently, P-CDs were co-incorporated with L-cysteine (L-Cys) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) matrix to construct a novel composite coating material with combined antibacterial, antioxidant, and preservation functions. Experimental results demonstrate that P-CDs exhibit outstanding antioxidant activity and antibacterial performance. Compared to PVA/CS film, the P-CDs/L-Cys/PVA/CS film exhibited a 6.55 MPa increase in tensile strength and significantly enhanced thermal stability. Furthermore, the incorporation of P-CDs and L-Cys markedly boosted the PVA/CS film’s antioxidant activity (97% for ABTS; 85.69% for DPPH), antibacterial performance, and ultraviolet (UV) shielding capability. Coating cherry tomatoes with the P-CDs/L-cysteine/PVA/CS composite extended their shelf life by 6 days. This composite coating material exhibits preliminary biocompatibility and eco-friendly properties, aligning with green sustainable development needs and offering a novel potential solution for food preservation technology, while its practical applicability to food safety requires further comprehensive verification. Full article

Recently, more sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials have begun to attract attention in food packaging due to major, rising concerns related to plastic usage. This study aims to develop and characterize biodegradable food packaging materials, namely poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) enriched with pomegranate peel extract (PoPE). Firstly, the optimal extract selected was a 24 h maceration of PoPE with 60% ethanol, after production with different solvents and methods. PLA- and PCL-based films were produced via melt compounding with the addition of PoPE at different concentrations (1, 3, 5 and 10%, w/w). FTIR confirmed that the PoPE did not modify the chemical backbones of PLA or PCL, with only a more pronounced O–H band in PCL, suggesting mainly non-covalent/physical interactions. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed tunable warm coloration and strong UV shielding with reduced transparency; for PLA ~3–5 wt.%, PoPE enabled near-complete UV blocking, while PCL achieved very high UV protection even at low loadings. PoPE improved toughness in PLA (3–5 wt.%) and maintained ductility in PCL (1–10 wt.%). PoPE-added PLA and PCL films maintained thermal stability up to 10 wt.% according to TGA results. DSC/XRD indicated a matrix-dependent crystallization response. PLA remained largely amorphous, whereas PoPE promoted PCL crystallinity without changing polymer crystal polymorphs. SEM images revealed homogenous dispersion of PoPE in the films. Full article

This research was conducted to evaluate the impacts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel extract (PPE) on the mold growth and moisture content in pellet feeds, as well as the biochemical indicators in tissues and organs of fish. Firstly, six types of pellet feeds were formulated by adding 0% or 0.5% of pomegranate peel powder (PP), petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), ethanol extract (EE), or aqueous extract (AQE) of PP. Moisture content was determined by air-drying 10 g of wet pellet feed from each treatment at 60 °C for 48 h in uniform-sized Petri dishes. Mold growth was evaluated by homogenizing 15 g of 12-week stored pellet feed with 15 mL of purified water, incubating at 25 °C for 4 days, and recording mold growth. The results indicated that PP, PEE, EE, and AQE reduced the mold growth in pellet feeds (p < 0.05). PP, EAE, EE, and AQE increased the moisture content in pellet feeds. Among all additives, EE has the strongest effects on the mold growth and moisture content in feeds (p < 0.05). According to regression analysis of mold and moisture levels, the optimal EE supplementation levels in pellet feeds were evaluated to be 1.284% and 1.485%, respectively. Then, 420 carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian, mean initial weight 12.01 ± 0.53 g) were fed diets formulated with EE at graded inclusion levels (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8%) over a 15-day period. The findings indicated that dietary EE improved the digestive and absorptive function in carp (p < 0.05), and this improvement was closely correlated with the upregulated activities of digestive and absorptive enzymes and the strengthened antioxidant capability in carp’s digestive tissues. Regression analysis of feed intake rate indicated that the optimal EE level suitable for carp is 0.906%. Furthermore, dietary EE enhanced the respiratory capacity by improving functional metabolic enzyme activity and antioxidant defense in the respiration-related tissues and organs of fish (p < 0.05). In summary, supplement EE increases the moisture content, inhibits the mold growth in pellet feeds, and improves the respiratory, digestive, and absorptive functions in fish, providing a valuable insight for PEE use as a naturally functional raw material in fish feeds. Full article

Unpasteurized fruit juices are prone to microbiological spoilage by bacteria, yeasts, and molds, creating a need for natural preservatives to extend shelf life without compromising quality. Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) exhibits antimicrobial activity primarily against pathogenic microorganisms; however, its effect on spoilage microorganisms in fruit juices has not been previously studied. This work aimed to compare the microbiological stability of unpasteurized apple juice when adding non-encapsulated PPE or PPE microparticles produced by spray drying with inulin (PPE-IN), inulin combined with sodium alginate (PPE-(IN+SA)), or inulin combined with carrageenan (PPE-(IN+CR)) as encapsulating agents. All microparticle systems showed high encapsulation efficiency (>90%), with PPE-IN reaching 94.08%. For the stability study, PPE microparticles (0.018 to 0.023 g/mL) or PPE (0.009 g/mL) were added to 70 mL of juice and stored at 4 °C for 9 days. MAB, molds, and yeasts were then quantified. At 3, 6, and 9 days, the J+PPE-(IN+CR) treatment showed the lowest MAB, molds, and yeast counts in relation to the non-encapsulated PPE and the other microparticle system. These results indicate that PPE-(IN+CR) microparticles provide superior microbiological stability of apple juice up to day 9, suggesting that the combination of encapsulating agents (IN+CR) could control the release of PPE into the juice. Full article

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a major fruit crop in tropical and subtropical regions, but changing climatic conditions—especially rising temperatures and intense solar radiation—are increasing physiological disorders. Sunburn, a key heat- and light-induced disorder, causes peel discoloration and tissue damage. This results in significant yield loss and reduced fruit quality. The objective of this study was to characterize sunburn-induced anatomical changes in the widely grown, highly sensitive Hicaznar cultivar in Türkiye, and to identify the optimal phenological stage for the application of sunburn-preventive practices. For this purpose, pomegranate fruit peels were fixed in FAA (Formalin–Acetic Acid–Alcohol) solution, embedded in paraffin blocks, and sectioned at a thickness of 5–7 µm. The sections were stained using the hematoxylin–eosin method and examined under a light microscope. The images captured with a digital camera wereanalyzed and revealed that sunburn damage in the pomegranate peel first appears in the cuticle layer, followed by disruption and fragmentation of the cutaneous and epidermal layers beneath it, and ultimately leads to damage of the parenchyma cells. Furthermore, Light microscopy showed that before visible discoloration, cells near the epidermis undergo phenolic accumulation, cell-wall thickening, and lignification, which are early indicators of sunburn. These microscopic changes provide early diagnostic features for detecting sunburn damage before external symptoms manifest. The study concluded that anatomical changes begin before the visible symptoms of sunburn appear on the fruit, and the most appropriate timing for applying preventive measures against sunburn has been identified. Light microscopy showed that before visible discoloration, cells near the epidermis undergo phenolic accumulation, cell-wall thickening, and lignification, which are early indicators of sunburn. Full article

Tetrahymena pyriformis is biologically similar to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, the parasite that causes “white spot disease” in fish. Because it has immune evasion genes and grows quickly, T. pyriformis serves as an ideal model for developing treatments against I. multifiliis and related parasites. This study tested water extracts from 10 traditional Chinese herbs against T. pyriformis and identified 5 with strong antiparasitic effects: Morus alba, Psoralea corylifolia, Sophora flavescens, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Pomegranate Peel. Combination tests showed that certain pairs, especially P. corylifolia with M. alba, worked together synergistically. When infected guppies were treated with this herbal combination at a concentration of 1.39 g/L (1:144 dilution), their 10-day survival rate reached 66.7%. Gill tissue analysis identified 577 genes with changed activity after treatment—228 increased and 349 decreased. These genes were linked to immune responses, metabolism, and cell processes. The key differentially expressed genes include those involved in the IL-17 signaling pathway, amino sugar metabolism, and the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway. These results show that the herbal combination works by both directly killing parasites and boosting the fish’s immune system. This study provides a scientific basis for using natural herbal treatments as an eco-friendly way to control parasitic diseases in aquaculture. Full article