Utilization of Green Extract Techniques for Preserving Bioactive Compounds in Pomegranate Peels

Abdel-Daem, Amira K.; Elshrif, Sanaa A.; Abdelsalam, Rokaia R.

doi:10.21608/jfds.2025.410088.1207

Utilization of Green Extract Techniques for Preserving Bioactive Compounds in Pomegranate Peels

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt

10.21608/jfds.2025.410088.1207

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels a major agro-industrial byproduct, is a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical formulations. This study presents a detailed phytochemical and functional evaluation of pomegranate peel extract obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), a green and efficient technique. The pomegranate peel extract (PU) exhibited high concentrations of total phenolics (1169.4 ± 6.9 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (3326.1 ± 1.8 mg QE/100 g), and tannins (850.3 ± 2.4 mg/100 g). Correspondingly, it demonstrated strong antioxidant capacity, including total antioxidant activity (792.9 ± 5.8 mg AAE/100 g), high DPPH radical scavenging ability (93.5 ± 0.09%), and a low IC₅₀ value (30.58 µg/mL). HPLC analysis revealed that punicalagin was the dominant ellagitannin (~ 46.03 µg/mL; 53.8% area), along with gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin. FTIR spectra results confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and aromatic functional groups, indicating a polyphenol-rich structure. GC–MS analysis identified a low-molecular-weight compounds including 1H-Indene, 5-butyl-6-hexyloctahydro, [1,1'-Bicyclohexyl]-4-carboxylic acid ester, and furfural, which are infrequently mentioned in pomegranate peel and play an effect role as antioxidant and antimicrobial. The pomegranate extract (PU) demonstrated a significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These obtained results support the use of pomegranate peel extract as a multifunctional natural agent for clean-label preservation, functional foods, and nutraceuticals, while promoting sustainable waste valorization through green extraction technologies.

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