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Increasing trend in antimicrobial resistance and failure of chemically synthesized antibiotics lead to discover alternative methods for the treatment of bacterial infections. Various medicinal plants are in use traditionally and their active compounds can be further applied for treatment of bacterial diseases. This study was designed to determine the antibacterial activity of Punica granatum (P. granatum L.) (pomegranate) peel extract against Enterobacteriaceae [Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) and Shigella Dysenteriae (S. Dysenteriae)] and gram-positive bacterium [Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus)]. Methanolic extract of P. granatum L. peel was prepared by Soxhlet apparatus method. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents from the extract were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antibacterial activity of P. granatum L. peel extract was evaluated through agar well diffusion method. HPLC showed the range of phenolics (gallic acid, caffeic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid) and flavonoid compounds. The chemical structures of flavonoid and phenolics found in the methanolic extract of P. granatum L. peel have been reported for the first time. The methanolic peel extract (50 ul) of yellow P. granatum L. showed 26, 10, 10 and 9mm zones of inhibition (ZOI) against S. aureus, S. Typhimurium, S. Dysenteriae and E. coli, respectively. The methanolic extract of red P. granatum L. (100 ul) showed 27, 8, 12 and 15 mm ZOI against Staph. aureus, S. Typhimurium, S. Dysenteriae and E. coli, respectively. Highest ZOI was observed against Staph. aureus. Many of the bacteria studied in the present work may cause serious gastrointestinal infections, which can lead to hemorrhagic diarrhea in children. These infections can be life-threatening to young children and the elderly. There is an incentive to find alternative control measures, such as plant and herbal extracts, especially in lesser-developed countries where traditional antibiotics may not be readily available.

Neobenedenia girellae is a pathogenic ectoparasite of many marine fishes, and it causes major epidemics in marine aquaculture. In this study, the efficacy of ethanol extracts of huangqi Astragalus membranaceus (known as milkvetch in North America), guanzhong Dryopteris setosa (known as beaded wood fern in North America), gancao Glycyrrhiza uralensis (known as Chinese licorice in North America), danshen Salvia miltiorrhiza (known as red sage in North America), and pomegranate Punica granatum, as well as seven phytochemicals (10-gingerol, curcumin, cynatratoside-C, emodin, kuwanon-G, kuwanon-O, and sophoraflavanone-G), against adult N. girellae was investigated. In vitro results indicated that pomegranate extract killed all adult N. girellae at a 62.5-mg/L concentration with an 8-h exposure, but gancao extract did not cause 100% mortality until a 1,000-mg/L concentration was used. Additionally, all adult N. girellae died after an 8-h exposure to cynatratoside-C, kuwanon-G, kuwanon-O, or sophoraflavanone-G at a concentration of 125 mg/L. Curcumin, emodin, and 10-gingerol at a concentration of 1,000 mg/L did not kill all parasites after an 8-h exposure. These findings demonstrate that plant extracts and active phytochemicals are potential sources of botanical drugs for controlling N. girellae infection in aquaculture.

BACKGROUND: Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) with astringent activities and Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are natural remedies used for various skin disorders, including wound healing. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of pomegranate and chamomile flowers. METHODS: After preparing the menthol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, the content of total phenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids of fractions was measured. For standardization of pomegranate and chamomile fractions, Gallic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside contents of them were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, their antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and FRAP tests. The antimicrobial assay was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three different concentrations of methanol fraction of each plant and one combination dose of fractions were investigated for their wound healing activities in an excision wound model on the rats’ dorsum. Finally, histopathological studies were done at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Phytochemical examinations showed high amounts of phenolic compounds in pomegranate flowers, while chamomile flower fractions contained a high amount of total flavonoids. Both fractions, especially pomegranate, had potent antioxidant activity. The best results for wound closure were observed 7 days after wound induction. All treated groups exhibited superior wound contraction compared to their placebo at all measurement times. The combined form of pomegranate and chamomile had better wound healing properties compared to a single therapy, especially on time earlier to wound induction. CONCLUSION: This study represented high antioxidant and wound healing activities for methanol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, which could be related to their high content of phytochemicals. In comparison with single herb treatment, the combined form of these two fractions in lower concentrations accelerated wound closure. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]

The selection of suitable natural raw materials in the cosmetic research and development is a key point, in order not only to obtain the expected results but also to avoid undesirable side effects. In this study, spirulina platensis, pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, and moringa leaves alone were evaluated for anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties. The chemical composition (moisture, dry matter, protein, lipid, and ash) and total polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids content were evaluated in the three extracts. Total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing activity power of extracts were also studied. Using agar diffusion method, the anti-Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Enterococus faecalis activities were measured. Interestingly, after combinations, pomegranate peel/spirulina (A), and moringa/spirulina (B): 25%/75% and 50%/50%, we have found that pomegranate peel can be incorporated into cosmetic formulations as an excellent preservative due to its exceptionally amount of phenolic compounds, powerful antioxidant activity, and its antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains.

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaves in vitro, as well as to determine the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and flavonols. Study objects and methods. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH test using the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyle and the FRAP method, as well as by measuring total antioxidant capacity and the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Results and discussion. The content of total polyphenols varied between 4.43 ± 0.3 and 12.66 ± 1.6 mg EAG/g. The highest content of flavonoids was observed in the hydroalcoholic extract of P. granatum leaves (P < 0.05). The flavonol contents in the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts were 7.68 ± 0.6 and 9.20 ± 2.8 mg EQ/g, respectively. The IC50 of the antioxidant potential of the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts was 32.4 ± 1.109 and 35.12 ± 4.107 mg/mL, respectively. According to the DPPH test, the aqueous extract was the least active (IC50 = 14.15 ± 1.513 mg/mL). The highest percentage of hydrogen peroxide trapping was found in the aqueous extract (45.97 ± 6.608 %). The inhibition of α-amylase showed an IC50 of between 9.804 ± 0.67 and 19.011 ± 9.82 mg/mL in the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts, respectively. The inhibition of glucose uptake by yeast recorded a high inhibitory capacity at 50 mg/mL of glucose. Conclusion. We found that the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity of P. granatum leaves extracts was due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, which is why they are effective in preventing diabetes and its complications.

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of 5% aqueous extracts of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) on Cobb chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.), as a model to birds as non-target organisms for pest control. The extracts were prepared using dried ground leaves. The powder obtained was then added to distilled water to obtain 5% extract (w/v). After 48 h, the plant extracts were filtered and added to the feed of 36 female birds. For that, the chicken (12 days old) were acclimated for 3 days before starting the experiment. The plant extracts were administered for 6 days, always preceded by at least 14-h starvation. The birds were evaluated for 11 days, assessing behaviour, feed consumption and animal performance. After sacrificing the birds, histopathological examination was performed, and intestinal villi were measured. No death nor any alteration occurred during the experiment. There was no statistical difference among the treatments regarding feed consumption and performance even though there was intestinal villi reduction.

In this study, eight different pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars from Turkey were evaluated for their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A breast fibrocystic epithelial cell lines with a focus on their chemical compositions by LC-MS/MS. Cell lines were treated with pomegranate juice extracts in different doses at selected time intervals (24th, 48th, and 72nd hour). Afterwards, WST-1 cell proliferation assay was performed to investigate the cytotoxicity of the extracts. Accordingly, all extracts decreased the cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and had no cytotoxic effect on the cell viability of MCF-10A cell lines. Among eight extracts, P7 (Izmir 1513), which was rich in anthocyanins such as cyanidin chloride (69.76 +/- 8.02 mu g/g extract), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (903.66 +/- 101.89 mu g/g extract), and punicalagin (992.09 +/- 174.53 mu g/g extract), was found to demonstrate the strongest cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by decreasing the cell viability in half at 24th hour with an IC50 value of 49.08 mu g/ml. Practical applications Eight commercially valuable pomegranate (Punica granatum) cultivars from Turkey were examined. Pelargonidin, cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-gl, callistephin, and delphinidin-3-O-gl were quantified. Two cultivars (P1 and P3) showed comparatively higher antioxidant effects. A cultivar (P7) showed strongest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The cultivars have potential to be used as natural antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Unpetaled pomegranate flowers are usually discarded, rich in resources and valuable for exploitation. • Ultrasound-assisted extraction of active ingredients from pomegranate flowers. • Ultrasound-assisted extraction of active ingredients from pomegranate flowers., This study was designed to optimize the extraction rate of total polyphenols and ellagic acid from pomegranate flowers. Single factors were investigated for liquid-to-material ratio (5–25), ethanol concentration (20%–60%), sonication time (5–60 min), and sonication power (150–500 W). The level range of the Box-Bokhen design was determined with respect to the single-factor results. The components of each index were normalized using the entropy weighting method for obtaining the comprehensive evaluation value. Under the actual conditions, the final optimization results were 17 for liquid-to-material ratio, 43% for ethanol concentration, 10 min for ultrasonic time, and 300 W for ultrasonic power. The extracts obtained under optimal conditions were tested for the inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and its biofilm, and results showed that pomegranate flowers exerted some inhibitory effects on the bacterium. Phosphomolybdenum and FRAP assays were used, and DPPH, ABTS, and •O2− radical scavenging tests were conducted, indicating that pomegranate flower extracts have good antioxidant capacity.

Inflammation is commonly characterized as a defensive and protective reaction of the body to various exogenous or endogenous stimuli, which aims to maintain the body health. Punica granatum (pomegranate) and its constituent ellagic acid (EA) are recently more taken into accounts since their promising pharmacological effects. Therefore, we aimed to obtain a comprehensive review regarding antiinflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of both pomegranate and EA and their possible involved mechanisms. In the procedure, scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched in the English language, until the end of January 2019. Pomegranate belonging to the Punicaceae has been used for medical purposes from ancient and in different cultures. Several studies have also supported that EA is the major active compound of pomegranate and possesses antimutagenic, antiinflammatory, antifibrosis, anticancer, and antiaging properties. It has been suggested that pomegranate and EA possess promising immunomodulatory effects in preclinical models as well as human studies through regulation of the T-cell function and suppressing humoral immunity. Hopefully, we wish that this review and information could be helpful for designing further experiments to investigate the potential protective effects of pomegranate and EA.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicaceae family and is regarded as the 'miracle fruit' for its seeds being consumed as food, juice and as a functional food. Significant modern pharmacological and clinical evidence has highlighted the wide medicinal applications of pomegranate fruit parts and its juice. Pomegranate juice (PJ) that is superior to other fruit juices is a fortified source of dietary polyphenols with potential antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols of PJ include tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The presence of these beneficial phytochemicals is directly linked to its favourable health benefits viz., obesity and diabetes management and anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review capitalizes on PJ with emphasis on the interrelationship between its holistic chemical composition, metabolism and biological effects. Moreover, the review recapitulates on the diverse health benefits of PJ and related patents in the field of PJ production to ensure the best produced juice quality.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is known to contain polyphenols with many potential health benefits, including anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. It has been used in popular medicine for cancer treatment, which still represents the major cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Importantly, pomegranate peels are valuable by-products of the food industry that are rich in polyphenols. Here we report a comparison between juice and peel aqueous extracts in prostate cancer DU-145 and PC-3 cell lines. Both extracts were able to inhibit the proliferation, migration and colony formation of those cells, although peel extracts presented more robust effects compared to juice. Besides, the growth-related mTOR/S6K signaling pathway presented strong inhibition after pomegranate extracts treatment. This study presents evidence that both juice and isolated peel extracts from promegate fruit have important anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cells, modulating the mTOR/S6K signaling pathway.

The current research work illustrates an economical and rapid approach towards the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous Punica granatum leaves extract (PGL-AgNPs). The optimization of major parameters involved in the biosynthesis process was done using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The effects of different independent variables (parameters), namely concentration of AgNO3, temperature and ratio of extract to AgNO3, on response viz. particle size and polydispersity index were analyzed. As a result of experiment designing, 17 reactions were generated, which were further validated experimentally. The statistical and mathematical approaches were employed on these reactions in order to interpret the relationship between the factors and responses. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were initially characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry followed by physicochemical analysis for determination of particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential via dynamic light scattering (DLS), SEM and EDX studies. Moreover, the determination of the functional group present in the leaves extract and PGL-AgNPs was done by FTIR. Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies of PGL-AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were further determined. The physicochemical studies suggested that PGL-AgNPs were round in shape and of ~37.5 nm in size with uniform distribution. Our studies suggested that PGL-AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.

Nowadays, natural dyes are expected by the cosmetic and food industries. In contrast to synthetic dyes, colorants derived from natural sources are more environmentally friendly and safer for human health. In this work, plant extracts from Gomphrena globasa L., Clitoria ternatea L., Carthamus tinctorius L., Punica granatum L. and Papaver rhoeas L. as the natural and functional dyes for the cosmetics industry were assessed. Cytotoxicity on keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines was determined as well as antioxidant and anti-aging properties by determining their ability to inhibit the activity of collagenase and elastase enzymes. In addition, the composition of the extracts was determined. The obtained extracts were also applied in face cream formulation and color analyses were performed. It has been shown that the obtained extracts were characterized by no cytotoxicity and a high antioxidant potential. The extracts also show strong ability to inhibit the activity of collagenase and moderate ability to inhibit elastase and provide effective and long-lasting hydration after their application on the skin. Application analyses showed that the extracts of P. rhoeas L., C. ternatea L. and C. tinctorius L. can be used as effective cosmetic dyes that allow for attainment of an intense and stable color during the storage of the product. The extracts of P. granatum L. and G. globasa L., despite their beneficial effects as active ingredients, did not work effectively as cosmetic dyes, because cosmetic emulsions with these extracts did not differ significantly in color from emulsions without the extract.

BACKGROUND Punica granatum (pomegranate) potentially ameliorates skin inflammation and pain, including herpetic stromal keratitis. Fermentation is a biotechnological technique that may naturally induce health benefits by producing antioxidants. However, the anti-aging effect of fermented pomegranate extracts (FPE) on the skin is still unclear. AIM This investigation evaluates the effects of fermented pomegranate as a functional supplement (FPE drink, FPE-D) and a cosmetic ingredient (FPE serum, FPE-S) in vitro and in vivo. PATIENTS/METHODS The effects of FPE products for anti-oxidation, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging were examined. Forty subjects were randomly allocated to FPE-D or placebo drink groups (50 ml of a FPE-D /placebo drink daily for 8 weeks for each subject), and another 40 subjects were recruited to FPE-S or placebo serum groups (about 3 ml of a FPE-S /placebo serum daily and nightly/daily for 4 weeks for each subject) in a double-blind study. RESULTS The effects of FPE products on the DPPH, ABTS+ , and NO· free radical scavenging activities, their inhibiting of tyrosinase activity and their enhancement of the skin health of healthy subjects, were investigated. FPE-D improved the moisture, brightness, elasticity, and collagen density of the skin of most subjects at 8 weeks relative to the baseline without treatment (p

Respiratory diseases are the prime cause of death and disability worldwide. The majority of lung-based diseases are resistant to treatment. Hence, research on unique drugs/compounds with a more efficient and minimum side effect for treating lung diseases is urgent. Punica granatum L (pomegranate) fruit has been used in the prevention and treatment of various respiratory disorders in recent times. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that pomegranate fruit, as well as its juice, extract, peel powder, and oil, exert anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-tumorigenic properties by attenuating various respiratory conditions such as asthma, lung fibrosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and alveolar inflammation via modulating various signaling pathways. The current review summarizes the potential properties and medical benefits of pomegranate against different lung-based diseases, also highlighting its possible role in the lung fibrinolytic system. The available data suggest that pomegranate is effective in controlling the disease progressions and could be a potential therapeutic target benefiting human health status. Furthermore, this review also outlines the preclinical and clinical studies highlighting the role of pomegranate in lung diseases further evoking future studies to investigate the effect of intake of this anti-oxidant fruit in larger and well-defined human clinical trials. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review outlines the putative pharmacologic benefits of P. granatum L (pomegranate) in treating various chronic lung-based diseases such as lung cancer, COPD, ARDS, asthma, lung fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis. This review also highlights the possible inhibitory role of P. granatum L (pomegranate) in the lung fibrinolytic system triggering the fibrinolytic markers. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical studies using in vitro, in vivo, and human models highlighting the potential role of P. granatum L (pomegranate) in lung diseases. This review evokes future research to investigate the effect of intake of pomegranate fruit in well-defined human clinical trials.

We are living in a era of alarming increases in microbial resistance to currently available antibiotics, and there is a growing need for new pharmaceutical products to treat infectious diseases. The pomegranate is an edible fruit that has virucidal and antimicrobial activities which is primarily attributable to the high concentration of hydrolysable tannins. Punicalagin, a high molecular weight tannin (1084.7), accounts for approximately 70% of the total and is concentrated in the fruit exocarp (rind). It is the focus of much research, although it is prohibitively expensive to purchase which presents an obstacle to further exploitation and development. Here we describe a method for the isolation of punicalagin from pomegranate rind extract and total pomegranate tannins using an Agilent preparative mass-directed LC–MS single quadrupole ESI-API system, where the ionization was set as negative and the mass signal acquired in Single Ion Monitoring. Thanks to the automatic fraction collector, the method can be used in automatic mode and is capable of producing punicalagin with >95% purity.

application/pdf, Purpose: The ethanol extracts from seven Thai plants, Kaempferia parviflora, Stemona tuberosa Lour., Ananas comosus, Punica granatum, Musa sapientum L., Pseuderanthemum palatiferum and Annona muricata L., which are traditionally used in Thailand to support human health, were evaluated for their anti-Plasmodium and anti-Toxoplasma activities, and for their cytotoxicities against human foreskin fibroblasts in vitro. Results: The K. parviflora, P. palatiferum and A. muricata extracts were active against P. falciparum (3D7) with selectivity index (SI) values > 10, while their half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 28.7 µg/ml, 78.8 µg/ml and 46.1 µg/ml, respectively. Extracts from K. parviflora and M. sapientum (ripe fruit peel) inhibited T. gondii (RH) growth with IC50 values of 53.5 µg/ml and 90.4 µg/ml, respectively. The SI values of the extracts from K. parviflora and M. sapientum (ripe fruit peel) were 9.0 and 10.8, respectively. Conclusion: Our data show that some of the aforementioned ethanol extracts are potential sources of new drugs to treat Plasmodium and Toxoplasma infections. © 2019, Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences.

Background Punica granatum L. (pomegranate), is a shrub mostly available in the Mediterranean Sea region. The fruits have gained the substantial attention among researchers due to their promising biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, immune modulatory, antitumor, wound healing and antifungal that have been attributed to various constituents of seeds, bark, juice, pericarp, and leaf of this tree across the globe. The phenolic compounds of pomegranate have been documented to possess numbers of prophylactic and therapeutic utilities against various pathological infections as well as non-infectious disorders. Objective The current review expedites the pharmacological role of Punica granatum L. in curing elements related to infectious and non-infectious disorders. Methods The current review is based on literature and patents already available on various scientific databases highlighting the role of Punica granatum along with its therapeutic potentials against infectious and non-infectious disorders. The databases included under study were PubMed, Med line, PubMed Central, Science Direct and few other scientific databases. The information obtained through these diverse databases is compiled, critically interpreted and presented in the current study. Results Multi-dimensional beneficial application of pomegranate plant is recorded. The pomegranate seed oil has phytoestrogenic compounds and the fruit is rich in phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity. The fruit and bark of pomegranate are used against intestinal parasites, dysentery, and diarrhea in different animals and human models. Since the ancient time the juice and seeds had considered the best therapy for throat and heart disorders. Ellagic acid is one of the main components of pomegranate with potent antioxidant activity. Results from different studies reported that Punica granatum L or its byproducts can be used as natural food additives in human and animal nutrition in order to boost immunity, microbial safety and provide the housing environment without affecting body weight gain. In addition, Punica granatum L. byproducts can modulate immune function and gut microbiota of broiler chickens as well as reduce the odorous gas emissions from excreta. Naturally occurring polyphenols in a pomegranate can be a potential alternative medicine for the prevention of avian Colibacillosis diseases and can also be used as an intestine astringent to relieve diarrhea and enteritis in chickens. Conclusion The present review gives the insight towards major components of pomegranate as well as their pharmacological activities against pathological disorders. In spite of many beneficial properties of Punica granatum L., more research evidence on a molecular basis is needed to find out the molecular mechanism of action in various animals and human models to validate the usefulness of Punica granatum L. as a potent therapeutic agent.

Immature fruits from Punica granatum L. thinning are a neglected side product of pomegranate production with cumbersome disposal costs for farmers. To explore value potential of immature fruits from pomegranate ‘Wonderful’ cultivars, the compositional landscapes and antitumorigenic activities of pomegranate extracts from two different stages of maturation were assessed. Cancer cell proliferation and cytotoxicity was quantified in human lung H1299 and colon HCT116 adenocarcinomas by crystal violet staining, MTS assay and caspase-3 activity. High performance liquid chromatography—diode array detector (HPLC/DAD) and high performance liquid chromatography—electrospray ionization—mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) analyses indicate that immature fruits are rich sources of gallotannins and ellagitannins, with the highest amounts contained in immature fruit peels. Biological investigations reveal a robust anticancer activity by those immature P. granatum fruit extracts, which reflected induction of tumor cytotoxicity and cell death mechanisms. Together, present observations suggest P. granatum byproducts from the thinning process may provide unexplored values for virtuous circular economy.

Cancer remains to be the second highest cause of mortality in our society, falling just short of heart disease. Despite major advancement in cancer therapy over the past decade, momentum has been gaining for an alternative approach of using naturally-occurring and dietary agents for cancer prevention and management. Research on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a fruit of the Punicaceae family, has shown enormous potential for cancer prevention and intervention. In addition to a rich source of polyphenols, including flavonoids and ellagitannins, in its juice, pomegranate also houses hundreds of other phytochemicals in its pericarp, seed, flower, bark, flowers and leaves. These phytochemicals provide powerful antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-invasive, antimigratory, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects without significant toxicity. This makes the use of its various extracts a very attractive strategy to our current battle against cancer. This review article presents a systematic, comprehensive and critical review of research on pomegranate-derived products in both cancer prevention and intervention. It discusses the chemical constituents of pomegranate, the results of both preclinical (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo) and clinical studies on the anticancer effect of pomegranate phytochemicals and molecular targets in numerous types of cancers, such as breast, gastrointestinal tract (oral, colon, liver and pancreas), gynecological (uterine and ovarian), hematological (lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma), lung, neurological (glioma), urogenital (bladder and prostate), bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and safety of pomegranate constituents. In order to guide the direction of future research, we have also included current limitations and challenges in the field and our post analysis recommendation.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits are important sources of vitamins and minerals and widely used in the dietary supplement industry. An aqueous extract of its leathery exocarp (LEP) was obtained by a solid-phase micro-extraction method. The antifungal activity was examined against the phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Penicillium digitatum and Botrytis cinerea, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Xanthomonas campestris,Bacillus megaterium and Clavibacter michiganensis. The antimicrobial assays showed, in some cases, a promising antimicrobial effect compared to the synthetic drugs. The possible anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of the LEP extract were investigated by the Ellman&rsquo, s assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, respectively, and their results showed that the LEP extract has an effective anti-acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect and an antioxidant activity. Thus, the LEP extract could be valid as a candidate for further studies on the use of pomegranate in neurodegenerative diseases as a food preservative and a suitable substitute to control several phytopathogens.

The worldwide increased difficulty to counteract gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in sheep, due to progressing anthelmintic resistance, has led to the evaluation of other alternative helminth control options, mainly from plants. The anthelmintic efficacy of an aqueous Punica granatum macerate was evaluated in sheep naturally infected by GIN in southern Italy. The macerate was chemically characterized by chromatographic analysis coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) and an aliquot was concentrated to obtain a dry extract. A part was characterized, the remaining washed with methanol to obtain an insoluble residue and methanol phase. In the methanol fraction, the quantitatively predominant gallic acid was purified to obtain the pure molecule. The three fractions thus obtained were used for in vitro studies (i.e., egg hatch test) to verify anthelmintic efficacy. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from sheep naturally infected by GINs. Fractions were diluted in H2O/DMSO 0.5% at 1.00, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.05, and 0.005 mg/mL concentrations. Thiabendazole (0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL) and deionized water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Egg hatch test results indicated that all fractions caused a significant (p &lt, 0.05) egg hatch inhibition within 48 h of exposure highlighting a high (&gt, 82%) efficacy in vitro at all tested doses. Maximal egg hatching inhibition effect was exhibited by the methanol fraction (99.3% and 89.3% at 1 and 0.005 mg/mL concentrations), followed by the insoluble residue and gallic acid (94.7% and 85.3% and 94.0% and 82.7% at 1 and 0.005 mg/mL, respectively). The current study validated the anthelmintic potential of traditional P. granatum macerate against GIN infection in sheep, thus highlighting the role of gallic acid as principal component and justifying a need to undertake further in vivo studies on these ethno-veterinary remedies.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a rich source of constituents with confirmed strong biological activities. However, pomegranate peel, which encompasses approximately 30&ndash, 40% of its weight, is treated as a biological waste. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of pomegranate peel extracts and to propose its functional properties that can be used for development of functional products. Eight ethanol extracts of pomegranate peels (PPEs) were characterized by use of direct infusion quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF), and afterwards tested on their antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the most prevalent compounds in pomegranate peels were punicalagin, granatin and their derivatives. Analysed extracts had high total phenolic contents that ranged from 5766.44 to 10599.43 mg GAE/100 g, and strong antioxidant activity (7551.31&ndash, 7875.42 and 100.25&ndash, 176.60 &mu, mol TE/100 g for DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively). The results of biological activity assays showed that all PPEs possessed antibacterial activity, and that S. aureus was the most sensitive specie with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 6.4 mg/mL. Additionally, the analysis of antiproliferative activity revealed high potency of PPEs, as the IC50 values ranged from 0.132 mg/mL to 0.396 mg/mL. Multivariate analysis pointed out the most discriminative metabolites for antioxidant or antiproliferative activity. Overall, the pomegranate peel confirmed to be a highly valuable source of bioactive compounds that could be used to improve the food functional characteristics.

The potential of plant extracts as bioinsecticides has been described as a promising field of agricultural development. In this work, the extracts of Punica granatum (pomegranate), Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed), Glandora prostrata (shrubby gromwell), Ulex europaeus (gorce), Tagetes patula (French marigold), Camellia japonica red (camellia), Ruta graveolens (rue or herb-of-grace) were obtained, purified, and their activity against Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells was investigated. From the pool of over twenty extracts obtained, comprising different polarities and vegetable materials, less polar samples were shown to be more toxic towards the insect cell line Sf9. Among these, a dichloromethane extract of R. graveolens was capable of causing a loss of viability of over 50%, exceeding the effect of the commercial insecticide chlorpyrifos. This extract elicited chromatin condensation and the fragmentation in treated cells. Nanoencapsulation assays of the cytotoxic plant extracts in soybean liposomes and chitosan nanostructures were carried out. The nanosystems exhibited sizes lower or around 200 nm, low polydispersity, and generally high encapsulation efficiencies. Release assays showed that chitosan nanoemulsions provide a fast and total extract release, while liposome-based systems are suitable for a more delayed release. These results represent a proof-of-concept for the future development of bioinsecticide nanoformulations based on the cytotoxic plant extracts., This research was funded by COMPETE 2020 program, co-financed by the FEDER and the European Union, PTDC/ASP-AGR/30154/2017 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030154). Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal), and FEDER-COMPETE-QREN-EU funded research centers CQ-UM(UIDB/00686/2020), CF-UM-UP (UIDB/04650/2020) and REQUIMTE (UIDB/50006/2020).

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by craving for nonfood items, such as dirt, clay, detergents, soap, stone, and paper. It occurs in children who start feeling the world with the oral cavity. The exact etiology of this disorder is still unknown; nonetheless, its treatment and prevalence vary according to patients' behavior and characteristics. We aim to present a case report of a patient with pica who was treated with Persian Traditional Medicine. This treatment was performed using four doses of 15 ml Punica granatum extract after every meal for 3 weeks while fasting before breakfast. The patient's appetite improve within 3 weeks, with remarkable improvement in pica symptoms. Punica granatum extract seems to be effective in controlling pica.

Conventional techniques for phenolics extraction from pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel (PP) have several insufficiencies like longer time duration, bioactive degradation, excess use of harmful chemicals and solvents. In the present study, we established the synergistic use of two non-conventional extraction strategies i.e., enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) using a cellulolytic enzyme preparation (Viscozyme) followed by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for efficient recovery of phenolics from PP. This optimized method was individually compared with EAE, MAE, and conventional solvent extraction (CSE) methods for recovering PP phenolics with maximum antioxidant activity (AOA). Extracts were analyzed for AOA using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and cupric reducing AOA (CUPRAC) methods. Response surface methodology (RSM), was used as an optimization tool to achieve maximum yield of phenolics and with highest AOA at power 443.5 W, time 131.0 min, and solvent-to-solid ratio 23.6:1. The predicted values for maximum phenolics and AOA obtained through RSM were 305 mg GAE/g, 1788 μmol TE/g (FRAP) and 2641 μmol TE/g (CUPRAC), respectively. Phenolic contents of only 94.6, 165.46, and 197.6 mg GAE/g were achieved through CSE, EAE and MAE, respectively. Here we substantiate the auxiliary role of Viscozyme and microwave treatment in achieving high phenolic content and AOA from PPs. Phenolic rich extracts are known to act as multi-target ligands that inhibit various enzymes involved in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes mellitus. The extract can be commercially exploited for the development of functional foods, supplements, and natural preservatives.

The current study reports on polyphenols profile of pomegranate leaves (PL) Punica granatum grown in Egypt and exhibiting their role in development of an eco-friendly method of green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). PL aqueous alcohol extract was fractionated, the major phenolic compound was isolated from the polyphenols rich fraction (ethyl acetate fraction) and identified by conventional and spectroscopic methods of analysis as ellagic acid. Furthermore, the fraction was standardized and analysed using UPLC-PDA-UV and LC–MS-MS techniques revealing tentative identification of 23 polyphenolic compounds, quantifying ellagic acid as 43.14 ± 0.57 μg/mg of the fraction. AgNPs were successfully synthesized with the aid of polyphenols rich fraction. This is the first report revealing the systematic optimization of the green synthesis process using various independent variables. AgNPs were characterized by adopting UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, which revealed strong SPR band within average of λ max 425 nm and polygonal shaped nanoparticles of 26.22 nm size, respectively. The antimicrobial efficacies of AgNPs and polyphenols rich fraction were tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Sarcina lutea), Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Candida albicans). AgNPs showed a concentration-dependent activity against all the tested microorganisms.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seeds oils (PSO) from three Tunisian varieties namely Jebali, Testouri, and Gabsi were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analyzed for their physicochemical properties, fatty acids (FA) profile, and sterol composition. PSO of Gabsi and Testouri showed the best quality indexes in terms of peroxide and acid values and the highest oxidative stability index was observed for PSO of Gabsi ecotype (2.534 hr). Polyphenol content of PSO of Gabsi ecotype (886.909 mg/kg) was roughly 3 and 23 times higher than that of Jebali and Testouri ecotypes, respectively. Twelve FAs were identified by GC/FID. Punicic acid was the major compounds ranged from 81.53% (Testouri) to 86.41% (Gabsi). The unsaturated/saturated FA ratios of PSO were 14.53, 15.95, and 18.68, respectively for Gabsi, Testouri, and Jebali, respectively. Phytosterols were also identified and β-sitosterol was the major compound in PSO. In addition, the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of phenolic extracts obtained from pomegranate seeds residues were investigated. Pomegranate seeds extract (PSE) of Gabsi cultivar showed the highest content of polyphenols (64.762 mg CAE/g) and flavonoids (7.127 mg RE/g). Antioxidant potential of extracts was performed using DPPH test and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results revealed that Gabsi cultivar was the most reactive extract with EC50 of 0.105 mg/mL for DPPH test and 40.622 mg AA/g for TAC. Phenolic profiles of PSE were also investigated. Results showed the importance of cultivar selection in the potential use of bioactive compounds of seeds as nutraceutical ingredients in food and chemical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Three Tunisian pomegranate cultivars namely Jebali, Testouri, and Gabsi were investigated for their seeds oil and phenolic composition. Pomegranate seeds oil (PSO) are rich in bioactive polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols that can be of interest in several food and chemical industrial applications. Moreover, pomegranate seeds extracts are a natural source of antioxidant components, such as phenolic compounds, that can be used by the pharmaceutical industry as promising nutraceutical ingredients. The obtained results can be used to provide guidance on cultivar selection during industrial applications.

Phenolic compounds are well-known bioactive compounds in plants that can have a protective role against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and many other diseases. To promote local food development, a comprehensive overview of the phenolic compounds’ composition and their impact on human health from typical Mediterranean plants such as Punica granatum L., Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Arbutus unedo L., Celtis australis L., Ficus carica L., Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus L is provided. Moreover, the potential use of these data for authenticity determination is discussed. Some of the plants’ phenolic compounds and their impact to human health are very well determined, while for others, the data are scarce. However, in all cases, more data should be available about the content, profile and health impacts due to a high variation of phenolic compounds depending on genetic and environmental factors. Quantifying variation in phenolic compounds in plants relative to genetic and environmental factors could be a useful tool in food authentication control. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to better understand the importance of phenolic compounds on human health and their variation in certain plants.

Objective Several randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have investigated the effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with conflicting results. Therefore, the present study assessed the effect of pomegranate on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with T2DM. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, ISI web of science, Cochrane library and Scopus databases until April 2020, to identify RCTs investigating the effect of pomegranate supplementation on glycemic markers (fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c) and insulin levels), anthropometric indices (body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW)), blood lipids (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)), inflammatory markers (high sensitive c-reactive protein (Hs-CRP)) and markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) in adults with T2DM. Mean difference was pooled using a random-effects model. Results Seven trials, comprising 350 participants, were included in the present systematic review and meta‐analysis. The results of the meta‐analysis revealed that pomegranate supplementation did not have any significant effects on metabolic status and oxidative stress biomarkers of subjects with T2DM. There were no evidence of publication bias regarding to selected outcomes. Conclusion There were no significant favorable effects of pomegranate supplementation on metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM. Future well-designed, large scale RCTs, with longer duration are needed in this field.

This work provides new knowledge on natural yellows used in Iran. Seven biological sources were selected based on interviews with dye masters in Isfahan workshops (Iran). Delphinium semibarbatum, Eremostachys laevigata, Prangos ferulacea, Morus alba, Pistacia vera, Punica granatum, and Vitis vinifera are currently used in these workshops. Aiming to study the dye composition of wool samples dyed with the extracts of the selected biological sources and the changes induced by the dyeing procedures in the original chemical composition of the plant extract, raw materials and dyed wool (by us and in the workshops) were analyzed by HPLC&ndash, DAD and UHPLC&ndash, HRMS/MS. The main yellows for E. laevigata are luteolin-O-glycosides. In the other plant sources, the main chromophores are based on 3-O-glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. In pistachio hulls, myricitin derivatives were detected and we propose their use as markers. Generally, the solutions extracted from the wool displayed a higher amount of more polar compounds, but also a higher amount of aglycones. Importantly, the chromatographic profiles of the samples we prepared compared well with 17th c. yellows in Persian carpets, and therefore can be considered highly characterized references for the study of Persian yellows.

Background:Punica granatum L. is an infructescence native of occidental Asia and Mediterranean Europe, popularly referred to as pomegranate. It has been used in ethnomedicine for several applications, including the treatment of obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and the regulation of blood lipid parameters. Thus, pomegranate has been linked to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that have endothelial dysfunction as a common factor acting mainly against oxidative stress due to its high polyphenol content. Its biocomponents have antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote cardiovascular protection through the improvement of endothelial function.Methods:Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to uncover the literature of interest.Conclusion:This review article presents updated information on the role of pomegranate in the context of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that pomegranate, or rather its components (e.g., tannins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, alkaloids, etc.), have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, improving parameters such as oxidative stress and the enzymatic antioxidant system, reducing reactive oxygen species formation and acting in an anti-inflammatory way. Thus, this review may contribute to a better understanding of pomegranate's beneficial actions on endothelial function and possibly to the development of strategies associated with conventional treatments of cardiovascular diseases.

Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is a widely eaten fruit. The antidiabetic, antioxidative, and antilipidemic properties of the hydroalcoholic extracts of the different plant's parts have been extensively studied, with scarce information on the acetone extract (ACE). This study investigated antidiabetic, antioxidative, and antiobesogenic properties of ACE of the fruit peel. Preliminary data showed that ACE showed stronger antioxidant (radical-scavenging IC50 = 1.56 μg/ml) and ⍺-amylase inhibitory (IC50 = 10.6 μg/ml) properties than the hydroalcoholic extracts and Acarbose. The ACE inhibited protein glycation and lipase activity. In hepatocytes, ACE impaired oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione depletion but increased glucose uptake without decreasing the cell viability. HPLC analysis showed predominant presence of bioactive phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, and gallic acids) in this extract. This study suggests that ACE of P. granatum fruit peel may be an understudied extract that contains potent antidiabetic and antioxidative bioactive principles with minimal toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Plant derived medicines have been an affordable and effective alternative therapy for many metabolic diseases, including diabetes. The fruit juice and fruits of pomegranate is widely consumed for the palatable taste and cardiovascular benefits. This study provides preliminary experimental evidences confirming that of the acetone extracts of pomegranate fruit peel, which has been sparsely studied, may possess more potent antidiabetic and antioxidative property than to the routinely studied hydroalcoholic counterparts. Additionally, the acetone extract is rich in bioactive phenolic acids, suggesting that the acetone extract of pomegranate fruit peel may be a promising candidate for further antidiabetic study and a source of bioactive principles for the management of diabetes and oxidative complications.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit and flower extracts, which are rich sources of bioactive phenolics, are widely utilized as ingredients in botanical dietary supplements. While the phenolic characterization of extracts of pomegranate fruit has been previously studied by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, there is lack of similar data for pomegranate flowers. Herein, liquid chromatography with time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was utilized to comprehensively characterize the phenolics present in two pomegranate extracts, previously studied for their in vitro and in vivo biological effects, namely, a patented commercial pomegranate fruit extract (Pomella®), and a pomegranate flower extract. Seventy-one phenolics were characterized in the pomegranate fruit extract with the vast majority identified in the flower extract. However, only the pomegranate fruit extract contained tannin-glucuronides and two punicalagin isomers (a characteristic pomegranate phenolic) were identified in this extract while four were identified in the flower extract. The previously reported compounds, pomellatannin and punicatannins A/B, were identified as unique chemical markers in the pomegranate fruit and flower extracts, respectively. This study will aid in the quality control, authentication, and standardization of these botanical ingredients to evaluate their potential health benefits in future planned pre-clinical and clinical studies. Also, this is the first phenolic characterization of a pomegranate flower extract using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Wastes deriving from production of wines by yeast fermentation of Punica granatum (fermented pomegranate wastes, FPW) showed a marked antioxidant activity in a series of conventional chemical tests. HPLC/MS analysis of the methanol extract showed the presence of ellagic acid (EA) as the main phenolic component at levels up to 40% on a w/w basis. Experiments using murine macrophages showed that FPW extract is able to reduce the LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, TNF-α and iNOS. A remarkable increase in the antioxidant properties and extractable EA content was observed following acid hydrolytic treatment of FPW. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, EA was slowly released from FPW up to 80% of the overall content over 2 h incubation at the slightly alkaline pHs simulating the small intestine environment, suggesting a potential of the material in nutraceuticals and other applications.

The main aim of the present study is to extract and characterize cashew nut shell (CNS) starch and walnut shell cellulose (WNC) for development of cellulose reinforced starch films. Moreover, the extraction and characterization of pomegranate peel extract, for incorporation with CNS-WNC films, was investigated. CNS starch was examined to be a moderate amylose starch with 26.32 ± 0.43% amylose content. Thermal degradation temperature of CNS starch was found to be 310 °C. Walnut shell cellulose was found to have high crystallinity index of 72%, with two thermal degradation temperatures of 319 °C and 461 °C. 2% WN cellulose reinforced CNS starch films were examined to have good oxygen transfer rate, mechanical and physical properties. Thermal degradation temperature of CNS-WNC starch films were found to be at the range of 298-302 °C. Surface roughness of CNS-WNC starch films were found to be increasing with increase in concentration of cellulose in films. Hydroxymethylfurfurole, Benzene, 2-methoxy-1,3,4-trimethyl and 1,2,3-Propanetriol, 1-acetate were found to be major active compounds present in hydrophilic extracts of Punica granatum peels. 2% WN cellulose reinforced starch films infused with hydrophilic active compounds of pomegranate peel was examined to be having good active package properties.

In the interests of food safety and public health, plants and their compounds are now re-emerging as an alternative approach to treat parasitic diseases. Here, we studied the anticoccidial effect of different solvent extracts of the fruit peel of Punica granatum-a commercial waste from pomegranate juice industries. The hope underlying these experiments was to find a sustainable natural product for controlling coccidiosis. The plant extracts were prepared using solvents of different polarity. Acute oral toxicity study was first carried out to see the safety of crude extracts. A high dose of crude extracts (300 mg/kg body weight) was tested for possession of anticoccidial activity against experimentally induced coccidial infection in broiler chicken. Activity was measured in comparison to the reference drug amprolium on the basis of oocyst output reduction, mean weight gain of birds and feed conversion ratio. Oocyst output was measured using Mc-Masters counting technique. Acute oral toxicity study showed that crude extracts of P. granatum are safe up to dosage of 2000 mg/kg body weight. LD50 was not determined as mortalities were not recorded in any of the five groups of chicken. For anticoccidial activity crude methanolic extract (CME) of the fruit peel of P. granatum showed the maximum effect as evident by oocyst output reduction (92.8 ± 15.3), weight gain of birds (1403.0 ± 11.9 g) and feed conversion ratio (1.66 ± 0.04), thereby affirming the presence of alcohol soluble active ingredients in the plant. We also tested different doses (100–400 mg/kg body weight) of the CME of the fruit peel of P. granatum, the most active extract on E. tenella and observed a dose dependent effect. From the present study it can be concluded that alcoholic extract of the fruit peel of P. granatum has significant potential to contribute to the control of coccidian parasites of chicken.

In this work, impact of extraction methods (maceration, decoction, MAE, and UAE) on TPC, antioxidant activity, and the mass fraction of phenolics in several plant extracts (Punica granatum, Juglans regia, Moringa oleifera, and Cassia fistula) was investigated. The results showed that, despite the nature of matrix, the highest values of TPC in all samples were obtained by MAE as follows: PP (18.92±0.11), ML (15.19±0.11), HL (12.69±0.16), and WS (12.80±0.11) mg GAEg-1 respectively, and exhibited potent antioxidant activity (from 0.28±0.01 to 5.34±0.02mgGAEg-1), representing sources of powerful antioxidants. The LC-MS2 analysis revealed a wide range of phenolics, highlighting their content in phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans. The presence of different phenol molecules demonstrated that the extraction method had influence on phytochemical profile. Finally, due to its high extraction efficiency, MAE was the more effective extraction technique.

The papers have a porous structure which can be a suitable medium for the growth of bacteria. Therefore, in the sanitary papers, creation of a suitable antibacterial property is necessary. In this way, the plant extracts were prepared using solid–liquid extraction method from the Rosmarinus officinalis, Olea europaea, Mentha spicata and Punica granatum. Relatively, the total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined according to colorimetric method. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH method. The extracts were sprayed on the surface of the handsheets, and then their antibacterial activity was investigated. The results showed that extracts from the P. granatum has the highest phenol (5.82%) and antioxidant activity (71.13%), while the extract from the R. officinalis had the highest flavonoid (4.23%) and antibacterial activity (90.43%). Hence, it can be concluded that these two extracts could be the suitable combinations to create desirable antibacterial properties in the manufacture of papers with sanitary purposes.

Background This study was designed to evaluate the beneficial effects of a botanical extract combination containing soy isoflavone extract (100mg), Aframomum melegueta seed dry extract (50 mg), and Punica granatum skin dry extract (100mg) on health-related Quality of Life in healthy Spanish menopausal women with hot flashes, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using the validated Cervantes Scale. Methods and results Fifty-seven outpatient women (45–65 years) with menstrual problems associated with climacteric syndrome were enrolled from April 2018 to April 2019 in the context of a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Women were randomized to receive treatment with either the botanical combination (250 mg daily divided into two doses) or placebo for eight weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, health-related Quality of Life was assessed using the Cervantes Scale. Subjects treated with the botanical extract, compared to subjects in the placebo group, showed a significant improvement in the Global health-related Quality of Life score (38% [11.3–50.0]% vs. 18.8% [0–37.7]%; P = 0.04) on the Cervantes Scale and, specifically, in the menopause and health domain (13.6% [0–45.4]% vs. 40.7% [20.6–61.0]%; P = 0.05). By contrast, there were no significant changes in the psychic, sexuality, and couple relationship related domains of the Cervantes Scale. Patients who concluded the study did not report substantial side effects. Conclusion Short-term intake of the botanical combination improved the Global Quality of Life of climateric women, according to the Cervantes Scale. Since this is a pilot trial, results should be analysed with caution. Trial registration NCT04381026; ClinicalTrial.gov (retrospectively registered).

Pomegranate is one of the most universally studied medicinal plants for its ethnomedical history, with several studies presenting the positive outcome of its use or its extracts in managing inflammation. The objective of the present trial was to investigate the efficiency of the traditionally used 5% of pomegranate peel extract in treating gingival inflammation. Herein, 34 chronic gingivitis patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio for four weeks in a controlled, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the effect of the adjunctive use of a pulsating jet irrigator containing 5% pomegranate peel extract solution to nonsurgical periodontal therapy against a placebo in managing these patients' condition. No adverse reactions had been reported, and within the limits of this study, it may be concluded that pomegranate peel extract can serve as a promising alternative in managing chronic gingivitis. This trial is registered on the German clinical trials register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00010602).

Herbal and plant extracts are being applied to a wide range of foods against different types of foodborne pathogens. In the present study, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of different concentrations (5% v/v, 10% v/v, and 20% v/v) from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) plants were applied in five concentrations (62.5 to 1000 mg/mL) against foodborne strains of Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The results revealed that a low concentration of solvents (5% v/v) did not exhibit decreased antimicrobial activity in comparison with higher solvent concentrations (10% and 20% v/v). Additionally, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts were highly effective against pathogens even in their low concentrations (62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL). Likewise, the extracts exhibited promising results (aqueous extracts of pomegranate, cranberry, and black chokeberry in a food-compatible concentration of 2% w/v) were applied to raw pork meatball production, and their antimicrobial activity was recorded versus Enterobacteriaceae, total mesophilic bacteria (TMB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and yeasts/molds. The outcome demonstrated that meatballs that contained aqueous extracts of pomegranate were more resistant to spoilage compared to all of the other samples, as it was preserved for more days. Likewise, these extracts of a plant origin could be used as natural preservatives in meat products, even in their low concentrations.

Aflatoxins (AFTs) are a group of closely related toxins that are produced by different fungus species. Food and feed contamination with AFT is a worldwide health-related problem. As a result of fungal attack, the food and feed resulted in a principal socioeconomic loss and toxins produced in feed and food items harm the humans and animals in different ways. The anti-aflatoxigenic effect Psidium guajava, Ficus benghalensis, Gardenia radicans, Punica granatum and Ziziphus jujuba leaves were evaluated against aflatoxins (AFTs), produced by Aspergillus flavus in layer feed during storage. Among the investigated medicinal plant leaves, P. granatum showed highly promising anti-aflatoxigenic activity and completely inhibited the AFTs (B1 and B2) production over storage period without compromising the nutritive quality of feed (ash, protein, fat, fiber, Fe, Ca, P and K contents). Leaves of F. benghalensis and Z. jujuba were also effective however, higher concentration (15%) inhibited the AFTs production up to 99% and also maintained nutritive quality of feed. G. radicans was found least effective in controlling the AFTs production. Results revealed that all plant leaves were effective in controlling AFTs production in layer feed over the storage period of six months and these plants are potential candidate to replace the fungicides used to protect feed and other agricultural commodities from AFTs production during storage.

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich fruit with diverse medicinal properties. Several lines of experimental and clinical evidence have shown that pomegranate intake helps lowering blood pressure (BP) through different mechanisms. Aims: This study aimed to present a narrative review on the anti-hypertensive properties of different parts of pomegranate such as pomegranate juice (PJ), pomegranate peels (PP), pomegranate seed oil (PSO), pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) and the mechanisms and phytochemicals responsible for these effects. Methods: A review on the efficacy of consuming different parts of pomegranate (juice, peels, fruit extract and seed oil) in lowering BP has been performed. To find relevant studies, a search in PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus up from inception to May 4, 2015 was performed. Human, animals and in vitro studies investigating the anti-hypertensive effects of pomegranate were included in the search. Results: Findings arising from animal and clinical studies have shown pomegranate juice can reduce BP in both short-term and long-term course. These effects are accompanied by antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic actions that collectively improve cardiovascular health. The anti-hypertensive effects have been reported for both pomegranate juice and seed oil. Both systolic and diastolic pressures are affected. Conclusion: Pomegranate juice possesses antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic properties.