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In an effort to explore bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds from natural Actinobacteria resources from all over Taiwan and various ecological environments, an active strain of Acrocarpospora punica was collected at Taitung County in Taiwan, prepared from soil origin. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the BuOH extract of a culture broth of a new strain of the actinomycete Acrocarpospora punica led to the isolation of five previously undescribed compounds: acrocarpunicains A–F (1–6). The structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were subjected to in vitro testing to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Of these isolates, acrocarpunicains A (1), B (2), C (3) and F (6) showed NO inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 9.36 ± 0.25, 10.11 ± 0.47, 5.15 ± 0.18, and 27.17 ± 1.87 μM, stronger than the positive control, quercetin (IC50 = 35.95 ± 2.34 μM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on azaphilone and phenanthrene-type metabolites from the genus Acrocarpospora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of soil invertebrates (earthworms) and AM fungus fertilizers were observed alone and together on the growth of Punica granatum and on the reproduction of herbivores (Aphis punicae). Pomegranate plants were grown individually in pots containing sandy, silty, and clay soil. Plants were grown in soil containing: a) no added fauna, b) earthworms, c) AM fungus fertilizers, and d) AM fungus fertilizers and earthworms. As a result of the study, the highest number of shoots were observed in worm + fertilizer applied treatments and the lowest in the only worm used treatments. There was a significant difference between control (Pk) and worm + fertilizer (Psg) groups in shoot number (P<0.05). The greatest height growth was observed in worm applied treatment while the lowest was observed in control. Control, worm and worm + fertilizer groups differed significantly in terms of salinity content. Plant height negatively, but shoot numbers positively correlated with soil phosphorous content (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between shoot numbers and K2O contents of treatment group soils. Aphid performance was strongly influenced by the presence of worm + fertilizer (Psg). In the presence of only worms (Ps), the numbers of adult and juvenile aphids were significantly increased at the first and second generations. Aphid death rate is the highest in worm + fertilizer (Psg) and lowest in the control treatment (Pk) for the first generation. These results suggest that different soil types and treatments affect plant growth parameters positively but do not sufficiently affect aphid population changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to offer a new perspective on Silius Italicus' alleged stoicism through an analysis of three episodes in his poem which deal with exemplary deaths: the execution of the so-called "smiling slave" (a Hispanic slave who bears his torments heroically, mocking his torturers, Sil.1.169--181), the death of Marcus Atilius Regulus at Carthage (Sil. 2.340--344; 2.435--436; 6.535--544), and the death of Lucius Aemilius Paullus at Cannae (Sil. 10.260--288). My argument is that in Silius' poem both Regulus' and the slave's deaths are modelled on similar passages in Seneca's oeuvre, while the description of Paullus' death, despite being modelled on Livy's account (Liv. 22.49.6--11), includes several philosophical (and especially Senecan) motifs, so that the consul of Cannae becomes a sort of stoic sapiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews two new commentaries on Silius Italicus' Punica published in 2017 by Oxford University Press: by Neil Bernstein on book 2 and by Joy Littlewood on book 10. Both volumes offer an introduction, translation and commentary as well as an analysis of important thematic points. This review considers each book's main strengths, discusses their limitations, and demonstrates their immense contribution to Flavian scholarship. Moreover, it examines the place of these two particular books in current Silian studies, considering how they inscribe themselves into current trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Punicalagin from pomegranate rind extract was isolated with an innovative method. • A semi-preparative LC–MS system equipped with a semi-preparative column was used. • The isolation was automated thanks to a mass-based fraction collection. • An average of >95% purity was achieved. Abstract 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being one of the most important conflicts of the ancient world, and a pivotal moment in Roman history, there are still misconceptions about the Second Punic War. Most notably, the fact that Hannibal was on the verge of victory following his success at Cannae (216), and that only the victory at the Metaurus (207) changed the course of the war in Rome's favour. This paper will emphasize the different strategic approach employed by both sides and that, ultimately, Hannibal's Hellenistic warfare doctrines were inadequate against Rome's war machine of the late third century. Next, it will examine four crucial factors that deeply influenced the course of the war well before the battle of the Metaurus due to their military, strategic and economic repercussions. Ultimately, it will be suggested that Rome altered the course of the war already from 215 and that, by 211, its victory was already determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER1/CENTRORADIALIS (TFL1/CEN) are the key regulators of flowering time in plants with FT promoting flowering and TFL1 repressing flowering. TFL1 also controls floral meristem identity and its maintenance. In this study we have characterized two pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) TFL1/CEN-like genes designated as PgTFL1 and PgCENa. The expression of PgTFL1 and PgCENa fluctuated through alternate pruning and flowering cycles, being highly expressed during the vegetative phase (immediately after pruning) and decreasing gradually in the months thereafter such that their lowest levels, especially for PgCENa coincided with the flowering phase. Both the genes are able to functionally suppress the Arabidopsis tfl1-14 mutant flowering defect. Their expression in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed flowering time, increased plant height and leaf number, branches and shoot buds as compared with wild type, suggesting that PgTFL1 and PgCENa are bonafide homologs of TFL1. However, both the genes show distinct expression patterns, being expressed differentially in vegetative shoot apex and floral bud samples. While PgTFL1 expression was low in vegetative shoot apex and high in flower bud, PgCENa expression showed the opposite trend. These results suggest that the two TFL1s in pomegranate may be utilized to control distinct developmental processes, namely repression of flowering by PgCENa and development and growth of the reproductive tissues by PgTFL1 via distinct temporal and developmental regulation of their expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate seeds are an excellent source of compounds with biological activity. In the present study, the pomegranate seed oil (PSO) was tested for antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. PSO was extracted by supercritical fluid extraction with previous treatment of seeds by microwaves and analysed for its fatty acid profile, carotenoid and tocopherol contents. PSO demonstrated to be a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (83.5%), followed by monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) (9.5% and 7.0%, respectively). Concerning fatty acid profile, punicic (C18:3), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids were the predominant ones. Carotenoids and tocopherols were identified and quantified by HPLC. Results showed that the PSO was a good source of γ- tocopherol as dominant among investigated compounds (128.6 mg/100 g). The extract was screened for its antioxidant activity using α-TEAC assay. Cytotoxic effect was determined by MTT test against malignant HeLa, LS174 and A549 cells (IC50 = 49.51–91.54 μg/mL), and against normal MRC-5 and EA.hy926 cells (IC50 > 200 μg/mL). The best effect was exhibited on cervix adenocarcinoma cell line while no cytotoxicity was found for normal cells pointing out PSO safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution focuses on the intertextual dimensions of the Imilce episode in Punica III, thus highlighting the importance of the earlier epic tradition for Silius' portrayal of Hannibal and his quest. Various intertexts implicitly present in the poem (e.g. Virgil and Lucan) influence and shape the resulting image of the general in the episode, effectively undermining appearances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits with thick rind have been reported to interfere with the measurement of internal quality of non-destructive near infrared spectroscopy. This review provides an overview of issues related to the use of near infrared spectroscopy for measuring internal and external quality attributes of horticultural produce with thick rinds. The use of other non-destructive techniques for assessing internal and external quality thick rind fruit, such as hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems, X-ray micro-computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy are also discussed. A concise summary of research and potential commercial application for each of the techniques is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers are deeply involved in the development of new pomegranate-based products, which have acquired great prestige due to many studies proving their potential health benefits. Commercial pomegranate products including capsules and supplements and juices and nectars were assayed. The contents of the key phytochemical compounds (punicalagin, ellagic acid, and total polyphenolic content) and the associated antioxidant capacity (DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP) were analyzed. The experimental ranges of punicalagin and ellagic acid contents were 0.96 to 308 mg/g and 0.09 to 13.1 mg/g, respectively. Punicalagin content was positively correlated ( P < 0.001) with DPPH• and total polyphenolic content values. No significant ( P > 0.05) correlation was observed among ellagic acid with the antioxidant capacity. The labeling standardization of these products is necessary due to the wide variability among 'theoretically' similar pomegranate-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor José-Antonio Ruiz Gil exposes his divergences with the conclusions arrived at in a recent article by researchers Antonio Sáez Romero and José-María Gutiérrez López about the origin, diffusion and use of the so-called Triton's trumpets (shells of the species Charonia lampas intentionally converted into aerophones). Ruiz Gil maintains the functionalist criterion of the use of these musical instruments against the ritualistic criterion raised in the article in question and points out his opposition to the anthropologicalarchaeological diffusionism, an approach followed in this case, in his opinion, by Sáez Romero and Gutiérrez López. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate fruit maturity status is commonly assessed based on external (skin) colour, juice colour and acidity of juice. Some researchers have studied the correlation between the parameters of the skin colour and acidity, total soluble solids, citric acid and anthocyanins. This study describes the relationship existing between solar radiation and a colorimetric maturity index in the pomegranate varietal group "Mollar de Elche". We propose a fuzzy methodology. The aim of this kind of study is to obtain on estimation a range of possible values that reflects reality. Using this methodology four phases were obtained, in which there is no relationship between radiation and the colorimetric Maturity Index (MIc) in phases 1 and 4, but there is such a relationship in phases 2 and 3. Fuzzy math demonstrates the positive relationship between radiation and MIc, confirming that fuzzy regression is appropriate for making estimations that reflect reality among variables showing a weak relationship. There is a high degree of uncertainty in the relationship between the colorimetric maturity index and the incident radiation. The individual values of radiation do not correspond to one sole value of MIc, but to a wide range of the same, due to several factors, such as fruit orientation, luminosity, etc. Fuzzy math reveals the positive relationship between net radiation and MIc in phases 2 and 3. All this shows that the fuzzy regression may be appropriate for making estimations reflect reality when the variables show a weak relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at the development of a new analytical method for the comprehensive multi-component analysis of polyphenols in Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) juice and peel. While pomegranate juice was directly analysed after simple centrifugation, different extraction techniques, including maceration, heat reflux extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, were compared in order to obtain a high yield of the target analytes from pomegranate peel. Dynamic maceration with a mixture of water and ethanol 80:20 (v/v) with 0.1% of hydrochloric acid as the extraction solvent provided the best result in terms of recovery of pomegranate secondary metabolites. The quali- and quantitative analysis of pomegranate polyphenols was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry detection. The application of fused-core column technology allowed us to obtain an improvement of the chromatographic performance in comparison with that of conventional particulate stationary phases, thus enabling a good separation of all constituents in a shorter time and with low solvent usage. The analytical method was completely validated to show compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for the Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines and successfully applied to the characterisation of commercial and experimental pomegranate samples, thus demonstrating its efficiency as a tool for the fingerprinting of this plant material. The quantitative data collected were submitted to principal component analysis, in order to highlight the possible presence of pomegranate samples with high content of secondary metabolites. From the statistical analysis, four experimental samples showed a notable content of bioactive compounds in the peels, while commercial ones still represent the best source of healthy juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel extract with or without rosiglitazone on plasma glucose and lipid profile in insulin resistant diabetic rats. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health (N.I.H), Islamabad from 1st January 2011 to 28th May 2011. Material and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in sixty healthy rats. The diabetic rats were divided into four groups, namely diabetic control group which received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline daily, pomegranate group which was treated similar to control group and also received pomegranate peel extract (200mg/kg body weight) orally once daily, rosiglitazone group which received intraperitoneal injection of rosiglitazone (5mg/kg body weight) daily and the combined group received both pomegranate extract (100 mg/kg body weight, orally) and intraperitoneal injection of rosiglitazone (2.5 mg/kg body weight) daily for 28 days. After four weeks of treatment, terminal intracardiac sampling was done to measure plasma glucose and lipid profile. Results: The plasma glucose and mean serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in pomegranate, rosiglitazone and combined groups respectively as compared to the diabetic control. The mean serum levels of high density lipoproteins were significantly (p<0.001) elevated in above mentioned groups as compared to the diabetic control. Conclusion: Pomegranate peel extract is hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent in low doses when used alone or in combination with rosiglitazone in type 2 diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pomegranate peel extract ( PPE) contains several compounds with antioxidative properties. PPE added to foods may interact with endogenous antioxidants and promote health. However, little is known about the biochemical mechanisms by which PPE exerts their actions on tissues of biological systems in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PPE on activities of antioxidant enzymes. Mice were used to investigate the effects of PPE on plasma levels of malondialdehyde ( MDA), tissue MDA content and activities of superoxide dismutase 1 ( SOD1), SOD2 and glutathione peroxidase ( GPX) in the small intestine, liver and skeletal muscle - different tissues involved in the digestion, absorption and metabolism of dietary nutrients. Control mice were fed a standard diet, whereas treated mice were fed for 40 days with the standard diet containing 5% or 10% PPE. RESULTS Mice fed the 10% PPE diet exhibited lower plasma MDA concentrations, reduced content of MDA in the small intestine and liver and higher levels of SOD1 and GPX activities in the small intestine compared to mice fed the control diet. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that intake of PPE in diet attenuates small intestine lipid peroxidation and strengthens the first line of small intestine antioxidant defense by enhancing enzymatic antioxidative pathways. PPE is worthy of further study as a therapeutic approach to prevent peroxidative stress-induced gut pathogenesis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous studies, we showed the inhibitory effects of Punica granatum L. flower and Rhus coriaria L. fruit water extracts on dental plaque accumulation by several bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), on orthodontic wire by in-vitro assays. In this study, the anti-cariogenic properties of the extracts were evaluated by assessing their effects on expression of glycosyltransferase (gtf) genes, which are responsible for initial biofilm formation by S. mutans. In this study, the effect of herbal extracts on expression of gtfB, C (encoding enzymes that produce water-insoluble glucans) and D (encoding enzymes that produce water-soluble glucans) genes in S. mutans growing in planktonic state was evaluated quantitatively by realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of understudied herbal water extracts significantly suppressed gtfB, C and D gene expression by 85.3 ± 7.5%, 33.3 ± 6.4% and 25 ± 14%, respectively for Punica granatum L. extract and 73.4 ± 7.3%, 93.8 ± 2.7% and 59.3 ± 9.8%, respectively for Rhus coriaria L. extract compared to the non-treated control group (P < 0.05). Also, the real-rime PCR showed that the inhibitory effect of Rhus coriaria L. extract on gtfC and D was significantly greater (10.8 and 1.8 fold, respectively) than that of Punica granatum L. extract. These findings suggest that Punica granatum L. and especially Rhus coriaria L. maybe used as novel, natural antiplaque agents since they inhibit specific genes associated with bacterial biofilm formation without necessarily affecting the growth of oral bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Nut and seed oils are often considered waste products but in recent years they have been receiving growing interest due to their high concentration of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive components, which have important pharmacological properties on human health. The aim of this work was to compare the physico-chemical and biochemical properties of pomegranate ( Punicagranatum), sweet cherry ( Prunusavium) and pumpkin ( Cucurbita maxima) seed oils obtained by solvent extraction. RESULTS High amount of linoleic acid was found in the cherry and pumpkin seed oils, while pomegranate seed oil showed relevant content of polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs) along to eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA) and nervonic acid. Pumpkin seed oil had high concentration of carotenoids, while pomegranate oil was the best absorber in the UV-A and UV-B ranges. CONCLUSION Pomegranate, cherry and pumpkin seed oils can be an excellent source of bioactive molecules and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids. These seed oils can be included both as preservatives and functional ingredients in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields and can contribute to disease prevention and health promotion. Moreover, high absorbance of UV light indicates a potential use of these oils as filters from radiations in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discoloration of the leaves of unhealthy pomegranate trees, caused by the Coleopteran species Amphicerus bimaculatus (Olivier, 1790), was found in a newly planted pomegranate orchard in April 2011 in northern Greece (Vrontou area). Identification of the species was based on morphological characteristics. This report is the first record of A. bimaculatus in Greece infesting pomegranate trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted during the months of September-December in 2011 and January month in 2012 at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), to compare the quality attributes of open sun and solar poly-tunnel dried wild pomegranate arils. Quality of open sunand solar poly-tunnel dried wild pomegranate arils was evaluated on the basis of various physico-chemical and sensory quality characteristics. The arils dried in solar poly-tunnel drier possessed higher amount of desirable chemical attributes viz., total solids (90.40%), total soluble solids (39.40 °B), titratable acidity (10.60%), reducing sugars (19.60%), total sugars (23.75%), ascorbic acid (12.70 mg 100 g-1), anthocyanins (28.12 mg 100 g-1) and phenols (108.60 mg 100 g-1). Arils dried in solar poly-tunnel drier had lower amount of undesirable characteristics viz., moisture (9.60%), NEB (0.09 OD), HMF (1.07 ppm) and furfurals (14.40 ppb) as compare to open sun dried arils. The sensory characteristics viz., better colour, taste, texture and overall acceptability scores of arils dried in solar poly-tunnel drier reflected its superiority over open sun. Thus, drying of pre-treated wild pomegranate arils in solar poly-tunnel drier could be a better alternative method to prepare quality dried wild pomegranate arils (anardana) for the upliftment of small industry in the rural areas of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there is a need to develop a universal standard for the classification of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) species, which facilitates the collection, sorting, classification and application of pomegranate resources. This review introduces recent research progress in pomegranate classification (in particular with molecular markers), and finally the potential application of molecular markers in future research about pomegranate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotypes of the Latin American wilt pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata have been moved around the world in vegetatively propagated material of various crop plants, including Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Colocasia esculenta (taro), and Eucalyptus spp. When compared to a worldwide collection of isolates of C. fimbriata, isolates from taro, Punica granatum (pomegranate), and Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) from Yunnan Province, China were found to have sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and mating type genes that were identical to isolates from Eucalyptus in Brazil. Analyses of 35 isolates with 14 microsatellite markers revealed that the Yunnan population was nearly uniform, consisting of only 19 alleles and seven closely related genotypes, suggesting that the population is not natural and is the result of an introduction. As in comparisons of sequences of ITS rDNA and mating type genes, the microsatellite alleles of the Yunnan isolates were most similar to those of Eucalyptus isolates from Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil, where C. fimbriata is native, soilborne, and commonly infects cuttings of Eucalyptus spp. used for rooting in nurseries. Thus, the Yunnan population, which is causing severe losses on pomegranate, may have been indirectly derived from introductions of C. fimbriata in contaminated Eucalyptus cuttings from Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal drugs in this category are in alternative agents and for several years they have been used all around the world. The aim of this study is to examine the antimicrobial properties of three species of Punica granatum on Candida albicans and Escherichia coli and to compare it to some common antibiotics. Firstly the extracts of P. granatum var. pleniflora, P. granatum var. Sweet Alak, P. granatum var. Saveh Black leather and leaf Portulaca olearaceae were prepared and the amount of total phenol and free radical scavenging activity had been measured in the plants. Next the antimicrobial activity of prepared extracts was determined on Candida albicans and Escherichia coli and it was compared to some common antibiotics. Also MIC50, MIC90, MFC and MBC of extracts were determined. The statistical analysis of data for checking inhibition zone (IZ) was done using Factorial test in random design and means comparison was done via Tokey method. Results showed that the high concentration of treatment P. granatum var. pleniflora had the most effect on IZ (P<0.0001) and the highest amounts of phenol and antioxidant activity is related to P. granatum var. pleniflora flower. The comparison of antibiotics and herbal extracts on Candida albicans and Escherichia coli showed that concentration 30% of P. granatum var. pleniflora has a more significant potential compared to Amfoterisin B and antibacterial drugs. From the obtained results, it is clear that the methanolic extract of P. granatum flower can be used against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli in different concentrations. It is suggested to conduct other experiments in alternative medicine and to use the extract on different microbial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new γ-butyrolactone derivative, acrocarpunilactone ( 1), was isolated and identified from the rice solidsubstrate fermentation culture of an actinomycete, Acrocarpospora punica, together with nine known compounds, hydroxychavicol acetate ( 2), 4-allylcatechol ( 3), trans-caffeic aldehyde ( 4), (-)-ent-4β-hydroxy-10α-methoxyaromadendrane ( 5), (6α,7α)-4β-hydroxy-10α-methoxyaromadendrane ( 6), futoamide ( 7), N-[8′-(4′-hydroxyphenylethyl)]-2-hydroxybenzoylamide ( 8), hemiariensin ( 9), and 3-ethyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid ( 10). Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of some isolates (compounds 1- 6) on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages were also evaluated. Compounds 1- 3 showed stronger inhibition on NO production than the positive control quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L) is an important wild fruit of economic importance. Pretreated arils were dried in different drying modes like mechanical cabinet drier (62+2°C), solar cabinet drier (50-55°C) and open sun (18-24°C). Mechanical cabinet drier was found to be most suitable on the basis of faster drying rate, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics. The mechanical cabinet dried arils were packed in aluminum laminate pouch (99.8 gsm), polyethylene pouches (93.9gsm), thermofoam trays (wrapped with polypropylene transparent sheet) each of 100g capacity and stored at ambient (15-25°C) and refrigerated conditions (4-7°C) for a period of six months. Aluminum laminate pouch was found to be most suitable packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., is an ancient, mystical, unique fruit borne on a small, long-living tree cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, as far north as the Himalayas, in Southeast Asia, and in and Arizona in the United States. In addition to its ancient historical uses, pomegranate is used in several systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. The synergistic action of the pomegranate constituents appears to be superior to that of single constituents. In the past decade, numerous studies on the antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate constituents have been published, focusing on treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dental conditions, wound healing, bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance, and ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage. Other potential applications include Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, myocardial infarction and obesity. The health benefits of pomegranate have been attributed to its wide range of phytochemicals, which are predominantly polyphenols, including primarily hydrolyzable ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and other polyphenols. The aim of this review was to present an overview of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of P. granatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ledermuelleriopsis punicae sp. nov., collected from soil under pomegranate trees, Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae), Rafsanjan, Kerman Province, and Ledermuelleriopsis ariyai sp. nov., collected from sweet cherry leaves infested with Bryobia rubrioculus (Scheuten) Abbasabad Hamedan, Iran, are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Punica granatum L. (Family: Punicaceae), commonly known as pomegranate (Anar) has been used traditionally as medicine to treat a number of diseases and disorders. Various parts of the plant and their active constituents are known to possess diverse biological activity. However, little is known about the antioxidant potential of pomegranate fruit peel, which is otherwise considered as waste. Therefore, the concentration-dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of Punica granatum seed and peel extracts (alcoholic and aqueous) using deoxyribose degradation assay were analyzed and compared. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity at different concentrations of extract (10 to 250 μg/mL) both in presence and/or absence of ascorbic acid and ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid was determined. It was observed that a higher concentration of extract suppresses scavenging activity and lower promotes antioxidant property. Based on the observations, it may be inferred that pomegranate extract, especially from the spent/waste prt, has a strong antioxidant property as assessed by its property of scavenging hydroxyl radical formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil (PSO) was prepared by supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction technology. Changes in the yield, chemical composition and free radical-scavenging activity of PSO under different extraction parameters were investigated. The results of SC-CO2 extraction revealed that extraction pressure was the dominant factor to affect the oil yield. PSO was characterized by a high content of punicic acid (approximately 60%) and γ-tocopherol (more than 300mg/100g oil). A slight increase in the contents of punicic acid, arachidic acid and gadoleic acid was observed under higher extraction pressure and temperature. At lower pressure or shorter extraction time, PSO with high amount of total tocopherols was obtained. PSO extracted by SC-CO2 showed strong free radical-scavenging activity towards 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals and its scavenging ability was correlated with the level of tocopherols in extracted oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous extracts of various medicinal plants like Allium sativum, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrance, Calotropis gigantea, Piper nigrum and Carica papaya were compared and evaluated. The crude aqueous extracts of plants were prepared by cold extraction, filtered, concentrated and tested in Pheretema posthuma, at various dose levels. Albendazole and Piperazine citrate were used as the standard drugs. The time taken for paralysis and death of earth worms were recorded and the mean time was calculated. The extracts of A.sativum and P. granatum rind extract were shown the significant anthelmintic activity (P<0.0001). While the extracts of pomegranate fruit, M. fragrance and C. gigantea were shown anthelmintic activity (P<0.01) comparable to that of albendazole. The aqueous extracts of P. nigrum and C. papaya had lesser anthelmintic activity compared to standard drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the composition of pomegranate juice. The samples came from uncertain provenance and cultivar. It was found that many samples contained levels of sucrose, maltose, sorbitol, tartaric acid or malic acid which were outside the ranges observed in the available literature.

The effects of feeding pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) on milk yield, milk composition, fatty acid profiles of milk fat, and blood metabolites were examined in this study. During a pretrial period, 27 multiparous southern Khorasan (Iran) cross-bred goats were fed a similar diet and dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk composition were recorded. After adaptation and based on pretrial records, the goats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental diets and were housed in individual stalls. Experimental diets included 0, 6, or 12% of PSP (dry matter basis) and were fed as total mixed rations ad libitum for a 45-d period. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Supplementation of PSP did not affect dry matter intake or average daily gain of goats. Milk yield was not affected by inclusion of PSP in the diet. Milk fat concentration of goats fed diets with 6 and 12% PSP increased, but milk fat yield, milk protein concentration, and milk solids-notfat concentration of goats were not affected by diets. Feeding PSP did not affect blood glucose, cholesterol, urea N, triglyceride, or lipoproteins. Feeding goats a diet containing 12% PSP modified the milk fatty acid profile, including conjugated linoleic, punicic, and vaccenic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-one local pomegranate cultivars maintained in an ex-situ collection in Tunisia, were studied using 29 characteristics related to flowers, fruits, and seeds. Results showed an important phenotypic diversity. Some accessions were considered as particular cultivars (Garsi1, Zehri11, Tounsi2, and Jerbi1). Some others (Gabsi, Chelfi) were considered as multiclone varieties. Synonyms and homonyms could be detected among cultivars. These results emphasize the importance of morphological descriptors to identify pomegranate varieties and allowed to recommend cultivars for different uses (table fruit, juice, and derivatives). Nevertheless, these descriptors need to be completed by further studies as biochemical and molecular characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pomegranates were treated after harvest with methyl jasmonate (MeJa) or methyl salicylate (MeSa) at two concentrations (0.01 and 0.1mM), and then stored under chilling temperature for 84days. Control fruits exhibited chilling injury (CI) symptoms manifested by pitting and browning, the severity being enhanced as storage time advanced, and accompanied by softening and electrolyte leakage (EL). The CI symptoms were significantly reduced by MeJa or MeSa treatments, without significant differences among treatments or applied dose. In addition, both treatments significantly increased total phenolics and anthocyanins with respect to controls. Hydrophilic (H-TAA) and lipophilic (L-TAA) total antioxidant activity decreased in control arils, but in both MeJa and MeSa treated fruits H-TAA increased while no significant changes occurred for L-TAA. Results would suggest that both MeJa and MeSa have potential postharvest applications in reducing CI, maintaining quality and improving the health benefits of pomegranate fruit consumption by increasing the antioxidant capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Religion was a main component of the Phoenician colonizing process, since temples exercised great influence in commercial transactions, an important aspect within this society. As a corollary, coinage, although maintaining a clear economic basis, also maintained a religious basis, which reinforced its legality. In Hispania, the underlying religious basis is well reflected in the diverse coinage issues of Hispanic mints, during the Phoenician-punic and republican Roman periods. Coinage mintage in this period, due to the great number of mints present, developed an extensive sacred iconography, both in relation to indigenous divinities, as well as the presence, after the Roman conquest, of Roman divinities and/or symbols, developed through a cultural syncretism of existing cults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En este fragmento de su obra, Apiano relata los presuntos hechos acaecidos entre Lucio Marcio, legado de Escipión, y un contingente de hispanos al servicio de los cartagineses, durante la Segunda Guerra Púnica. El autor aprovecha el trasfondo histórico para introducir, junto a habituales exigencias romanas en una negociación militar, toda una serie de tópicos sobre la naturaleza de los indígenas y, en general, del mundo bárbaro. En realidad, parece que Apiano habría adelantado unos acontecimientos más bien propios de las posteriores guerras celtibéricas y lusitanas. Además de adornar el relato, su objetivo habría sido adoctrinar a sus lectores, un público profundamente helenizado, sobre el carácter de los pueblos hispanos, especialmente de los celtíberos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the effect of aqueous, ethanol, and methanol solvent leaf extracts of Punica granatum on innate immune mechanisms, such as phagocytosis activity, respiratory burst activity, alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity and functional immunity in terms of percentage cumulative mortality and Relative Percent Survival (RPS) in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus naturally infected with lymphocystis disease virus (LDV) after 8 weeks. Infected fish were intraperitoneally administered with 0, 5, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 body weight of solvent extracts. In groups treated with 50 and 100 mg kg−1 body weight, the chosen innate immune parameters significantly increased after 8 weeks when compared to 0 mg kg−1 dose, but not with 5 mg kg−1. Administration of P. granatum solvent extracts for 8 weeks significantly reduced the percentage mortality with the consequent increase in RPS. The results suggest that intraperitoneal administration of the leaf extracts of P. granatum at 50 or 100 mg kg−1 dose clearly enhance the innate immune responses and disease resistance after 8 weeks in P. olivaceus against natural LDV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Activity-guided repeated fractionation of crude hydro alcoholic extract prepared from the fruit peel of Punica granatum on a silica-gel column yielded a compound that exhibited strong antifungal activity against Candida spp. Based on spectral analyses, the compound was identified as punicalagin. Punicalagin showed strong activity against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, with MICs of 3.9 and 1.9 μg/ml, respectively. The combination of punicalagin and fluconazole showed a synergistic interaction. MIC for fluconazole decreased twofold when combined with the extract. The FIC index was 0.25. The synergism observed in disk-diffusion and checkerboard assays was confirmed in time-kill curves. The effect of punicalagin on the morphology and ultrastructure in treated yeast cells was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. An irregular budding pattern and pseudohyphae were seen in treated yeasts. By transmission electron microscopy, treated cells showed a thickened cell wall, changes in the space between cell wall and the plasma membrane, vacuoles, and a reduction in cytoplasmic content. Since the punicalagin concentration effective in vitro is achievable in vivo, the combination of this agent with fluconazole represents an attractive prospect for the development of new management strategies for candidiasis, and should be investigated further in in vivo models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been cultivated from ancient times for its economic, ornamental and medicinal properties globally. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers from a repeat-enriched genomic library of Punica granatum L. The genetic diversity of these loci was assessed in 60 genotypes of Punica granatum L. All loci were variable: the number of polymorphic alleles per locus ranged from two to five (average 2.9). The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.15 to 0.87 and 0.29 to 0.65, respectively. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.26 to 0.61 (average: 0.43). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that polymorphic microsatellite markers have been reported for P. granatum L. These new markers should allow studies of the population structure and genetic diversity of pomegranate to be performed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new flavonoids were isolated from the flowers of Punica granatum Linn. (Punicaceae) along with the known compounds ellagic acid, gallic acid, sucrose, and gallic acid glycoside. The structures of the new flavonoids have been characterized as 5,6,7,8,2′,3′,5′-heptahydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone (punicaflavanol) and 5,6,7,8,2′,5′-hexahydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone-7- β-D-xylopyranoside (granatumflavanyl xyloside) on the basis of spectral data analyses and chemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fruit traits and molecular markers (RAPD) were used to survey genetic similarities and inheritance pattern of offspring, derived from self- and open pollination of pomegranate cv. Malase-Tourshe-Saveh (MTS) as well as progenies derived from cross between ‘MTS’ and ‘Narm-Daneh’ (ND) a soft-seed cultivar in the present study. Clustering based on fruit traits, divided the accessions firstly into two major groups, sweets and sour or sweet–sours. Members of sub-clusters were different in fruit characters, and seed softness also was affecting the grouping of individuals. Offspring of ‘MTS’×’ND’ showed somehow seed softness with varying degrees compared to other individuals. In RAPD analysis, by using 26 polymorphic primers, 325 fragments were produced from 39 individuals, among which 70 reproducible, polymorphic bands were scored for data analysis. NTsys and Bootstrap software were used for RAPD data analysis and respective dendrogram depicted by Jaccard''s similarity coefficients using UPGMA method. The similarity coefficients were ranging from 0.2 to 0.94 and the lowest was obtained between pollen parent (ND cv.) and a genotype from open pollination of MTS cultivar. The highest similarity coefficient (0.94) was observed between two offspring both from self-pollination of MTS cultivar. In corresponding dendrogram, pollen parent was separated from other genotypes and laid individually in a sub-cluster, while the mother plant clustered with its progenies. In addition, some marker–trait associations were observed, especially for seed softness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new species of the genus Cheylostigmaeus is described and illustrated based on females and males collected from soil under pomegranate trees, Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae), in Ferdows, Boshroyeh, southern Khorasan Province, Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inflammation can cause various physical dysfunctions. Punica granatum Linne (pomegranate), a high phenolic content fruit, is widely used as an antipyretic analgesic in Chinese culture. Pomegranate has shown potential nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, pomegranate (100mg/kg) significantly decreased carrageenan-induced mice paw edema for 1, 3, 4, and 5h. Therefore, column chromatography combined with in vitro bioassay-guided fractionation was used to isolate the active anti-inflammatory components from the pomegranate. Punicalagin (1), punicalin (2), strictinin A (3), and granatin B (4) were obtained with yields of 0.093%, 0.015%, 0.003%, and 0.013%, respectively. All these hydrolysable tannins inhibited NO production and iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, 4 showed the strongest iNOS and COX-2 inhibitory effects, and exhibited these effects in the inhibition of paw swelling and the PGE2 level in carrageenan-induced mice. Taken together, we suggest that 4 could be used as a standard marker for the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Anthocyanins are natural pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue colouration in plants. Human consumption of anthocyanins is increasing because of the rising awareness and interest in their potential health benefits. Pomegranate is one of the major sources of polyphenolic phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins. Dried pomegranate raisins (anardana) are consumed in large quantities in Asian countries, and contain substantial amounts of anthocyanins. Five anthocyanins were found to be present in pomegranate raisins. Drying adversely affected the amount of anthocyanins, with polyphenol oxidase (PPO) playing a possible role in oxidative degradation of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are heat-stable compounds, and inactivation of PPO by processing at high temperature for short periods may prevent PPO-catalysed anthocyanin oxidation in pomegranate arils. Pomegranate PPO kinetics were partially characterised by investigating the effect of substrate (catechol) concentration; optimum pH for PPO activity was found to be 6.0. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contrary to the image of abundance thatmany of the ancient sources give forHispania, the economic reality which the Romans found in the early stages was very different. Along with thepossibilities of exploitation, supplyproblems and famines,be known.The Roman commander's decisions to resolve the complications are the first foundation of the Roman provincial administration. In this articlewe study the informations provided by the classical authors, the difficulties of economic unquantifiable data, and taxationmechanisms described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The lignans isolariciresinol, medioresinol, matairesinol, pinoresinol, secoisolariciresinol and syringaresinol were detected and quantified for the first time in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in commercial pomegranate juices by means of GC–MS. The total lignan content in the different plant parts was estimated as follows: 36.1±0.3μg/g in seeds, 17.8±0.2μg/g in wood knots, 11.2±0.2μg/g in fruit pulp, 3.3±0.1μg/g in endocarp. Secondary metabolite distribution varied greatly in the evaluated samples, with syringaresinol being the most abundant contributor in seeds (23.5±0.4μg/g) and pinoresinol in knots, pulp, endocarp and juice (8.9±0.3, 7.4±0.2, 3.3±0.1 and 2.1±0.2μg/g, respectively). A survey on two concentrated juices and three commercial pomegranate beverages evidenced the presence of lignans in all of them, with values ranging from 0.4±0.1 to 4.4±0.1μg/g. Lignans may be relevant contributors to the purported dietary beneficial properties of pomegranate juice and their considerable abundance in agro-industrial waste materials could render P. granatum by-products an inexpensive and renewable natural source of these healthy compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Punica granatum Linn. (Punicaceae) flower buds are used in the treatment of asthma traditionally, so the present work was undertaken to prove it scientifically using suitable animal models. Antihistaminic principles are useful in the treatment of asthma,;hence, in present work antihistaminic activity of various extracts of P. granatum flower buds was checked using clonidine-induced catalepsy and haloperidol-induced catalepsy in Swiss albino mice at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o. The results showed that ethanol extracts (100 mg/kg, p.o.) are having significant antihistaminic activity amongst other extracts. Thus, it can be concluded that tannins from the flower buds of P. granatum may be responsible for antihistaminic activity and may have potential role in the treatment of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Food-borne diseases such as listeriosis and diseases caused by the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus) are globally recognized as environmental hazards to the food supply and human health. Natural inhibitors for pathogenic microorganisms have been explored in many plants. The antimicrobial activity against some food-borne pathogens by various extracts from pomegranate fruit peels was evaluated using both in vitro (agar diffusion) and in situ (food) methods. The 80% methanolic extract of peels (WME) was a potent inhibitor for Listeria monocytogenes, S. aureus, Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of WME against Salmonella enteritidis was the highest (4 mg/ml). WME afforded >1 log10 reduction of L. monocytogenes in food (fish) during storage at 4 °C. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of active inhibitors in peels, including phenolics and flavonoids. The activity of WME was related to its higher content (262.5 mg/g) of total phenolics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study investigates the adsorption potential of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel as an adsorbent for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption was studied as a function of contact time, initial concentration and temperature by batch method. The adsorption capacity of pomegranate peel adsorbent for 2,4-DCP was found to be 65.7mgg−1. The equilibrium adsorption data was well described by the Langmuir model. Kinetic studies suggest that the present system of phenol adsorption on pomegranate peel adsorbent could be described more favorably by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Column studies were also undertaken in order to test the practical utility of prepared adsorbent and found promising. After the adsorption studies, the phenol-laden adsorbent was stabilized in cement for its ultimate disposal. The results of the present study clearly reveal that prepared adsorbent can be used beneficially in treating industrial effluents containing phenols and safely disposed of by stabilizing into cement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]