The Simultaneous Use of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Methyl Jasmonate Vapor as an Innovative Strategy for Reducing Chilling Injury and Maintaining Pomegranate Fruit Quality at Suboptimal Temperatures

Spain is one of the main contributors to global pomegranate production. Pomegranate presents a challenge for preservation at suboptimal temperatures. Preserving this fruit for an extended period is challenging due to its susceptibility to chilling injury (CI). For this reason, we have examined different postharvest treatments to extend the pomegranate shelf life and their potential impact on reducing CI. For this reason, two postharvest treatments have been applied: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1000 nL L-1 1-MCP) and methyl jasmonate vapors (0.01 mM MeJA), a natural elicitor found in many plant organs that induces a wide range of physiological processes, including the activation of defense mechanisms against stress. Following the application of these treatments and subsequent fruit storage at 2 °C for 90 days, maintenance of firmness and membrane integrity was observed. Additionally, a positive synergic effect was observed in these quality traits when combining both substances (1-MCP + MeJA), especially with regard to delaying weight loss, the external color evolution, and total polyphenol accumulation. On the other hand, MeJA treatment alone or in combination with 1-MCP also increased the anthocyanin content in arils, thereby enhancing the fruit quality. In general, the best results were observed when these two different technologies were applied as a combined treatment, especially in terms of maintaining quality traits such as fruit firmness and total acidity and reducing weight loss and CI. This is the first time that these two substances have been tested together in any fruit species, and their simultaneous application in the same container represents an innovative approach that could be an interesting tool for commercial purposes.

First assessment of Iranian pomegranate germplasm using targeted metabolites and morphological traits to develop the core collection and modeling of the current and future spatial distribution under climate change conditions

Pomegranate has been considered a medicinal plant due to its rich nutrients and bioactive compounds. Since environmental conditions affect the amount and composition of metabolites, selecting suitable locations for cultivation would be vital to achieve optimal production. In this study, data on the diversity of targeted metabolites and morphological traits of 152 Iranian pomegranate genotypes were collected and combined in order to establish the first core collection. The multivariate analyses were conducted including principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. In addition, the current and future geographical distribution of pomegranate in Iran was predicted to identify suitable locations using the MaxEnt model. The results showed high diversity in the studied morphological and metabolic traits. The PCA results indicated that FFS, NFT, JA, and AA are the most important traits in discriminating the studied genotypes. A constructed core collection using maximization strategy consisted of 20 genotypes and accounted for 13.16% of the entire collection. Shannon-Weaver diversity index of a core collection was similar or greater than the entire collection. Evaluation of the core collection using four parameters of MD, VD, CR, and VR also indicated the maintenance of the genetic diversity of the original set. According to the MaxEnt model, altitude, average temperature of coldest quarter, and isothertmality were the key factors for the distribution of pomegranate. The most suitable areas for pomegranate cultivation were also determined which were located in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. The geographic distribution of pomegranate in the future showed that the main provinces of pomegranate cultivation would be less affected by climatic conditions by the middle of the century. The results of this study provide valuable information for selection of elite genotypes to develop the breeding programs to obtain the cultivars with the highest levels of metabolic compounds for pharmaceutical purposes, as well as identification of the most suitable agro-ecological zones for orchard establishment.

The efficacy of applying some plants and herbs in cancer therapy for humans and animals – a comperhensive review

Cancer is a challenging ailment and represents the main reason for death worldwide for humans and animals. Although great developments have hindered cancer progression, several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy. Natural remedies, such as the usage of medicinal plant or their products in cancer treatment, may decrease prejudicial side properties. Recently, the modern research scheme and innovative screening practices for herbs or plants have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This criticism highlights herbs such as acacia, basil, black seeds, cedar, castus, ficus, garlic, ginger, indigo, onion, pomegranate, quince, and thyme, promising anticancer effects. The present review also revealed the mode of action of each herb as anticancer effects at level in vitro and in vivo studies. The item also totalizes the vital mechanisms and signaling molecules involved in preventing cancer diseases. This will fill the investigate gap in the exploration of using natural molecules and encourage researchers in clinical trials of anticancer agents from herbs for humans and animals.

Hybrid Assembly and Annotation of the Genome of the Indian Punica granatum, a Superfood

The wonder fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum, family Lythraceae) is one of India’s economically important fruit crops that can grow in different agro-climatic conditions ranging from tropical to temperate regions. This study reports high-quality de novo draft hybrid genome assembly of diploid Punica cultivar “Bhagwa” and identifies its genomic features. This cultivar is most common among the farmers due to its high sustainability, glossy red color, soft seed, and nutraceutical properties with high market value. The draft genome assembly is about 361.76 Mb (N50 = 40 Mb), ∼9.0 Mb more than the genome size estimated by flow cytometry. The genome is 90.9% complete, and only 26.68% of the genome is occupied by transposable elements and has a relative abundance of 369.93 SSRs/Mb of the genome. A total of 30,803 proteins and their putative functions were predicted. Comparative whole-genome analysis revealed Eucalyptus grandis as the nearest neighbor. KEGG-KASS annotations indicated an abundance of genes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and secondary metabolites, which are responsible for various medicinal properties of pomegranate, including anticancer, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The genome and gene annotations provide new insights into the pharmacological properties of the secondary metabolites synthesized in pomegranate. They will also serve as a valuable resource in mining biosynthetic pathways for key metabolites, novel genes, and variations associated with disease resistance, which can facilitate the breeding of new varieties with high yield and superior quality.

Analysis of coloration characteristics of Tunisian soft-seed pomegranate arils based on transcriptome and metabolome

In this study, combining metabolome and transcriptome, color related attributes and phenolic compositions of Tunisian pomegranate arils from 7 Chinese regions at same developing stage were studied. The total anthocyanin (TAC), flavonoids, and percent polymeric color (PPC) were ranged at 8.93-28.41 mg/100 g arils, 37.55-69.72 mg/100 g arils, and 3.38-21.96%, respectively. In total, 51 phenolic compounds were characterized, most of which were markedly higher in reddish-purple pomegranate arils than those levels in reddish pomegranate arils. In contrast, the accumulation of tannins was significantly higher in reddish pomegranate arils. Among the 49 differentially expressed genes, 8 and 5 genes were matched to β-glucosidase and peroxidase, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that PPC was negatively correlated with 10 phenolic metabolites and TAC, positively correlated with L*, polymeric color, and 1 gene (|r| > 0.7, p < 0.01). Our results provide new insights for understanding the difference in coloration of pomegranate arils.

Analysis of the Phytochemical Composition of Pomegranate Fruit Juices, Peels and Kernels: A Comparative Study on Four Cultivars Grown in Southern Italy

The increasing popularity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), driven by the awareness of its nutraceutical properties and excellent environmental adaptability, is promoting a global expansion of its production area. This investigation reports the variability in the weight, moisture, pH, total soluble solids, carbohydrates, organic acids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, antioxidant activities, and element composition of different fruit parts (juices, peels, and kernels) from four (Ako, Emek, Kamel, and Wonderful One) of the most widely cultivated Israeli pomegranate varieties in Salento (South Italy). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic characterization of different fruit parts from pomegranate cultivars grown simultaneously in the same orchard and subjected to identical agronomic and environmental conditions. Significant genotype-dependent variability was observed for many of the investigated parameters, though without any correlation among fruit parts. The levels of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids of all samples were higher than the literature-reported data, as was the antioxidant activity. This is likely due to positive interactions among genotypes, the environment, and good agricultural practices. This study also confirms that pomegranate kernels and peels are, respectively, rich sources of punicic acid and phenols together, with several other bioactive molecules. However, the variability in their levels emphasizes the need for further research to better exploit their agro-industrial potential and thereby increase juice-production chain sustainability. This study will help to assist breeders and growers to respond to consumer and industrial preferences and encourage the development of biorefinery strategies for the utilization of pomegranate by-products as nutraceuticals or value-added ingredients for custom-tailored supplemented foods.

New insights into chemical compositions and health promoting effects of edible oils from new resources

This paper discusses the chemical compositions and health benefits of several kinds of oils which are extracted from new resources, including avocado seed oil, jackfruit seed oil, papaya seed oil, custard-apple seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, cherry seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil. In addition, the beneficial components found in these oils provide a future trend towards the utilization of seed oils as functional foods in the prevention and management of various chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the development prospects of some seed oils, such as papaya seed oil or custard-apple seed oil, need to be further studied and reconsidered due to the unconfirmed edibility. Furthermore, some other hindrances need to be solved to make better use of these valuable food industry by-products.

The effect of laser on the efficiency of membrane clarification of pomegranate juice

In this study, a laser node with power 1 W and wavelength 532 nm was used to reduce the membrane fouling and evaluate its effect on the efficiency of membrane clarification of pomegranate juice. The results showed that the permeate flux increased in the presence of the laser due to the decrease in total resistance. Also, application of the laser in the pressurized process of 0.5 bar and the flow rate of 10 mL s^-1 had the best performance on the permeate flux. In addition, the laser alignment is an important parameter that gives the most efficiency in case of the vertical angle and the large surface exposure. This was confirmed by images obtained by scanning electron microscope. Evaluation of physicochemical properties of the pomegranate juice showed that they changed after membrane clarification; however, the rate of changes in the most parameters (except pH, total soluble solids content and color parameters) in two processes with and without the laser was same.

Distribution of fluopyram and tebuconazole in pomegranate tissues and their risk assessment

Residue distribution of fluopyram and tebuconazole was assessed in pomegranate whole fruit, aril, outer peel (pericarp), inner peel (mesocarp) and leaves. The method LOQ of fluopyram and tebuconazole were 0.01 and 0.02 mg kg^-1, respectively. Both fungicides remained in fruit peel and residues in edible aril were < LOQ. In fruit peel major portion of the fungicides remained on pericarp with minimal movement to mesocarp. In mesocarp fluopyram was 5.7-14.2%; tebuconazole, 7.5-14.4% of the residues in pericarp. Terminal residues of fluopyram and tebuconazole in pomegranate whole fruit were 0.037-0.094 and 0.036-0.096 mg kg^-1. Half-life of fluopyram in pomegranate fruit and leaves were 7.3-9.1 and 15 days; tebuconazole, 8-10.3 and 11.2-12.6 days, respectively. Pre-harvest intervals for treatment of combination formulation of fluopyram and tebuconazole, were 47-59 days in fruits, 158-173 in leaves. Dietary risk assessment demonstrated that consumption of peel and leaves may pose risk to human health, whereas fruit consumption was considered safe.

Tangerine, banana and pomegranate peels valorisation for sustainable environment: A review

Over the last decade the world has been generating a high quantity of tangerine peel waste (TPW), pomegranate peel waste (PPW) and banana peel waste (BPW). These peels have several economic benefits but there is mismanagement or inappropriate valorisation that could present risks to environment and public health. In the current review, we discussed the use of TPW, PPW and BPW directly for animal feed, soil fertilization, specific compost production and bio-adsorbent. We also discussed the valorisation of these peels for manufacturing the value-added products including enzymes, essential oil and other products that can be used in human food, in medical and cosmetic industry. Additionally, recent studies concerning the valorisation of these peels by biorefinery for bioethanol, biogas and biohydrogen production have been discussed. In the same context some other recent studies about valorisation of microorganisms isolated from these peels for medical, agronomic and industrial interests have been also discussed.

Estrogen receptors-β and serotonin mediate the antidepressant-like effect of an aqueous extract of pomegranate in ovariectomized rats

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit is of particular interest because of its high nutritional value and therapeutic actions. Recently, we showed that an aqueous extract of pomegranate (AE-PG) given by oral route induced antidepressant-like actions mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs) suggesting its potential to function as an alternative to estrogen therapy replacement in menopause-related depression treatment. Orally administered AE-PG allows the biotransformation of ellagitannins into active estrogenic compounds through the intestinal microbiota. However, it is necessary to know if compounds that do not need to be biotransformed by the intestinal microbiota are involved in the antidepressant-like effects. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to determine if AE-PG produces an antidepressant-like effect when administered intraperitoneally. Also, to determine the participation of specific ER-subtypes (α or β) and to analyze the role of the serotonergic system. Young female Wistar rats were ovariectomized as a surgical model of menopause. The intraperitoneal administration of AE-PG (1 mg/kg; i. p.) was evaluated in the forced swimming test and open field tests. Also, the ERα antagonist (TPBM; 50 μg/rat; s. c.) or the ERβ antagonist (PHTPP; 25 μg/rat; s. c.) were administered with AE-PG to analyze the participation of the specific ERs. Finally, the effect of the serotonin neurotoxin 5,7-DHT (200 μg/rat; i. c.v.) on the antidepressant-like effect of the AE-PG was studied in independent experimental groups. RESULTS: showed that AE-PG administered by intraperitoneal route induced antidepressant-like effects. This result suggests that gut microbiota biotransformation is not necessary to exert its actions. The mechanism of action involves the activation of the ERβ and the serotonergic system. Altogether, this information contributes to the elucidation of the antidepressant action of the pomegranate fruit, which could be further considered as an alternative treatment for depression during menopause.

Processing Factors Affecting the Phytochemical and Nutritional Properties of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Waste: A Review

Pomegranate peel has substantial amounts of phenolic compounds, such as hydrolysable tannins (punicalin, punicalagin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid), flavonoids (anthocyanins and catechins), and nutrients, which are responsible for its biological activity. However, during processing, the level of peel compounds can be significantly altered depending on the peel processing technique used, for example, ranging from 38.6 to 50.3 mg/g for punicalagins. This review focuses on the influence of postharvest processing factors on the pharmacological, phytochemical, and nutritional properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel. Various peel drying strategies (sun drying, microwave drying, vacuum drying, and oven drying) and different extraction protocols (solvent, super-critical fluid, ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and pressurized liquid extractions) that are used to recover phytochemical compounds of the pomegranate peel are described. A total phenolic content of 40.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DM was recorded when sun drying was used, but the recovery of the total phenolic content was higher at 264.3 mg TAE/g when pressurised liquid extraction was performed. However, pressurised liquid extraction is costly due to the high initial investment costs and the limited possibility of carrying out selective extractions of organic compounds from complex peel samples. The effects of these methods on the phytochemical profiles of pomegranate peel extracts are also influenced by the cultivar and conditions used, making it difficult to determine best practice. For example, oven drying at 60 °C resulted in higher levels of punicalin of 888.04 mg CE/kg DM compared to those obtained 40 °C of 768.11 mg CE/kg DM for the Wonderful cultivar. Processes that are easy to set up, cost-effective, and do not compromise the quality and safety aspects of the peel are, thus, more desirable. From the literature survey, we identified a lack of studies testing pretreatment protocols that may result in a lower loss of the valuable biological compounds of pomegranate peels to allow for full exploitation of their health-promoting properties in potentially new value-added products.

Detailed chemical composition of juice from autochthonous pomegranate genotypes (Punica granatum L.) grown in different locations in Montenegro

The first detailed phytochemical screening was performed on juices prepared from arils of wild pomegranate fruits taken from several locations in Montenegro with the aim of their future valorization. Particular attention is paid to the effect of pomegranate growth conditions on the juice quality. In addition to the basic parameters of pomegranate fruits and juices, nine primary metabolites (sugars, organic acids and vitamin C) were determined in the juices. Among 97 phenolic compounds, 23 anthocyanins and their derivatives, 33 ellagitannins and derivatives of ellagic acid, 12 flavanols, 4 flavonol glycosides, 1 flavone, 17 hydroxybenzoic acids and 7 hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives, were identified. Flavanols (1137-4424 mg/L) as well as ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives (1849-2991 mg/L) had the highest concentrations in pomegranate juices. Juices from the pomegranates grown on two soil types had total analyzed phenolics ranging from 4387 mg/L (Eutric Cambisol) up to 8461 mg/L (Terra Rossa).

Influence of pomegranate seed extract on the formation of biogenic amines in a cereal based fermented food: Tarhana

In this research, biogenic amine content, acidity, pH values, total free amino acid content (TFAA), ash content, colour values (CIE L*, a*, b*), total phenolic compound content (TPCC) and antioxidant activity values of tarhana, which were fortified with pomegranate seed extract (PSE) in different ratios (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) were evaluated during six months of storage. It has been evaluated that pomegranate seed extract causes increase on TPCC, ash content and antioxidant activity values. Putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, histamine, tyramine were studied as biogenic amines. Standard addition and internal standard techniques were performed for quantification of biogenic amines. Recovery rates were found between 87.0% and 94.6%. Total biogenic amine contents of tarhana samples decreased during the first two months of storage, remained constant and increased slightly for the next four months. It was found that, pomegranate seed extract causes decrease on biogenic amine content of tarhana samples. While the average total biogenic amine content in control group was 894.70 mg/kg, tarhana samples which were fortified with pomegranate seed extracts in ratios of 0.5%, 1%, 2% contained 569.67 mg/kg, 514.52 mg/kg, 424.60 mg/kg total biogenic amine, respectively.

Development of an activated carbon impregnation process with iron oxide nanoparticles by green synthesis for diclofenac adsorption

The objective of this study was to impregnate the surface of palm coconut activated carbon with nanoparticles of iron compounds using Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and pomegranate leaf by a green synthesis method and to evaluate its adsorption capacity for sodium diclofenac. The adsorbent material was characterized by zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption/desorption (BET method), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) coupled to dispersive energy spectrometry X-ray (EDX) methods. To evaluate the adsorption capacity of sodium diclofenac, the influence of pH, kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic properties were analysed. The impregnated adsorbents showed efficiency in the adsorption of sodium diclofenac. The kinetic model that best fit the experimental data was the pseudo-second-order model, and the equilibrium model was the Langmuir model. As for the thermodynamic study, it was verified that the adsorption reaction for all adsorbents occurs in a spontaneous, favourable way, and it is endothermic by physisorption. Therefore, this process is promising because it is a clean and non-toxic method when compared with chemical methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles.

Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its Derivatives

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit that is particularly cultivated in west Asia, though it is also cultivated in the Mediterranean region and other parts of the world. Since ancient years, its consumption has been associated with numerous health benefits. In recent years, several in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed its beneficial physiological activities, especially its antioxidative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, human-based studies have shown promising results and have indicated pomegranate potential as a protective agent of several diseases. Following that trend and the food industry's demand for antioxidants and antimicrobials from natural sources, the application of pomegranate and its extracts (mainly as antioxidants and antimicrobials), has been studied extensively in different types of food products with satisfactory results. This review aims to present all the recent studies and trends in the applications of pomegranate in the food industry and how these trends have affected product's physicochemical characteristics and shelf-life. In addition, recent in vitro and in vivo studies are presented in order to reveal pomegranate's potential in the treatment of several diseases.

Effect of different coatings on post-harvest quality and bioactive compounds of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits

The effect of three different coatings; resin wax (Britex Ti), carnauba wax (Xedasol M14), and chitosan (1 and 2 % w/v) on postharvest quality of pomegranate fruits were investigated. Fruits quality characteristics and bioactive compounds were evaluated during 40, 80 and 120 days storage at 4.5 °C and 3 additional days at 20 °C. The results showed that uncoated fruits showed higher respiration rate, weight loss, L* and b* values of arils, total soluble solids (TSS)/titratable acidity (TA), and pH than coated fruits during storage. Coating treatments could delay declining TSS and TA percent, a* value of arils, as well as bioactive compounds such as total phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins content and antioxidant activity. The coated fruits with commercial resin and carnauba waxes showed significantly lower respiration rate and weight loss than other treatments, however carnauba wax could maintain considerably higher fruits quality and bioactive compounds than other coating treatments. The results suggested that postharvest application of carnauba wax have a potential to extend storage life of pomegranate fruits by reducing respiration rate, water loss and maintaining fruit quality.

Influence of processing on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice flavor and aroma

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of technological treatment on pomegranate juice flavor characteristics, aromatic compounds and physicochemical properties. Fresh, fresh frozen, pasteurized and reconstituted juice samples were made from Wonderful variety pomegranates. The samples were analyzed for their flavor profiles, aromatic compound content and physicochemical parameters (total soluble solids, pH, acidity and total phenolic content).

RESULTS

The results indicated differences among the samples' flavor characteristics. The most differentiated was the reconstituted sample with fermented and brown flavors, while fresh, fresh frozen, and pasteurized samples did not vary as much. Concentration of aromatic compounds was lower than expected. However, this finding was in line with the flavor profiles of the samples. Some flavors as well as total phenolic content were found to be lower than what has been previously reported, and this may be the result of a number of variables such as the season, growing region and subspecies of the fruit variety.

CONCLUSIONS

Processing has an effect on pomegranate juice properties; however, the effect is different depending on the processing method chosen. Drying and reconstituting pomegranate seeds have an impact on flavor and aromatic compounds, as well as total phenolic content.

Inhibitory Effects of Two Varieties of Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Extracts on Gastrointestinal Transit in Rat

The present study was undertaken to determine whether total and methanol juice extracts of two Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties (Garsi and Gabsi) protect against diarrhea as well as their effects on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in healthy rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats were used and divided into control- and pomegranate-treated groups. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea method and the GIT was assessed using charcoal meal. Our results showed that total and methanol P. granatum juice extracts produced a significant dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea. Pomegranate extracts and juice also decreased the GIT significantly and dose dependently. Importantly, the Garsi variety appeared to be more effective than the Gabsi variety on these two parameters. These findings suggest that pomegranate extracts have a potent antidiarrheal property in rats confirming their efficiency in the Tunisian traditional medicine.

Evaluation of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) fruits for their polyphenol content, antioxidant properties, and nutritional components

Nutritional compounds (phenolic compounds, L-ascorbic acid), antioxidant activities, and physicochemical characteristics (fruit weight, dry matter, soluble solids, pH, acidity, total and reducing sugars) of 33 different sour cherry cultivars were studied. Polyphenols were identified by LC-PDA-QTOF/MS and quantified by UPLC-PDA-FL. A total of 41 polyphenolic compounds found were identified and presented as 14 flavan-3-ols, 11 anthocyanins, 5 hydroxycinnamic acids, 10 flavonols, and 1 flavon. The content of total polyphenols (TPs) ranged from 2982.51 ('Wisok' cultivar) to 1539.43 mg/100 g dry weight ('Erdi Nagygyϋmϋscu'cultivar). Flavan-3-ols, the major class of sour cherry polyphenols, represented ∼ 40% of the TP compounds, whereas anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids amounted for about 25% each. The content of l-ascorbic acid did not exceed 22.18 mg/100 g fresh matter. Some polish sour cherry cultivars (especially 'Agat', 'Ametyst', 'Wider', 'Winer', and 'Wisok') may be selected to promote the growth of cultivars with strong nutritional and phytochemical beneficial effects on human health.

Small deformation viscoelastic and thermal behaviours of pomegranate seed pips CMC gels

The current investigation presents an exploration in phase behaviour of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produced from pomegranate seed pips compared to low and high viscosity CMCs (LMCMC and HMCMC) primarily at low solid concentrations. Cellulose was extracted with 10 % NaOH at 35 °C for 22 h from pomegranate seed pips and converted to CMC by etherification process. Thermomechanical analysis and micro-imaging were carried out using small deformation dynamic oscillation in shear, modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results emphasize the importance of molecular interaction and the degree of substitution in produced CMC. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) thermograms showed an initial weight loss in pomegranate seed pips CMC (PSCMC) sample, which we attribute to presence of amount of moisture in sample powder. MDSC analysis of PSCMC showed five different peaks at 84, 104, 173, 307 and 361 °C. Moreover, G' and G" changes were found to be dependent on both concentration and frequency. The results of frequency sweep and tan δ indicate that PSCMC solutions can be classified as weak gels.

Pomegranate fruit as a rich source of biologically active compounds

Pomegranate is a widely used plant having medicinal properties. In this review, we have mainly focused on the already published data from our laboratory pertaining to the effect of methanol extract of pericarp of pomegranate (PME) and have compared it with other relevant literatures on Punica. Earlier, we had shown its antiproliferative effect using human breast (MCF-7, MDA MB-231), and endometrial (HEC-1A), cervical (SiHa, HeLa), and ovarian (SKOV3) cancer cell lines, and normal breast fibroblasts (MCF-10A) at concentration of 20-320 μg/mL. The expressions of selected estrogen responsive genes (PR, pS2, and C-Myc) were downregulated by PME. Unlike estradiol, PME did not increase the uterine weight and proliferation in bilaterally ovariectomized Swiss-Albino mice models and its cardioprotective effects were comparable to that of 17 β -estradiol. We had further assessed the protective role of PME on skeletal system, using MC3T3-E1 cells. The results indicated that PME (80 μg/mL) significantly increased ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) activity, supporting its suggested role in modulating osteoblastic cell differentiation. The antiosteoporotic potential of PME was also evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) rodent model. The results from our studies and from various other studies support the fact that pomegranate fruit is indeed a source of biologically active compounds.

Variability of phytochemical properties and content of bioactive compounds in Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica berries

Phytochemical profiles of four different honeysuckle varieties and four genotypes were studied. Polyphenols were identified by LC-PDA-QTOF/MS and quantified by UPLC-PDA and UPLC-FL. A total of 21 polyphenolic compounds found in the investigated fruit tissues were identified and presented as 6 anthocyanins, 6 flavan-3-ols, 4 phenolic acids, 3 flavanols, and 2 flavones. Among the identified compounds polymeric procyanidins and one luteolin derivative were quantified for the first time. Anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols were the major classes of honeysuckle polyphenols. The content of total polyphenols was between 775 mg (genotype 'Klon 38') and 2005 mg/100 g dry matter (cultivar 'Duet'). The content of ascorbic acid ranged from 3.19 to 32.12 mg/100 g fresh matter for genotypes 'Klon C' and 'Klon 44', respectively. The content of polyphenolic compounds was highly correlated with the antioxidant activity. Some honeysuckle genotypes may be deemed interesting as applicable in human nutrition.

Assessment of pomegranate wine lees as a valuable source for the recovery of (poly)phenolic compounds

Wine lees are the residue formed at the bottom of recipients containing wine after fermentation and are mainly composed of yeast. They can be applied for the recovery of value-added phytochemicals owing to the ability of yeast to form molecular interactions with (poly)phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of lees obtained as by-products after winemaking of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice. Pomegranate wine lees showed high both phenolic content (about 30 mg GAE/g dry matter) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH and ABTS(+) assays. The phytochemical screening of this by-product by UHPLC-ESI-MS(n) allowed the identification of up to 39 chemicals, being hydrolysable tannins and anthocyanins the predominant structures. Ellagic acid and gallic acid were present in high amounts. In addition, mineral composition was also assessed. Overall, pomegranate wine lees resulted in a promising source for the recovery of bioactive polyphenols with potential applications in different industrial fields.

Mass modeling of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit with some physical characteristics

Horticultural crops with the similar weight and uniform shape are in high demand in terms of marketing value, which are used as food. For proper design of grading systems, important relationships among the mass and other properties of fruits such as length, width, thickness, volumes, and projected areas must be known. The aim of this research was to measure and present some physical properties of fig fruits. In addition, Linear, Quadratic, S-curve, and Power models are used for mass predication of fig fruits based on measured physical properties. The results showed that all measured physical properties were statistically significant at the 1% probability level. For mass predication of fig fruits, the best and the worst models were obtained based on criteria projected area and thickness of the fruits with determination coefficients (R²) of 0.984 and 0.664, respectively. At last, from economical standpoint, mass modeling of fig fruits based on first projected area is recommended.

Quality and antioxidant properties of a reduced-sugar pomegranate juice jelly with an aqueous extract of pomegranate peels

In the present study, the production of a reduced-sugar pomegranate juice jelly supplemented with an aqueous extract of pomegranate peel (PE) is described. Influence of different carbohydrate polymers (guar (G), xanthan (X) and tragacanth (T) gums) on rheological properties was studied. Combination GXT presented the most similar rheological behaviour to commercial jelly. Jelly (J) and jelly with PE (JE) were stored at 4°C over an 8week period for physical, chemical, antioxidant, microbiological and sensory analysis. J and JE showed similar values for °Brix, colour and Aw, though the pH of JE was lower than J. Thiol and phenolic compounds were higher in JE than in J. Antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity and autoxidation of linoleic acid) was higher in JE than in J at 0weeks, and were decreasing with time. Pomegranate juice with additives was generally less accepted than J and JE.

Obesity: the preventive role of the pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Obesity represents a rapidly growing threat to the health of populations in an increasing number of countries. Diet intervention has been proposed as one of the strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance. Traditionally, the pomegranate, including its roots, tree bark, fruit juice, leaves, and flowers, has been used to treat some conditions such as diarrhea, hemorrhage, acidosis, and microbial infections. Pomegranate extracts have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even antitumor properties in vivo and in vitro. More recently, positive effects on fat reduction have been shown using the pomegranate and its extracts. Many of the beneficial effects are related to the presence of anthocyanins, tannins, and very high levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. Many studies have explored the effects of the pomegranate in obesity, and various mechanisms have been proposed as to how these different extracts help in fat reduction. This article provides an overview of the work done addressing the potential benefits of the pomegranate on obesity and assesses the efficacy of intervention by means of the pomegranate and its extracts. Human studies in this field are still limited and need more attention that would help in understanding the preventive and protective roles pomegranate extracts have on obesity.

Phytochemical characterisation for industrial use of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Spain

BACKGROUND

The study of 15 pomegranate cultivars was carried out in order to demonstrate the wide diversity among the quality of Spanish pomegranates, and compared to 'Wonderful' cultivars, which are used worldwide for industrial purposes. Juice yield, quality parameters, organic acids and sugars, colour, vitamin C, ellagic acid, punicalagins, anthocyanins, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and sensory properties were measured.

RESULTS

A considerable variation was found between 'Wonderful' and pomegranates of Spanish origin, according to both cluster analysis and principal component analysis. 'Wonderful' juices displayed large antioxidant activity and a polyphenol content with very high acidity. In contrast, 'Mollar de Elche' showed fewer anthocyanins although it had very superior organoleptical properties. In addition to a high content in ellagitannins, 'Valenciana' juices had exclusive colour parameters.

CONCLUSION

These useful results can be employed by the juice processing industry to select those properties more interesting for the development of pomegranate juices that are organoleptically attractive and rich in bioactive compounds.