Pharmacotherapeutic potential of pomegranate in age-related neurological disorders

Phytochemical profile, nutritional composition of pomegranate peel and peel extract as a potential source of nutraceutical: A comprehensive review

The current study focuses on Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) peel and peel extract and their use as functional foods, food additives, or physiologically active constituents in nutraceutical formulations. The pomegranate peel extract is a good source of bioactive substances needed for the biological activity of the fruit, including phenolic acids, minerals, flavonoids (anthocyanins), and hydrolyzable tannins (gallic acid). The macromolecules found in pomegranate peel and peel extract have been recommended as substitutes for synthetic nutraceuticals, food additives, and chemo-preventive agents because of their well-known ethno-medical significance and chemical properties. Moreover, considering the promises for both their health-promoting activities and chemical properties, the dietary and nutraceutical significance of pomegranate peel and pomegranate peel extract appears to be underestimated. The present review article details their nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, food applications, nutraceutical action, and health benefits.

A review of experimental and clinical studies on the therapeutic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Focus on oxidative stress and inflammation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently linked to metabolic disorders and is prevalent in obese and diabetic patients. The pathophysiology of NAFLD involves multiple factors, including insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and genetic predisposition. Recently, there has been an emphasis on the use of herbal remedies with many people around the world resorting to phytonutrients or nutraceuticals for treatment of numerous health challenges in various national healthcare settings. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) parts, such as juice, peel, seed and flower, have high polyphenol content and is well known for its antioxidant capabilities. Pomegranate polyphenols, such as hydrolyzable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, have high antioxidant capabilities that can help lower the OS and inflammation associated with NAFLD. The study aimed to investigate whether pomegranate parts could attenuate OS, inflammation, and other risk factors associated with NAFLD, and ultimately prevent the development of the disease. The findings of this study revealed that: 1. pomegranate juice contains hypoglycemic qualities that can assist manage blood sugar levels, which is vital for avoiding and treating NAFLD. 2. Polyphenols from pomegranate flowers increase paraoxonase 1 (PON1) mRNA and protein levels in the liver, which can help protect liver enzymes and prevent NAFLD. 3. Punicalagin (PU) is one of the major ellagitannins found in pomegranate, and PU-enriched pomegranate extract (PE) has been shown to inhibit HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid deposition in rats. 4. Pomegranate fruit consumption, which is high in antioxidants, can decrease the activity of AST and ALT (markers of liver damage), lower TNF-α (a marker of inflammation), and improve overall antioxidant capacity in NAFLD patients. Overall, the polyphenols in pomegranate extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and protective effects on liver enzymes, which can help prevent and manage NAFLD effects on liver enzymes, which can help prevent and manage NAFLD.

Pomegranate Extract Administration Reverses Loss of Motor Coordination and Prevents Oxidative Stress in Cerebellum of Aging Mice

The cerebellum is responsible for complex motor functions, like maintaining balance and stance, coordination of voluntary movements, motor learning, and cognitive tasks. During aging, most of these functions deteriorate, which results in falls and accidents. The aim of this work was to elucidate the effect of a standardized pomegranate extract during four months of supplementation in elderly mice to prevent frailty and improve the oxidative state. Male C57Bl/6J eighteen-month-old mice were evaluated for frailty using the "Valencia Score" at pre-supplementation and post-supplementation periods. We analyzed lipid peroxidation in the cerebellum and brain cortex and the glutathione redox status in peripheral blood. In addition, a set of aging-related genes in cerebellum and apoptosis biomarkers was measured via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that pomegranate extract supplementation improved the motor skills of C57Bl/6J aged mice in motor coordination, neuromuscular function, and monthly weight loss, but no changes in grip strength and endurance were found. Furthermore, pomegranate extract reversed the increase in malondialdehyde due to aging in the cerebellum and increased the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in the blood. Finally, aging and apoptosis biomarkers improved in aged mice supplemented with pomegranate extract in the cerebellum but not in the cerebral cortex.

Urolithin A in Health and Diseases: Prospects for Parkinson's Disease Management

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a complex pathophysiology and a range of symptoms. The prevalence increases with age, putting the ageing population at risk. Disease management includes the improvement of symptoms, the comfort of the patient's life, and palliative care. As there is currently no cure, growing evidence points towards the beneficial role of polyphenols on neurodegeneration. Numerous studies indicate the health benefits of the family of urolithins, especially urolithin A (UA). UA is a bacterial metabolite produced by dietary ellagitannins and ellagic acid. An expanding body of literature explores the involvement of the compound in mitochondrial health, and its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. The review organizes the existing knowledge on the role of UA in health and diseases, emphasizing neurodegenerative diseases, especially PD. We gathered data on the potential neuroprotective effect in in vivo and in vitro models. We discussed the possible mechanisms of action of the compound and related health benefits to give a broader perspective of potential applications of UA in neuroprotective strategies. Moreover, we projected the future directions of applying UA in PD management.

Pomegranate: A Source of Multifunctional Bioactive Compounds Potentially Beneficial in Alzheimer's Disease

Pomegranate fruit (PF) is a fruit rich in nutraceuticals. Nonedible parts of the fruit, especially peels, contain high amounts of bioactive components that have been largely used in traditional medicine, such as the Chinese, Unani, and Ayurvedic ones, for treating several diseases. Polyphenols such as anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignans are the major bioactive molecules present in PF. Therefore, PF is considered a source of natural multifunctional agents that exert simultaneously antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective activities. Recently, several studies have reported that the nutraceuticals contained in PF (seed, peel, and juice) have a potential beneficial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Research suggests that the neuroprotective effect of PF is mostly due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which contribute to attenuate the neuroinflammation associated with AD. Despite the numerous works conducted on PF, to date the mechanism by which PF acts in combatting AD is not completely known. Here, we summarize all the recent findings (in vitro and in vivo studies) related to the positive effects that PF and its bioactive components can have in the neurodegeneration processes occurring during AD. Moreover, considering the high biotransformation characteristics of the nutraceuticals present in PF, we propose to consider the chemical structure of its active metabolites as a source of inspiration to design new molecules with the same beneficial effects but less prone to be affected by the metabolic degradation process.