EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AND IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PUNICA GRANATUM L. PEEL EXTRACTS

Abstract

Fruit wastes rich in bioactive compounds are increasingly recognized for their potential in various product formulations. The significant global demand for pomegranates and the considerable waste produced during their processing highlights the importance to evaluate the properties of pomegranate peel. The study focuses on a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of pomegranate peel, and its antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Pomegranate peel water extract (POWE) and ethanol extract (POEE) were analyzed using High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Quadrupole Time of Flight (HRLCMS-QTOF) in both positive and negative ion modes. HRLCMS-QTOF identified 98 distinct compounds in POEE and 91 in POWE, with phenolic and polyphenolic compounds being prominent, along with significant amounts of lipid derivatives, organic acid derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds. The total polyphenol content was higher in POEE (390.05 ± 2.1 mg GAE/g) compared to POWE (330.25 ±1.4 mg GAE/g), and both extracts demonstrated good antioxidant activity. Both POWE and POEE exhibited similar antibacterial activities with MIC and MBC values ranging between 10 and 40 mg/mL, against tested organisms. Overall, the results indicate that pomegranate peel extracts have significant potential as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agent, which may find applications in formulation of industrial products and functional foods.