Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant efficacy of methanol and acetone extracts of Punica granatum L . peel

The peel of the Pomegranate, Punica granatum L., is a rich source of bioactive substances with strong biological effects. Whereas, P. granatum peel, constitutes about 30-40 % of fruit weight, discarded as biological debris. The current research was intended to collect valuable information regarding phytochemical constituents and antioxidant efficacy of P. granatum peel. The methanol and acetone extracts of P. granatum peel were assessed for total phenolic, total flavonoid, total sugar, reducing sugar and nonreducing sugar contents. Phytochemical analysis results indicated that methanol and acetone extract possess total phenolics (244.11 and 196.47 mg GAE /g), total flavonoid (106.50 and 63.35 mg CE /g), total sugar (525.89 and 215.76 mg/g), reducing sugar (471.68 and 192.14 mg/g), non-reducing sugar (54.21 and 23.62 mg/g). The antioxidant efficacy was assessed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical-based assays. In DPPH and ABTS assays, it was observed that methanol extract ( IC 50 75.63 mu g/ml and IC 50 77.54 mu g/ml) exhibited a significantly higher degree of free radical scavenging activity than acetone extract ( IC 50 104.19 mu g/ml and IC 50 105.63 mu g/ml). Thus, P. granatum peel offers the opportunity to be utilised in the production of novel nutraceuticals, functional foods and other valuable products, providing opportunities for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.