Phytochemical characterisation and antioxidant capacities of pomegranate peel

Pomegranate peel, a biological waste, is of great interest due to its higher gallic acid, catechin and quercetin contents and their therapeutic action. The current research focuses on the evaluation of pomegranate peel extracts of two cultivars, Badana and Kandhari. Polyphenols from various concentrations of ethanol were extracted and analysed by modern techniques. Results indicated that the extract of Badana showed the highest phenolics (667.14 & PLUSMN; 7.48 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (151.54 & PLUSMN; 2.01 mg CE/g), antioxidant activity by DPPH (87.77% & PLUSMN; 0.16% inhibition) and FRAP (70.54 & PLUSMN; 0.25 mmol/100 g). Also, the 70% hydroalcoholic Kandhari extract exhibited the highest flavonoids in comparison to 50% and 100% extracts. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated numerous functional groups such as alkyl halides, alcohols, polyphenols, alkenes, carbonyl and carboxylic acid. The HPLC chromatogram revealed the presence of gallic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and sinapic acid with the highest concentration of gallic acid in Badana extract. So, here we concluded that 70% hydroethanolic Badana extract is an excellent source of bioactive components and can further be utilised for value addition and curative attributes.

Automated summary

Pomegranate peel, a biological waste, is rich in gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin, which have therapeutic effects. This study evaluated the extracts from two cultivars, Badana and Kandhari, finding that Badana extract had the highest phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis showed the presence of various bioactive compounds, with gallic acid being the most abundant in Badana extract. Overall, the 70% hydroethanolic Badana extract is a valuable source of bioactive components.