Valorization of Punica granatum L. Leaves Extracts as a Source of Bioactive Molecules

Abstract

Due to a lack of innovative valorization strategies, pomegranate processing generates a significant amount of residues with a negative environmental footprint. These by-products are a rich source of bioactive compounds with functional and medicinal benefits. This study reports the valorization of pomegranate leaves as a source of bioactive ingredients using maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted extraction techniques. The phenolic composition of the leaf extracts was analyzed using an HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn system. The extracts’ antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and skin-beneficial properties were determined using validated in vitro methodologies. The results showed that gallic acid, (-)-epicatechin, and granatin B were the most abundant compounds in the three hydroethanolic extracts (between 0.95 and 1.45, 0.7 and 2.4, and 0.133 and 3.0 mg/g, respectively). The leaf extracts revealed broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against clinical and food pathogens. They also presented antioxidant potential and cytotoxic effects against all tested cancer cell lines. In addition, tyrosinase activity was also verified. The tested concentrations (50–400 µg/mL) ensured a cellular viability higher than 70% in both keratinocyte and fibroblast skin cell lines. The obtained results indicate that the pomegranate leaves could be used as a low-cost source of value-added functional ingredients for potential nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications.

Effect of Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid on Human Fibroblasts In Vitro: A Preliminary Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential

“…For instance, Yan H et al [ 40 ] reported that polyphenols in pomegranate peel accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice by increasing fibroblast infiltration, collagen regeneration, and vascularization/epithelialization in the wound area. Recently, Marcelino et al [ 41 ] found that exposure to bioactive compounds extracted from pomegranate leaves at concentrations of 50 to 400 μg/mL increased the viability of human fibroblasts by >70% and of keratinocytes by >50% at the highest concentrations. In a rat study, the application of hydrogels enriched with ellagic acid to wounds contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reduced the wound area, inhibited infection, and promoted angiogenesis and collagen deposition [ 42 ].…”

Exploring the Potential of Extracts from Sloanea medusula and S. calva: Formulating Two Skincare Gels with Antioxidant, Sun Protective Factor, and Anti-Candida albicans Activities

“…In general, identified compounds in HPLC-MS analysis have exhibited properties that benefit skin health, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, cytotoxic, and wound-healing properties [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Therefore, these compounds may be responsible for the observed biological activities.…”

New 1H‐1,2,4‐Triazolyl Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents

“…[2][3][4][5][6] The resistance problem can be addressed by the development of innovative agents with different modes of action to avoid cross-resistance with current therapeutics. [7] Therefore, new classes of antibacterial agents with new mechanisms are critically needed to combat multidrug-resistant infections. Several azole derivatives have been recently developed as new antibacterial agents.…”