Antioxidant capacity changes of 3 cultivar Chinese pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices and corresponding wines

This study investigated the antioxidant capacities that included Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH), ·OH and O(2·)(-)-scavenging abilities, total polyphenols (TP) and total anthocyanins (TA) in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice (PJ) and pomegranate wine (PW). The correlations among them were also analyzed. Both PJ and PW showed significantly high TP and antioxidant capacities, but some differences existed among these cultivars. There was 1596.67 mg/L TP found in sweet PJ, while sour PJ showed the highest titratable acidity of 35.90 g/L and lowest pH value at 2.56. Red PJ was found to have the highest TA (82.26 mg/L) in the 3 cultivars. Sweet PJ showed higher DPPH-scavenging ability and higher FRAP than others. Both PJ and PW exhibited high and relatively stable ·OH-scavenging abilities, in which sour PJ and sour PW had higher O(2·)(-) scavenging capacity than others. Significant positive correlations were observed among TP, DPPH, and FRAP in both PJ and PW. A high correlation between antioxidant capacities and TP indicated that phenolic compounds were major contributors to the high antioxidant activity of PJ and PW.     

Anthocyanin and organic acid profiles of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices from registered varieties in Turkey

This is the first study to analyse the profiles of anthocyanin (ACN) and organic acid (OA) and some physico‐chemical properties of pomegranate juices (PJs) obtained from nine registered varieties in Turkey. HPLC analyses revealed that there were significant differences between ACN contents (28–447 mg L^?1) and profiles (P < 0.01). The PJs contain maximum six ACNs, 3‐glucosides and 3,5‐diglucoside of delphinidin, cyanidin and pelargonidin. The major OA in PJs was citric acid (66–74%), followed by malic (6–12%), succinic (5–19%), nonidentified (0–14%) and tartaric acids (0.1–3.7%). Amongst individual OAs, citric acid had the most significant effects on TA (r = 0.9761), pH (r = 0.9208) values and sourness of PJs. As different from literature, results of this study revealed that malic acid contents of authentic PJs could be higher than 1.5 g L^?1. Consequently, ACN and OA profiles could be successfully used in quality control because all PJs have their own typical ACN and OA profiles.     

Volatile organic compounds in the aril juices and seeds from selected five pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars

A study was conducted to investigate the distribution of volatile organic compounds in the juice and seed of the most popular five pomegranate cultivars (“Ek?i,” “Devedi?i,” “Hicaz,” “Kat?rba??,” and “Keben”) in Turkey. The volatile organic compounds were analyzed using solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 60 volatile organic compounds, belonging to six chemical groups including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, terpenes, ketones, acids, and phenol were identified. There were 11 volatile organic compounds (1-hexanol, [Z]-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-octanol, α-terpineol, β-myrcene, limonene, [E]-α-bergamotene, β-caryophyllene, hexanal, [E]-2-hexenal, and guaiacol) common to all five pomegranate juices and seeds. Hexalin, phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methyl butanal, and methyl-(1-methylethenyl) benzene were found in seeds only. According to discriminant analysis based on Eigenvalues, volatile organic compounds recovered in the juices could be used to discriminate and classify the pomegranate cultivars. “Devedi?i” and “Hicaz” were the most promising cultivars with respect to the largest volatile organic compounds, high total soluble solid and deep red color.     

Polyphenol and volatile profiles of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit extracts and liquors

This work reports on the preparation of new aromatic pomegranate liquors by maceration of pomegranate juice and arils in Arbutus unedo L. distillate. The volatile, anthocyanin and ellagitannin profiles were monitored after each step. Aromatic compounds of pomegranates, such as limonene, 1‐hexenol and trans‐caryophyllene, were detected in trace levels and showed little contribution to the liquor aroma. The main volatiles of the liquors, namely isobutanol, isopentanols, vitispiranes and volatile esters, are given by the fruit distillate. The anthocyanin contents of the pomegranate juice were around 135 mg L^?1 but decreased to about 5% of this value in the final liquors. Anthocyanin diglucoside compounds showed higher stability than their monoglucoside analogs. Punicalagins and punicalins showed contents between 80 and 135 mg L^?1, depending on the used starting pomegranate material. These ellagitannins account for 60% of the total polyphenols. The procedure can be used to prepare aromatic pomegranate liquors with high polyphenol content.     

Pulsed electric field processing of a pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fermented beverage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) (11.7 or 18 kV/cm) and pasteurization (batch or slow (VAT) and high-temperature-short time (HTST)) on the microbial, physicochemical, bioactive and sensory characteristics of a pomegranate (Punica granatum) fermented beverage (PFB) through storage at 4 °C. Bioactive compounds (antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins content) and color were measured. The microbiological counts (initial mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) of 9.77 × 10³ CFU/mL and initial molds plus yeasts (MY) of 2.04 × 10³ CFU/mL) showed that applying 6 ms of bipolar PEFs at 18 kV/cm with 200 Hz repetition frequency reduced the microbial loads in approximately 4-log cycles, remaining <10 CFU/mL of both types of microorganisms in the PFB. PEF barely affected the total soluble solids, pH, ethanol, total acidity and color. All PEF-treated and pasteurization samples showed a slight reduction in bioactive compounds during storage. In sensory acceptability, the lowest score was given to the VAT pasteurized sample; however, still acceptable (between like slightly and like moderately).Industrial relevanceThis research provides essential information on the microbiological, physicochemical, bioactive and sensory characteristics of a pomegranate fermented beverage processed with pulsed electric fields. The pulsed electric field processing of fermented beverages may provide criteria to the processing industry to use this novel technology as a processing method for delivering a microbiological safe beverage with good sensory and antioxidant characteristics to consumers.     

Phytochemical characterisation for industrial use of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Spain

BACKGROUND: The study of 15 pomegranate cultivars was carried out in order to demonstrate the wide diversity among the quality of Spanish pomegranates, and compared to ‘Wonderful’ cultivars, which are used worldwide for industrial purposes. Juice yield, quality parameters, organic acids and sugars, colour, vitamin C, ellagic acid, punicalagins, anthocyanins, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and sensory properties were measured. RESULTS: A considerable variation was found between ‘Wonderful’ and pomegranates of Spanish origin, according to both cluster analysis and principal component analysis. ‘Wonderful’ juices displayed large antioxidant activity and a polyphenol content with very high acidity. In contrast, ‘Mollar de Elche’ showed fewer anthocyanins although it had very superior organoleptical properties. In addition to a high content in ellagitannins, ‘Valenciana’ juices had exclusive colour parameters. CONCLUSION: These useful results can be employed by the juice processing industry to select those properties more interesting for the development of pomegranate juices that are organoleptically attractive and rich in bioactive compounds. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

石榴抗糖尿病生物活性的研究进展

体外和体内实验均证实石榴汁、石榴皮、石榴花、石榴籽和石榴叶等具有抗糖尿病的功效,综述了石榴多个部位的降血糖效果、降血糖活性成分及其作用机制的研究进展。石榴中的多酚类是抗糖尿病的主要活性物质,主要通过提高胰岛素受体敏感性、增强PPAR-γ（Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor,过氧化酶体增殖物激活受体）的表达、抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶活性等作用达到抗糖尿病的功效,为石榴的进一步开发利用提供参考。      

Influence of high hydrostatic pressure processing on physicochemical characteristics of a fermented pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) beverage

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure at 500 MPa/10 min (HHP1), 550 MPa/10 min (HHP2) and 600 MPa/5 min (HHP3) on the microbiological, physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of a fermented pomegranate (FP) beverage, stored for 42 days (4 ± 1 °C), was evaluated. The FP beverage was also pasteurized at 63 °C/30 min (VAT) and 72 °C/15 s (HTST). The high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and VAT pasteurized beverages did not show microbial growth (<10 CFU/mL) throughout 42 days of storage. The physicochemical characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by HHP or pasteurization. Color of the samples showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in all HHP processed and pasteurized beverages. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins increased slightly after HHP processing. Antioxidants decreased throughout the storage in all treatments. Both HHP processed and pasteurized beverages were well accepted by average consumers when evaluated using a 9-points hedonic scale.Industrial relevanceThe high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) improves the microbiological, antioxidant and sensorial stability of fermented pomegranate beverages during storage. The HHP is more common for processing fruit juices than for fermented beverages; therefore, it can be expanded to the fermented beverages industry, which could modify the today usual thermal processing methods and, or the addition of preservatives, that are not natural, for delivering high quality and healthier pomegranate fermented beverages to consumers.     

Influence of origin source, different fruit tissue and juice extraction methods on anthocyanin, phenolic acid, hydrolysable tannin and isolariciresinol contents of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits and juices

To gain more comprehensive knowledge of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit composition and its impact on juice features, fruits and juices produced from fruits of eleven different provenances were investigated by HPLC–DAD-ESI/MSⁿ for their monomeric phenolic and lignan profiles. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were monitored by the Folin-Ciocalteu, ferric reducing antioxidative power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. Peels, mesocarp, seeds and juices obtained from isolated arils (PJAs) as well as from entire fruits were separately analyzed. Ellagitannins were found to be the predominant phenolics in all samples except in PJAs. However, due to the low lignan amounts, only isolariciresinol could be quantitated in peels and mesocarp. The peels and mesocarp revealed highest contents of hydrolyzable tannins (27–172 g/kg and 32–263 g/kg, respectively) and isolariciresinol (4.9–19.8 mg/kg and 5.0–13.6 mg/kg, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, a systematic investigation of monomeric phenolic compounds and isolariciresinol considering diverse pomegranate fruits has been performed for the first time. The study demonstrates that raw material and extraction process have significant impact on juice composition and thus must be carefully selected. Furthermore, pomegranate processors should select juice extraction processes according to the final designation of the product, that is, distinguish between dietary products being rich in phenolic compounds having an astringent taste, and juices for consumption having an appealing taste but lower amounts of phenolics, respectively. This study may further contribute to facilitate authenticity control of diverse pomegranate products and help predict sensory and biofunctional characteristics of pomegranate juices.     

Anthocyanins characterization of 15 Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties and their variation after cold storage and pasteurization

Anthocyanins (ACs) are phenolic compounds that are distributed widely in fruits and vegetables. Apart from imparting color to plants, ACs also have an array of health-promoting benefits. In this research, the amounts of major ACs of 15 pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties obtained from Yazd province were determined. The major ACs detected in the studied varieties were as follows: delphinidin 3-glucoside (2.19–16.29 mg/L), delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside (2.36–63.07 mg/L), pelargonidin 3-glucoside (0.26–1.36 mg/L), pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside (0.01–8.11 mg/L), cyanidin 3-glucoside (5.78–30.38 mg/L), and cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside (4.39–166.32 mg/L). The effect of storage time of unprocessed and pasteurized juices on ACs content of four selected varieties was also studied. Average degradation percentage of each AC was between 23.0 and 83.0% during 10 days at 4 °C. Moreover, in pasteurized juices average degradation of ACs was 42.8 ± 0.5% after 10 weeks storage at 4 °C.     

Characterization and evaluation of major anthocyanins in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel of different cultivars and their development phases

Three red pomegranate cultivars of different coloration in China (Lvbaoshi, Hongbaoshi, Moshiliu) were analyzed quantitatively during ripening for individual anthocyanin (AC) pigment content. For the first time, anthocyanin peonidin-hexoside and flavonol myricetin-hexoside were tentatively identified in Moshiliu pomegranate. Cy3G, Pg3G, and Cy3,5dG were the first three major ACs in Hongbaoshi and followed a similar changing pattern with ripening time. Large amounts of Cy3G and Dp3G were found in dark red Moshiliu cultivar, exhibiting a similar pattern over time. The main concentration of Cy3G was 53.52 mg 100 g^?1, which was 35-fold and 12-fold higher compared to Lvbaoshi and Hongbaoshi cultivar. The main concentration of Dp3G reached 34.36 mg 100 g^?1 which was generally 68-fold and 82-fold higher than Lvbaoshi and Hongbaoshi. The main concentration of Cy3,5dG, Cy3G, and Pg3G levels in Hongbaoshi presented significant differences during ripening period (p < 0.05) compared with the Lvbaoshi cultivar. The AC profile was linked closely to the level of pigmentation. The results highlighted that cultivars and development phases influenced AC profile significantly. Data derived from study of the ratio between diglucosides and monoglucosides led to characterize the ACs in three different red pomegranate fruits.     

High voltage electrical discharges followed by deep eutectic solvents extraction for the valorization of pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum L.)

This work proposes a sustainable methodology based on the use of high voltage electrical discharges (HVED) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) for the simultaneous extraction of proteins and polyphenols from pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate seeds were firstly pretreated with HVED and, next, submitted to a solid-liquid extraction using DES. HVED pretreatment was compared with ultrasounds observing a better performance of HVED that promoted the disintegration of 86% of cells at 160 kJ/kg energy input and, consequently, the release of 70% of proteins and 78% of polyphenols. Extraction/solubilization of proteins and polyphenols was carried out using 5 different DES and results were compared with the obtained using NaOH. DES improved the diffusivity of both proteins and polyphenols, although the highest rates were observed for proteins, while NaOH extracted higher amounts of both. Application of RP-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF to the analysis of extracts enabled to identify 30 different phenolic compounds among extracts, most of them ellagitannins. Proteomics enabled to identity a total of 11 different proteins among pomegranate seed extracts that were mainly assigned to globulins and albumins, with nutrient reservoir activity.     

响应面法优化石榴叶总酚的亚临界水提取工艺

本研究采用亚临界水萃取法提取石榴叶总酚,并通过响应面法优化其提取工艺参数。在单因素实验的基础上,根据响应面Box-Behnken实验设计原理,采用三因素三水平的分析法,选取提取温度、提取时间、液料比为自变量,考察其对石榴叶提取物中总酚含量的影响,并通过方差分析优化其工艺。结果表明,回归方程对实验拟合较好,可以对石榴叶中总酚含量进行很好的分析和预测;优化后的最佳工艺条件为:提取温度134℃、提取时间31 min、液料比52∶1 m L/g。在该条件下,石榴叶总酚含量为169.24 mg GAE/g,与预测值173.31 mg GAE/g基本一致。通过与溶剂加热回流法相比较,亚临界水提取可明显提高石榴叶总酚的含量,并缩短提取时间。      

Sustainable extraction of proteins and bioactive substances from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) using pressurized liquids and deep eutectic solvents

Pomegranate peel is a source of proteins, bioactive peptides, and phenolic compounds. The simultaneous extraction of these compounds required the use of polluting solvents and reagents that are non-suitable. This work targets the development of green methodologies based on pressurized liquids (PLE) or deep eutectic solvents (DES) for the extraction of these compounds. Extracts were digested with different proteolytic enzymes and different functionalities (antioxidant, hypocholesterolemia, and antihypertensive capacities) were evaluated. Highly antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic extracts and hydrolysates were obtained using PLE while high antihypertensive capacity was observed in the hydrolysates from proteins extracted using DES. Peptides and polyphenols were identified by HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS. Higher amounts of peptides were shown in hydrolysates from DES extracts while hydrolysates from PLE extracts presented higher amounts of phenolic compounds. Some peptides were assigned to proteins from Punica granatum. Both green methods improved the extraction of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel compared to the non-sustainable method.Industrial relevanceThe development of green methodologies which employ sustainable solvents such as pressurized liquids (PLE) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) allows extracting proteins and bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel. In addition, these solvents improve the extraction of health beneficial compounds compared to the non-sustainable and polluting solvents. Therefore, they could be used for the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods or even in medicinal, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical preparations.     

Volatile composition and sensory quality of Spanish pomegranates (Punica granatum L.)

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate is highly valued for its health‐promoting effects. Fruits of nine pomegranate cultivars were analysed for volatile compounds, antioxidant activity and quality parameters, including maturity index and CIEL*a*b* colour. Volatile compounds were isolated from fresh juices using hydrodistillation; extracts were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fruit colour was influenced by cultivar and grouping of cultivars according to their taste (sweet, sour‐sweet or sour), with sweet fruits having more intense red colour and higher lightness values. RESULTS: A total of 18 compounds were found in pomegranate aroma profiles, including monoterpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, monoterpenoids and linear hydrocarbons. The most abundant compound were trans‐2‐hexenal, 3‐carene, α‐terpinene and α‐terpineol. The total concentration of volatiles ranged from 1.7 to 10.9 g kg^?1. Overall consumer liking of pomegranate juices was associated with the presence of monoterpenes such as α‐pinene, β‐pinene, β‐myrcene, limonene and γ‐terpinene. The presence of aldehydes such as hexanol, hexanal and cis‐3‐hexenol was correlated with poor overall consumer liking. CONCLUSION: Fruits from the cultivar Mollar de Elche 2 were those most suited for juice processing because they had the highest total concentration of volatiles, which was related to high overall consumer liking, intense and acceptable fresh pomegranate odour and flavour (high scores of satisfaction degree), medium intensity of red colour and low sourness. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry