Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Cytotoxic Activities of the Pomegranate Extracts

Qahtanee H, Alnusaib BA, Abda HO and Occhlacch SS

Published on: 2025-07-07

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is valued for its health-promoting properties, largely due to its rich phenolic content, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. These bioactive compounds, especially abundant in the peel and seeds, exhibit strong antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. Up to 35 phenolic compounds have been identified, with gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin showing significant biological effects. The antioxidant potential of pomegranate is linked to its ability to combat oxidative stress and reduce risks of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Its antidiabetic activity involves mechanisms such as Nrf2 pathway activation, improving antioxidant defense and metabolic profiles. Additionally, certain compounds, notably punicalagin, demonstrate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, indicating potential in cancer therapy. However, variations in phenolic content due to cultivar differences and extraction techniques pose challenges in standardizing its use. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and support therapeutic applications of pomegranate.