Fermented pomegranate juice enriched with pomegranate seed oil ameliorates metabolic disorders associated with a high-fat diet in C57BL/6 mice.

This study investigated the health-functional properties of a lactic fermented pomegranate juice (FPJ) enriched with pomegranate seed oil (FPJO) by using the fruit-origin strain Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum CRL 2051 (FPJO-CRL2051). For this aim, the in vitro human antiplatelet aggregation effect and antioxidant activities were determined in the fermented juices while in vivo studies using high-fat-diet (HFD) C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet or pomegranate fermented juices for 8 weeks were performed. A high anti-platelet aggregation activity for FPJO-CRL2051 was determined. The formulated juice was administered to C57BL/6 HFD mice over 8 weeks, which showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, LDL-C, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. The FPJO-CRL2051 administration was effective in ameliorating liver damage caused by HFD, reducing fat accumulation and oxidative biomarkers, and improving the liver fatty acid profile by incorporation of conjugated fatty acids. This study shows the significance of lactic fermentation in developing novel fermented plant-based beverages with enhanced functional activities with a circular economy approach for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Efficient adsorption of lead and copper from water by modification of sand filter with a green plant-based adsorbent: Adsorption kinetics and regeneration.

In this study, pomegranate seed waste (PSW) was added into sand filter (SF) to increase removal efficiency of Lead (Pb(II)) and Copper (Cu(II)) from polluted water. The performance of PSW was compared with activated carbon (AC) as a typical adsorbent. Based on the SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, BET and proximate analyses, PSW had porous structure with specific surface area of 2.76 m2/g and active compounds which suggested PSW as an appropriate adsorbent for heavy metals (HMs) adsorption. According to the batch experiments, SF without treatment could only remove 46% and 35% of Pb(II) and Cu(II), respectively. These numbers increased to 88% and 75% for Pb(II) and Cu(II) by adding 3 g/kg PSW to the SF, respectively under the optimal conditions of HMs initial concentrations = 100 mg/L, pH = 7 and contact time = 60 min. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm followed the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models, respectively indicating that mainly physisorption was involved in the HMs adsorption process of PSW. Based on the column experiments (flow rate = 62.5 mL/min), the Pb(II) and Cu(II) removal increased from 14% to 60% and 10%-55%, respectively after 5 pore volumes (40 min) by adding 3 g/kg PSW to the SF. Breakthrough curves matched better with Thomas mode rather than Adam's Bohart proving Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Our finding suggested modification of SF with PSW is a promising approach for efficient removal of HMs from water.

Protection against α-Amanitin-induced liver toxicity: Efficacy of pomegranate seed oil and black cumin oil.

The consumption of mushrooms containing α-Amanitin (α-A) can lead to severe liver damage. In this study, toxicological experiments were conducted to confirm the protective effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and black cumin oil (BCO) against α-A-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats exposed once to α-A (3 mg/kg bw, i.p.) or saline alone (0.1 ml, i.p.) were either left untreated or treated with PSO or BCO at a dose of 2 ml/kg bw/day by oral gavage on the same day, and the treatment was continued for 7 days. Serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total protein levels were measured and the active caspase 3 (cl-caspase 3) was evaluated by western blotting in the liver. Serum ALT, AST and ALP levels tended to decrease in the α-A exposed group, but no statistically significant difference was found compared to the saline group (p > 0.05). PSO and BCO did not affect serum liver function tests in rats exposed to saline or α-A. α-A toxicity was demonstrated by a significant decrease in serum total protein level (p < 0.05), a significant increase in liver cl-caspase 3 expression (p < 0.05), and structural liver damage mainly characterized by mononuclear inflammation and steatosis. When α-A exposed rats were treated with BCO, the increase in cl-caspase 3 was not inhibited, on the contrary BCO increased cl-caspase 3 in healthy rats (p < 0.05). PSO significantly ameliorated α-A-induced cl-caspase 3 increase and inflammatory histopathology in the liver. Both PSO and BCO completely prevented α-A-induced protein degradation. The findings indicate that PSO and BCO may protect liver functions against α-A-induced hepatotoxicity, encouraging future comprehensive studies to test them at different doses and frequency.

Effects of feeding pomegranate seed pulp and coconut meal by-products on milk yield, milk quality, and metabolic responses of Awassi ewes and pre-weaning growth.

Background and Aim: Feeding by-products, such as pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) and coconut meal (COC), to livestock may enhance production efficiency and increase profits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PSP and COC on milk production, body weight change, metabolic response (Exp. 1), digestibility, and N balance (Exp. 2). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four ewes nursing single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (CON) (n = 8), 7.5% PSP (n = 8), and 7.5% COC (n = 8) of dry matter (DM). Every sheep was born 3-4 days before the start of the experiment. The 1st week of the experiment was devoted to diet adaptation, while the data were collected during the following 8 weeks (Exp. 1). Nine lambs were randomly assigned to one of the three diets for intensive data collection to evaluate the diet digestibility and animal nitrogen (N) balance (Exp. 2). The data were analyzed using the MIXED SAS procedures. Results: The PSP group consumed more DM, followed by the COC and CON groups. For lambs, the final BW, total gain, and average daily gain in the PSP group were greater (p < 0.05) than those in the COC and CON groups. The CON group had lower milk output, total solids, protein, fat, and lactose levels than the PSP and COC groups (p < 0.05). The cost of milk production was lower (p < 0.05) in the PSP and COC diet groups than in the CON group. Blood serum parameters were similar among the dietary groups, except for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, which were higher in the COC group than in the CON group. No differences were observed in nutrient digestibility and N balance. Conclusion: Feeding PSP and COC to nursing ewes appears beneficial because it increases milk production and pre-weaning lamb growth and reduces milk production cost.

Splenic Elemental Composition of Breast Cancer-Suffering Rats Supplemented with Pomegranate Seed Oil and Bitter Melon Extract.

The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary modifications with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon aqueous extract (BME) affect mineral content in the spleen of rats both under normal physiological conditions and with coexisting mammary tumorigenesis. The diet of Sprague-Dawley female rats was supplemented either with PSO or with BME, or with a combination for 21 weeks. A chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) was applied intragastrically to induce mammary tumors. In the spleen of rats, the selected elements were determined with a quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS). ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in elemental composition among experimental groups. Multivariate statistical methods were used to discover whether some subtle dependencies exist between experimental factors and thus influence the element content. Experimental factors affected the splenic levels of macroelements, except for potassium. Both diet modification and the cancerogenic process resulted in significant changes in the content of Fe, Se, Co, Cr, Ni, Al, Sr, Pb, Cd, B, and Tl in rat spleen. Chemometric analysis revealed the greatest impact of the ongoing carcinogenic process on the mineral composition of the spleen. The obtained results may contribute to a better understanding of peripheral immune organ functioning, especially during the neoplastic process, and thus may help develop anticancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Chromatographic and Thermal Characteristics, and Hydrolytic and Oxidative Stability of Commercial Pomegranate Seed Oil.

The current investigations were aimed at the determination of the hydrolytic and oxidative stability of commercial pomegranate seed oils provided by four different producers, and to assess the oils' primary quality parameters. During storage, many changes occur in oils that can significantly affect their quality. The oils were tested for acid and peroxide values, fatty acid profile, and their distribution between the sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of triacylglycerols. The oxidative stability was also determined, and melting curves were plotted for the oils. The analyzed oils were stored for one month in a dark place at refrigerator temperature. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the acid values for most oils did not exceed the permissible level determined by the Codex Alimentarius. However, in all oils, the peroxide value exceeded the permissible level set by the standard EN ISO 3960:2017-03 and the Codex Alimentarius after the one-month storage period. The examined pomegranate seed oils were found to be valuable sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially punicic acid, which was the most abundant fatty acid present in these oils. In all analyzed oils, linoleic acid predominated in the sn-2 position of the triacylglycerols. Pomegranate seed oils did not exhibit good oxidative stability, as the oxidation induction times for all tested oils were very short. The storage period significantly affected the content of the primary oxidation products and oxidative stability of the oils.

Suppression of inflammation in ulcerative colitis rats by avocado and pomegranate.

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and avocado seed oil (ASO) are natural polyphenols with established anti-inflammatory activity. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of PSO and ASO in experimental ulcerative colitis (UC) with reference to sulfasalazine (SLZ). METHODS: Eighty male albino rats were divided equally into 8 groups; Normal, PSO, ASO, SLZ, UC-control, (UC + PSO), (UC + ASO) and (UC + SLZ) groups. Colitis was induced by intra-rectal injection of acetic acid. PSO (0.5ml/200g), ASO (1ml/250g) and SLZ (100 mg/kg) were administered orally once/day for 14 days, 24h after colitis induction. Colitis was evaluated by measuring disease activity index (DAI), colon weight/length ratio and histologic inflammatory score. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), colonic macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Colonic gene expression of TNF-α, VEGF and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were also estimated. RESULTS: PSO and ASO treatments to UC rats significantly reduced DAI, weight/length ratio, VEGFR-2, and colon histologic inflammatory score versus UC-controls. ASO significantly suppressed MIF levels and TNF-α expression greater than PSO. However, PSO was more significant than ASO in reducing MDA levels and up-regulating HO-1 expression. Both oils significantly down-regulated VEGF expression. The obtained biochemical and histological changes induced by UC were nearly corrected by SLZ. CONCLUSION: The proved beneficial effect of PSO and ASO as anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and antioxidant in UC rats could be mediated by suppression of TNF-α, VEGF, and MIF and up-regulation of HO-1.

Chitosan/Pomegranate Seed Oil Emulgel Composition as a New Strategy for Dermal Delivery of Hydrocortisone.

Multifunctional delivery systems capable of modulating drug release and exerting adjunctive pharmacological activity have attracted particular attention. Chitosan (CS) and pomegranate seed oil (PO) appear to be attractive bioactive components framing the strategy of complex therapy and multifunctional drug carriers. This research is aimed at evaluating the potential of CS in combination with PO in studies on topical emulgels containing hydrocortisone as a model anti-inflammatory agent. Its particular goal was to distinguish alterations in anti-inflammatory action followed with drug dissolution or penetrative behavior between the designed formulations that differ in CS/PO weight ratio. All formulations favored hydrocortisone release with up to a two-fold increase in the drug dissolution rate within first 5 h as compared to conventional topical preparations. The clear effect of CS/PO on the emulgel biological performance was observed, and CS was found to be prerequisite for the modulation of hydrocortisone absorption and accumulation. In turn, a greater amount of PO played the predominant role in the inhibition of hyaluronidase activity and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of preparation E-3. Emulgels showed a negligible reduction in mouse fibroblasts' L929 cell viability, confirming their non-irritancy with skin cells. Overall, the designed formulation with a CS/PO ratio of 6:4 appeared to be the most promising topical carrier for the effective treatment of inflammatory skin diseases among the tested subjects.

Pomegranate seed oil alleviates colitis: Therapeutic effects achieved by modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model.

Pomegranate seed oil shows positive effects by limiting neutrophil activation and lipid peroxidation through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the possible ameliorative effects of pomegranate seed oil, its actions on proinflammatory cytokines, and its antioxidant activity using an acute acetic acid-induced colitis model in rats. 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control, colitis, 0.4 ml/kg, and 0.8 ml/kg pomegranate seed oil treatment after colitis. At the end of the experiment, histopathological and biochemical analyses of intestinal tissues and blood were performed. The study revealed that administering different doses of pomegranate seed oil dramatically reduced total oxidant levels, nuclear factor kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, and myeloperoxidase activity and appreciably reduced colitis injury. These findings suggest that pomegranate seed oil may alleviate colitis symptoms effectively and exert protective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Physicochemical and chemosensory properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seeds under various oven-roasting conditions.

This study investigated the effects of oven-roasting temperature (160, 180, and 200 â„ƒ) and time (5, 10, 15, and 20 min) on pomegranate seeds. Physicochemical properties, such as color (L*, a*, and b* values), browning index (BI), total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, and chemosensory properties, including taste and volatile compounds, were analyzed. The L* and a* values, and level of sourness, umami, sweetness, and terpenes decreased, whereas the b* value, BI, and level of saltiness, bitterness, furan derivatives, pyrazines, and sulfur-containing compounds, increased with roasting time. The findings of this study showed that the positive roasting conditions for pomegranate seeds were 10-20 min at 160 â„ƒ and, 5-10 min at 180 â„ƒ. This study is expected to be used as a primary reference for selecting the optimal oven-roasting conditions in which positive effects appear and for developing products utilizing pomegranate seeds.

Exploring the Influence of the Selected Conjugated Fatty Acids Isomers and Cancerous Process on the Fatty Acids Profile of Spleen.

The spleen, traditionally associated with blood filtration and immune surveillance, has recently been recognized for its role in systemic lipid metabolism and potential influence on cancer development and progression. This study investigates effects of dietary supplements, specifically conjugated linolenic acids from pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract, on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the spleen in the context of cancerous processes. Advanced methods, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and silver ion-impregnated high-performance liquid chromatography, were employed to analyze the spleen's FA profile. Our research uncovered that dietary supplementation leads to alterations in the spleen's FA profile, especially under the carcinogenic influence of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. These changes did not align with a simple protective or anti-carcinogenic pattern, as previously suggested in in vitro studies. We observed shifts in conjugated FA isomer concentrations and variations in desaturase activities, suggesting disrupted lipid metabolism in cancerous conditions. The findings underscore the spleen's vital role in lipid metabolism within the body's systemic health framework, highlighting the complexity of dietary supplements' impact on FA profiles in the spleen and their potential implications in cancer progression and treatment. This study adds valuable insight into the complex interplay between diet, disease, and metabolic regulation, particularly in cancerous environments.

Utilization of pomegranate and black grape seed by-products in yogurt production: Effects on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.

The present study investigated the potential utilization of pomegranate and black grape seed by-products of the food industry in yogurt production. Specifically, we examined the effect of polyphenols on antioxidants in yogurts produced using two different starter cultures: classical yogurt culture (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophilus) and yogurt culture supplemented with L. casei. Various parameters, including pH, acidity, viscosity, fat content, protein content, dry matter content, color, microbiological properties, and sensory attributes, were analyzed in the yogurt products. The present findings indicate that incorporating pomegranate and grape seed powder and using different starter cultures significantly affected the yogurt's phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, we observed decreased phenolic content and antioxidant activity during the 21-day storage period. Interestingly, yogurts produced with pomegranate seed powder and L. casei culture exhibited higher antioxidant activity than the other samples. Importantly, none of the yogurts containing pomegranate and grape seed powders had microbial counts below 107 cfu/g for L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, and L. casei, indicating no adverse effects on probiotic properties. Sensory evaluation revealed that the yogurt product prepared with grape seed powder and a combination of yogurt culture (L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophilus) and L. casei was particularly well-received. In conclusion, the functional properties of grape seed powder and pomegranate seed powder make them suitable natural ingredients for enhancing the antioxidant activity of yogurt. The study highlights the potential of utilizing these by-products to develop yogurt products with added health benefits.

The Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest, supported by many experimental and clinical studies, about the benefits of pomegranate in preventing various pathologic conditions, including brain neurodegeneration. The pomegranate seed oil (PSO) contains high levels of fatty acids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: Due to the lack of clinical trials, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PSO on cognition of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Eighty people with the diagnosis of MCI were randomized forty to take 5 drops of PSO and follow the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) and forty just followed MeDi. All were examined with an extensive neuropsychological assessment before and after one year of treatment. Results: The results showed that the participants who took the PSO had statistically significantly better global cognition (p = 0.004), verbal episodic memory (p = 0.009), and processing and executive functions (p < 0.001) in contrast with the participants who did not take it. Conclusions: In conclusion, the PSO can be beneficial for people with MCI as it is helpful for some important cognitive domains. As PSO is a natural product that does not burden the human body, it can be used by people with MCI and be a significant and promising part of holistic approaches for the prevention of dementia.

Boosting Purnica granatum L. Seed Oil Yield: An Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interference System Fuels SC-CO2 Extraction Breakthrough.

This study used supercritical fluid extraction to successfully enhance the conditions for extracting oil from pomegranate seeds. To determine the optimal extraction conditions for maximizing pomegranate oil yield, the researchers employed a Box-Behnken design experimental strategy, involving three parameters with three levels each: extraction pressure, extraction temperature, and extraction time. To determine the optimal optimization conditions, the Response Surface Method (RSM) and the Artificial Neural Fuzzy Intelligent System (ANFIS) were also used. The results revealed a strong correlation with the experimental data, demonstrating that both strategies were helpful in optimizing the extraction process. The ideal extraction parameters, according to this study, were an extraction pressure of 40 MPa, an extraction temperature of 55 °C, and an extraction time of 120 min with a CO2 flow rate of 21.3 L/h.

Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the 'Aril' Misconception.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) attracts attention in studies for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, a recurring issue in the literature arises due to the multidisciplinary nature of these studies, leading to a mistaken repetition of basic botanical terms. The problem stems from the misapplication of the term "aril" to the pomegranate seed, despite the fruit being exariled, signifying the absence of an aril. This confusion may be attributed to the sarcotesta's appearance, resembling a complete aril, coupled with a lack of awareness in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. This study specifically examines the Kingdom-variety pomegranate, due its economic importance in the fruit market. The fruits were evaluated at different developmental stages-initial, intermediate, and commercial. Magnification photography techniques were used to study the development state of the pomegranate fruits. The physiological studies confirm that the pomegranate seed constitutes the complete grain, with the juicy, sweet part surrounding it identified as the testa, not an aril. The findings underscore a persistent error in the existing literature, emphasizing the necessity for dissemination and education in future studies. A thorough grasp of pomegranate anatomy and precise use of terminology are indispensable for ensuring accuracy and rigor in scientific communication.

Pomegranate seed oil mitigates liver and kidney damage in an experimental colitis model: Modulation of NF-κB activation and apoptosis.

Pomegranate seed oil, extracted from pomegranate seeds, is a slightly fragrant yellow oil with a mild odor. Pomegranate seed oil is the main source of punicic acid (conjugated linolenic acid). Punicic acid is a long-chain omega-5 polyunsaturated fatty acid and a conjugated α-linolenic acid molecule. This acid is thought to provide many health benefits. This study evaluated the potential of pomegranate seed oil to attenuate damage to liver and kidney tissues in an acetic acid-induced colitis model. 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control, colitis, 0.4 ml/kg, and 0.8 ml/kg pomegranate seed oil treatment after colitis. At the end of the experiment, histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyses of liver and kidney tissues were performed. Pomegranate seed oil treatment reduced damage in liver and kidney tissues, suppressed NF-κB activation, and regulated apoptosis. These findings support the potential effects of pomegranate seed oil against extraintestinal symptoms of colitis through its anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Effects of wheat bran replacement with pomegranate seed pulp on rumen fermentation, gas production, methanogen and protozoa populations of camel and goat rumen using competitive PCR technique: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Microbial populations in the rumen play an essential role in the degradation of Cellulosic dietary components and in providing nutrients to the host animal. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to detect the effect of pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) on rumen fermentation, digestibility and methanogens and the protozoa population (by competitive polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) of the camel and goat rumen fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PSP was added to the experimental treatments and replaced by wheat bran (0%, 5% and 10%). Rumen fluid was collected from three goats and two camels according to the similarity of sex, breed, origin and time and used for three gas production studies. DNA extraction was performed by the RBB + c method, the ImageJ programme calculated band intensities (target and competing DNA), and line gradients were plotted based on the number of copies and intensity. RESULTS: Our result showed that diets did not significantly affect the methanogen and protozoa population. Animal species affected microbial populations so that both populations in camels were less than goats. The production of gas and volatile fatty acids was not affected by diets. These two parameters and NH3 concentration and methane production in goats were higher than in camel. The pH of digested dry matter and microbial protein in camels was higher than in goats. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the competitive PCR technique is an effective method for enumerating rumen microbiota. This supplementation can be considered a strategy to achieve performance and environmental benefits.

DNA fragmentation, chromosomal aberrations, and multi-toxic effects induced by nickel and the modulation of Ni-induced damage by pomegranate seed extract in Allium cepa L.

This study was designed to assess the recovery effect of pomegranate seed extract (PSEx) against nickel (Ni)-induced damage in Allium cepa. Except for the control group treated with tap water, five experimental groups were exposed to 265 mg L-1 PSEx, 530 mg L-1 PSEx, 1 mg L-1 NiCI2, 265 mg L-1 PSEx + 1 mg L-1 NiCI2, and 530 mg L-1 PSEx + 1 mg L-1 NiCI2, respectively. The toxicity of Ni was examined through the analysis of physiological (germination percentage, weight gain, and root length), cytotoxicity (mitotic index), genotoxicity (micronucleus, chromosomal anomalies, and Comet test), and biochemical (malondialdehyde, proline, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase) parameters. Meristematic cell defects were also investigated. The NiCl2-DNA interaction was evaluated through spectral shift analysis. Values of all physiological parameters, mitotic index scores, and chlorophyll contents decreased while micronucleus frequency, DNA tail percentage, chromosomal anomalies, proline, MDA, and enzyme activities increased following Ni administration. According to the tail DNA percentage scale, Ni application caused "high damage" to DNA. Ni-induced chromosomal anomalies were fragment, sticky chromosome, vagrant chromosome, bridge, unbalanced chromatin distribution, reverse polarization, and nucleus with bud. NiCl2-DNA interaction caused a hyperchromic shift in the UV/Vis spectrum of DNA by spectral profile analysis. Ni exposure impaired root meristems as evidenced by the formation of epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, thickened cortex cell wall, and blurry vascular tissue. Substantial recovery was seen in all parameters with the co-administration of PSEx and Ni. Recovery effects in the parameters were 18-51% and 41-84% in the 265 mg L-1 PSEx + 1 mg L-1 NiCI2 and 530 mg L-1 PSEx + 1 mg L-1 NiCI2 groups, respectively. The Comet scale showed that PSEx applied with Ni reduced DNA damage from "high" to "moderate." Ni-induced thickened cortex cell wall and blurry vascular tissue damage disappeared completely when 530 mg L-1 PSEx was mixed with Ni. PSEx successfully reduced the negative effects of Ni, which can be attributed to its content of antioxidants and bioactive ingredients.

Development and bioassessment of high nutria-omega 5 cookies through animal modeling.

The food industry generates a diverse range of waste byproducts during fruit processing, which can be repurposed to create functional foods and other valuable commodities. In this particular study, leftover agro-waste from pomegranate juice was valorized to obtain pomegranate seed oil (PSO), while utilizing sunflower oilseed cake to produce sunflower meal protein concentrate (SMPC). These two extracted components were then combined as ingredients to produce High Nutria Omega 5 (HNO5) cookies. To ensure the quality and viability of pomegranate seed oil, a comprehensive set of laboratory analytical procedures were employed to evaluate its characteristics. Subsequently, different ratios of pomegranate seed oil and sunflower meal protein concentrate were utilized to develop the HNO5 cookie products. These cookies underwent thorough sensory, physicochemical, storage, and proximate evaluations as well as efficacy studies to assess their overall nutritional quality and shelf-life properties. As compared to the control feed, the findings of the renal and liver functional tests indicated a favorable effect on ALT, AST, ALP, serum urea, creatinine, albumin, globulins, total proteins, and A/G ratio. The results revealed that PSO and SMPC cookies containing 15% PSO and 15% SMPC exhibited stability in numerous physicochemical and sensory assessments. The punicic acid in HNO5 cookies significantly reduced the effects of starvation in rats and progressively improved several metabolic processes and overall health profiles. Graphical Abstract.

Functional Compounds of Cold-Pressed Pomegranate Seed Oil: Fatty Acids and Phytosterols Profile as Quality Biomarkers for Origin Discrimination.

Cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is a product of the extraction of non-edible pomegranate seeds. Its unique chemical composition in terms of both polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially punicic acid (PA), and secondary metabolites, such as phytosterols, tocopherols and phenols, make it an interesting functional ingredient for food enrichment. It is not clear if the biomarkers profile of PSO depends to factors connected to the geographical origin of seeds. This work presents a statistical comparative analysis, concerning biomolecules composition and geographical origin of 32 commercial cold-pressed PSOs, performed by principal component analysis. The study discriminates between Turkish and Italian PSOs, on the base of the fatty acid profile and phytosterols, and not on the tocopherols and phenols. These results confirmed PA as the main characteristic biomarker of oil genuineness and, for the first time, disclosed a statistically relevant variability of phytosterols, which can be proposed as quality biomarkers for discrimination of geographical origins.