Anthocyanins from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and Their Role in Antioxidant Capacities in Vitro

Abstract

As phytochemicals, anthocyanins are not only responsible for the diverse colors in nature, but are associated with broad‐spectrum health‐promoting effects for human beings. Pomegranate is abundant in anthocyanins which possess high antioxidant capacities. However, the pomegranate anthocyanins profile and their contributions to antioxidant capacities are not fully depicted. The purpose of this article is to review anthocyanins from pomegranate as important antioxidants. Total anthocyanin content (TAC) and six major components vary greatly with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In pomegranate, anthocyanins mainly acted as primary antioxidants, while their action as secondary antioxidants were not conclusive. The antioxidant potentials of anthocyanins were significantly affected by factors especially chemical structure and detection assays in vitro. The current knowledge may provide insights into potential applications for pomegranate anthocyanins based on their antioxidant activities.

Flavonoid profiles in peels and arils of pomegranate cultivars

“…However, some authors recognized that TAC was more abundant in peels that in juices [37]. These inconsistent results might be originated from factors including plant tissues, cultivars, developmental stages, extraction methods, and environmental conditions [38].…”

“…The anthocyanin-derived pigments contribute to the diversified pomegranate fruit colors, which is one of the most distinguishing features of different cultivars within a species [38]. As illustrated in Fig.…”

Novel Pomegranate-Nanoparticles Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Improves Cisplatin Anti-Cancer Efficacy in Ehrlich Carcinoma Mice Model

“…Although many herbal and synthetic antioxidants have been investigated for this purpose there is a paucity of information on a definite supplement that can effectively prevent CISP-induced nephrotoxicity [ 5 ]. Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) belongs to the family Punicaceae, a common fruit derived from the deciduous tree of Punica L. genus [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Furthermore, no side effects or unfavorable changes in urine or blood were detected in a trial of 86 overweight humans who received 1420 mg/day of pomegranate fruit extract in tablet form for 28 days [ 12 , 14 ]. Indeed, pomegranate has several therapeutic and pharmacological properties, which may be ascribed to the presence of numerous phytochemicals including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids phytocompounds, organic acids, gallotannins, anthocyanidins, ellagitannins, flavonones, flavonols, anthocyanins, fatty acids and lipids, and lignans have been isolated from pomegranate [ 10 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Anthocyanins, tannins, and catechins in pomegranate juice and peel also have a significant antioxidant activity [ 10 , 11 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…Indeed, pomegranate has several therapeutic and pharmacological properties, which may be ascribed to the presence of numerous phytochemicals including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids phytocompounds, organic acids, gallotannins, anthocyanidins, ellagitannins, flavonones, flavonols, anthocyanins, fatty acids and lipids, and lignans have been isolated from pomegranate [ 10 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Anthocyanins, tannins, and catechins in pomegranate juice and peel also have a significant antioxidant activity [ 10 , 11 , 19 , 20 ]. Pomegranate has been used to mitigate cancer, memory impairment, and arteriosclerosis and lowering high cholesterol levels [ 19 , 20 ].…”