In a ground-breaking study by Italian researchers, published in Nutrients, an innovative extraction technique known as hydrodynamic cavitation was employed to derive extracts from pomegranate's non-edible components, such as peels and seeds, typically discarded during juicing. This sustainable method showcased the potential of these by-products in combating hypertension, as demonstrated in rat models. Pomegranates, rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, have long been recognized for their health benefits. However, the focus has now shifted towards utilizing the fruit's waste for nutraceutical applications.
The study compared the efficacy of extracts from the whole fruit and its non-edible parts in reducing cardiovascular risks. Remarkably, the extract from the waste by-products displayed similar anti-hypertensive properties to that of the whole fruit extract. This includes inhibiting systolic blood pressure increase effectively, akin to the hypertension drug Captopril, and demonstrating significant anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The bioaccessibility of these extracts through the gastrointestinal route was also noted to be high, despite the absence of certain metabolites in the bloodstream, attributed to metabolic and pre-systemic factors.
This research underscores the dual benefits of hydrodynamic cavitation extraction from pomegranate waste: offering a sustainable solution to food industry by-products and highlighting their potential in developing anti-hypertensive nutraceuticals. These findings pave the way for further exploration into the medicinal use of pomegranate's non-edible parts, contributing to the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Source: news-medical.net