NOSHIZA MAJEED, AFTAB AHMED, NAZIR AHMAD, ABID RASHID , ABID RASHID
DOI: https://doi.org/Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is worldwide recognized as a functional fruit with notable nutritional as well as therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the fruit, chiefly the peel and seeds, remains underutilized in spite of their richness in bioactive components. The current study was planned to assess and compare the nutritional composition along with antioxidant potential of two cultivars; Kandhari and Badana, considering on both peels and seeds. Results illuminated significant differences (p < 0.05) between cultivars and fruit fractions (peel & seed). Peels of both cultivars displayed higher moisture, ash, crude-fiber, minerals, and phenolic content than seeds, however seeds exhibited greater amounts of crude-protein, -lipid, and phenolic acids. The total phenolic content varied from 73.79 to 287.79 mg GAE/g, whereas total flavonoid content changed between 119.78 to 151.85 mg QE/g. Further, antioxidant assays affirmed that peel extracts encompass stronger radical-scavenging capacities than seed extracts, associating positively with phenolic contents. HPLC analysis recognized gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, & vitamin C as leading bioactive compounds, with maximum concentrations identified in seeds. In conclusion, the varieties of Badana and Kandhari presented distinctive yet abundant nutritional characteristics. The results demonstrate the perspectives of pomegranate seeds and peels as accessible, sustainable sources of bioactive substances, biological antioxidants, and beneficial components for culinary and nutraceutical purposes.
