Background: The natural antioxidants have an important role in the prevention of many diseases. The aim of study is to investigate phytochemical components, antioxidant activity and acute oral toxicity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peel (PFP) extract.
Materials and methods: Phytochemicals of PFP were determined by qualitative chemical tests, thin layer chromatography, total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. The PFP extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH assay and MDA assay. In vivo acute oral toxicity test was conducted using Karber-Behrens method to determine LD50.
Results: Results illustrated that PFP mainly contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, and coumarins. PFP extract exhibited the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents with 189.97 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 9.42 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities of PFP extract were expressed with IC50 value of 4.80 μg/mL and 0.38 μg/ mL, sequentially. Simultaneously, the Dmax (the maximum dose administered to mice that no toxicity was observed) of PFP extract was determined to be 21.28 g/kg, equivalent to 35.64 g dried herb.
Conclusion: The PFP extract is relatively safe and revealed high antioxidant activity.
Key words: Punica granatum L.; polyphenols; flavonoids; gallic acid; quercetin; antioxidant activity; acute oral toxicity
