Abstract:
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important plant of tropical and subtropical
regions of the world. Pomegranate rind/peel contains substantial amounts of polyphenols
such as ellagic tannins, ellagic acid and gallic acid. Phenolic components extracted from
pomegranate have shown to possess antioxidant property. However, the role of these
phenolic components for prevention of diabetic complication and development of
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) has not yet been established. Most of the
studies on pharmacological properties of pomegranate peel are restricted towards the
effect of low molecular weight phenolics. In the present investigation, a polysaccharide
fraction from pomegranate was isolated and its efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and
diabetic complications was evaluated. The effect of molecular weight of the
polysaccharides towards their bioactive potential was also studied.
In the present study, the effect of a purified phenolic fraction (PLP) isolated from
pomegranate peel in reducing alloxan induced diabetes and maintaining the serum
antioxidant level was investigated. It was observed that PLP is a strong inhibitor of
alloxan induced diabetes owing to its antioxidant activity. The action of PLP in reducing
the serum glucose level in alloxan induced mice coupled with its α-amylase inhibition
activity speaks about its possible benefit as an anti-diabetic agent. PLP was found to be a
mixture of gallic acid and ellagic acid. The protective action of the polysaccharide
fractions isolated from pomegranate was also elucidated against free radical mediated
diseases. It was found that polysaccharide fractions are strong inhibitors of the AGEs
which contribute to different diabetic complications. This study also indicated the effect
of mass and composition of polysaccharides for its antioxidant activity. The antioxidant
value was found to increase with increase in mass of the polysaccharide.
