Neuroprotective effect of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel

Author(s)

Maressa Caldeira Morzelle

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2016-08-02

Examining board members

Jocelem Mastrodi Salgado; Severino Matias de Alencar; Hudson de Sousa Buck; Marielza Andrade Nunes

• Advisor: Jocelem Mastrodi Salgado; Tânia Araújo Viel

Abstract

Alzheimer\'s disease is a chronic and degenerative condition that have no treatment until now. The research of functional foods such as pomegranate for the prevention and/or treatment of many conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, is increasing year after year. The amount of bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids), acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant capacity in vitro and on line of pomegranate peel and pulp extracts were evaluated. Pomegranate peel extract has higher content of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in vitro and on line than pulp. The analyses of the profile of non-volatile compounds identified 38 compounds in the peel and 37 in the pulp. The gallic acid was main compound detected. Pomegranate peel showed 13 compounds with antioxidant activity by the HPLC-ABTS method online and pulp showed eight compounds. Punicalagin, Gallic acid and epicatechin were determinants for the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous-alcoholic extract of pomegranate. Pomegranate peel extract had greater anticholinesterase activity than pulp. These results together indicated a possible potential of pomegranate peel as a neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer\'s disease. This research had as objective to study the possible neuroprotective effect of pomegranate peel on an animal model of the Alzheimer\'s disease. For that purpose, mice model of Alzheimer\'s disease were used and biomarkers and behavioral changes were evaluated. C57BL/6 mice were chronically infused with βA1-42 peptide and/or vehicle by mini - osmotic pumps during 35 days. Microparticles of pomegranate peel extract, produced by spray drying, were diluted in water and administered at a dose of 800 mg of pomegranate peel/ kg animal/day. The spatial memory was evaluated in the Barnes maze and a reduction of the errors to find the scape box was verified in animals treated with the PPE, as observed in the Control group, but not in th Aβ group. The activity of acetylcholinesterase, neurotrophin BDNF, TNF-α and SOD were measured in the hippocampus, cortex and serum. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated in the liver. As the pomegranate peel is not commonly consumed, biomarkers of liver ischemic damage were measured. Pomegranate peel consumption promoted a reduction of amyloid plaques, increasing neurotrophin expression, reduction in a AChE activity, reduced lipid peroxidation and reduced TNF-α in animal models of Alzheimer\'s disease. The consumption of pomegranate peel did not cause liver injury. In general, pomegranate peel showed a neuroprotective effect on animal models of the Alzheimer\'s disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08989-1 - Neuroprotective effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel
• Grantee: Maressa Caldeira Morzelle
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate