The pomegranate, renowned for its medicinal attributes since ancient times, receives significant acclaim for its beneficial compounds, particularly polyphenols, with a specific focus on hydrolysable tannins. The health advantages associated with pomegranates are predominantly linked to their ellagitannins and ellagic acid content.
Ellagitannins, falling within the category of hydrolyzable tannins, release ellagic acid when hydrolyzed. Furthermore, pomegranate juice contains additional polyphenols, including anthocyanins found in the fruit arils, contributing to its vibrant red-purple hue.
Ellagitannins, identified as bioactive polyphenols in pomegranates, exhibit the highest concentration in juice obtained by pressing the entire fruit, notably featuring the distinctive ellagitannin, punicalagin.
In the commercial pomegranate juice industry, the hydrophilic properties of ellagitannins facilitate their substantial extraction from the husk into the juice.
Ellagitannin, set apart from other tannin varieties, is a hydrolyzable polymer that can break down into simpler monomers. These monomers can undergo metabolism, becoming bioavailable when the body is subsequently exposed to these metabolites. Over 60 hydrolysable tannins have been identified in the pomegranate peel, arils, and membranous walls.
Prominent ellagitannins found in various foods, especially in fruits, nuts, and seeds, include punicalagin, sanguiin H6, lambertianin C, pedunculagin, vescalagin, castalagin, casuarictin, and potentillin (seeds). Specifically, punicalagin represents the primary form of hydrolysable tannins in pomegranates, responsible for over 90% of the antioxidant bioactivity present in pomegranate juice.
Ellagitannins: Pomegranate Health Benefits
