Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel and seed: A comprehensive review of key parameters and optimization strategies

What if the secret to unlocking pomegranate's health-boosting compounds lies in sound waves? A new review reveals how ultrasound can transform discarded peels and seeds into a treasure trove of antioxidants.

Pomegranate peels and seeds are packed with phenolics, flavonoids, and punicic acid—compounds known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory powers. But traditional extraction methods, like maceration or Soxhlet, guzzle solvents and energy while degrading heat-sensitive molecules. Enter ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), a greener approach that uses acoustic cavitation to burst cell walls and speed up mass transfer, making extraction faster and more sustainable.

This review zeroes in on UAE for pomegranate by-products, dissecting how parameters like ultrasonic power, frequency, time, temperature, and solvent choice affect yield and stability. It also highlights optimization tools like Response Surface Methodology and Box-Behnken Design, which help predict the best conditions for maximum output. Structural studies confirm that ultrasound physically disrupts plant tissues, enhancing compound release.

Compared to conventional and hybrid methods, UAE shines, though challenges remain in scaling up and standardizing results. Still, this work paves the way for turning pomegranate waste into functional ingredients for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals—one sound wave at a time.

Key Points

• UAE uses sound waves to boost extraction efficiency
• Key parameters: power, frequency, time, solvent, temperature
• Optimization via RSM and Box-Behnken Design