Phytochemical Determinations of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Rind and Aril Extracts and their Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Rind and aril of pomegranate (Punica granatum) were freeze-dried and extracted using solvents of varying polarity: petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. Phytochemical investigations included qualitative detection of phytochemicals including phenols and tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, quinones, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, and alkaloids. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of each extract were determined quantitatively. Methanolic and aqueous pomegranate rind extracts showed highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid content. The presence of gallic acid in pomegranate rind and aril was determined by GC-MS.