Evaluation of nutraceutical properties of standardized pomegranate peel extracts in bovine and porcine models
Author(s)
Mastrogiovanni, Fabio
Date Issued
September 12, 2019
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Nutraceuticals products derived from plants may be considered a valid alternative to pharmaceuticals to improve immune functions, to prevent microbial pathogens infections and oxidative stress.
Cows and pigs, in certain periods of their lives, and in particular during the transition period in the dairy cattle and the post-weaning period in piglets, they are subject to psychological and physical stressors that may lead to immunosuppression, with a higher risk of infections and inflammation. In addition, periparturient dairy cows are also more prone to undergo oxidative stress.
According to the general “circular economy strategy”, by-products obtained from food wastes can be used as sources of bioactive molecules.
In this scenario, pomegranate peel, the main by-product of the juice production, has attracted our attention for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which were described in humans and laboratory animals. Based on the literature data, standardized pomegranate peel extracts (PPE) rich in polyphenols were prepared in our laboratories. Biological activities of PPE, such as cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were evaluated on bovine models (BME-UV1 and PBMC) and on human/porcine models (Caco-2 and colon tissues explants).
The obtained results demonstrated a potential effect of PPE as a nutraceutical able to prevent oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases in farm animals at risk of developing such conditions.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze delle produzioni vegetali e animali