Anticancer activity of polyphenolic Punica granatum peel extracts obtained by hybrid ultrasound-microwave assisted extraction: Evaluation on HeLa and HepG2 cells

Punica granatum peel is a significant source of polyphenolic compounds that have potential uses as drugs. This study aimed to obtain and purify polyphenolic compounds derived from pomegranate peel and to evaluate their potential anticancer activity in cell lines. Polyphenols from the pomegranate peel were extracted using hybrid ultrasound-microwave technology. Different mass:volume ratios and water:ethanol ratios were used during extraction. Purification was performed on a chromatographic column with Amberlite XAD-16, and unfractionated extracts and fractions extracts were obtained. The main compounds identified by HPLC belong to the ellagitannins family. The unfractionated extract from the 1:12 (m/v) and 30% ethanol condition was used to evaluate its cytotoxic effect against HeLa, HepG2, and 3T3 cell lines. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the pomegranate polyphenolic extracts (PPEs). Viability in HeLa and HepG2 cells was affected in a dose-dependent manner by a concentration of 25 ppm of polyphenol powders. Additionally, a genotoxicity test was carried out, which showed DNA damage, indicating that the cytotoxic effect is possibly due in part to DNA damage. The use of the pomegranate peel could be a viable option for obtaining bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvants or in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer.