Mahmoud_2026_J.Genet.Eng.Biotechnol_24_100696

Agro-industrial byproducts are recognized as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods. Pomegranate peel and coarse powdered date seeds are among the most abundant fruit processing residues, yet remain underutilized despite their rich in polyphenols, organic acids and other phytochemicals composition. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antioxidant, cytoprotective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, and anti-arthritic activities of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) and coarse powdered date seeds (CPDS) using a panel of in vitro assays. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods, while cytoprotective activity was evaluated using erythrocyte membrane stabilization and protective against oxidative DNA damage methods. Anti-arthritic potential was determined using protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition methods, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was also examined. PPP exhibited significantly higher activity compared to CPDS across most assays. PPP demonstrated stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC(50) = 6.73 microg/mL) compared to CPDS (IC(50) = 19.18 microg/mL), along with enhanced anti-hemolytic activity (IC(50) = 155.14 +/- 1.58 microg/mL vs. 287.02 +/- 2.93 microg/mL for CPDS) and stronger protein denaturation inhibition (44.73% vs. 35.78%, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the superior biological activity of PPP may be attributed to its higher phenolic content . This supports the idea of using chemicals from pomegranate peel in functional foods and nutraceutical formulas that aim to make cells stronger and lower the health risks associated with inflammation.