The Neuroprotective Effect of a Waste Byproduct Obtained From Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Pomegranate is an exceptional fruit that can have several beneficial effects on human health. The peel of pomegranate, a waste product, should be recovered as it still contains valuable constituents, including phenolic compounds, minerals and fibre. The recovery of bioactive compounds occurs through eco-sustainable extraction techniques that reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability and public health. Neurodegeneration is a pathological process causing progressive neuronal damage, potentially leading to cell death. Currently, no drug is known to cure neurodegenerative diseases definitively. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of certain neurodegenerative conditions. The phytochemicals of plants and their beneficial bioactive compounds demonstrate promising therapeutic potential for human neurological diseases, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the brain. This review aims to highlight the currently existing knowledge on the effects of pomegranate peel against neurodegenerative diseases and their mechanisms of action. The manuscript is intended for those who explore strategies for recovering waste materials and for those who investigate the effects of natural products on neurodegeneration. Prospects could include clinical trials in which pomegranate peel is used in the management of human neurodegenerative diseases.