This paper aims to provide a solid base for the utilisation of pomegranate whole seed ethanolic extract (PSEE) as a nutraceutical/functional food ingredient. PSEE was tested for its antioxidant and antiproliferative activities against different human cancer cell lines. Bioactive lipid compounds were identified by studying the PSEE lipid portion. PSEE exhibited a protection of lipid peroxidation threefold higher than a positive control. PSEE showed a promising antiproliferative activity against hormone dependent prostate carcinoma LNCaP, with an IC50 value 3 times lower than the positive control vinblastine, and against human breast cancer cell lines (IC50=9.6 μg/ml). PSEE contained lipid bioactive compounds, such as neutral lipids, consisting of 72.8% punicic acid, glycolipids and phospholipids rich in essential fatty acids (α-linoleic and α-linolenic acids). Due the presence of bioactive compounds and the remarkable antiproliferative activity, the use of PSEE as a value-added ingredient in formulations of products aimed to prevent diseases, especially cancer, could be promoted.
Keywords: Conjugated linolenic fatty acid; Functional ingredient; Phospholipid molecular species; Seed.
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