Potentiel antioxydant de la grenade, de la figue et de la datte et leur intérêt dans la prévention du stress oxydatif

Abstract

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense systems of the body. This phenomenon is involved in the development of numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain types of cancer. Fruits rich in phenolic compounds represent an important natural source of antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative damage. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from pomegranate peels (Punica granatum L.), dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.), and dried figs (Ficus carica L.). A bibliographic review was first conducted to describe the nutritional characteristics, biochemical composition, major bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of these fruits. The antioxidant activity of the different extracts was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results demonstrated that all the studied samples exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Pomegranate peels showed the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by dates, whereas dried figs exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity. The observed decreasing order was: Pomegranate peels > Dates > Dried figs. This difference is mainly attributed to the high concentration of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins, found in pomegranate peels. The findings highlight the potential of the studied fruits, especially pomegranate peels, as a valuable natural source of antioxidants with promising applications in nutrition, healthcare, and the food industry. They also emphasize the importance of promoting the valorization of agricultural by-products rich in bioactive compounds for the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.