Work

Comparative Profiling of Volatile Compounds and Fatty Acids in Pomegranate Seed Oil: Soxhlet vs. CO2/IPA Extraction for Quality and Circular Bioeconomy Goals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study compares the chemical profiles of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) from two cultivars, Granato (G) and Roce (R), extracted by Soxhlet and supercritical CO2/isopropanol. GC-MS and NMR analyses confirmed punicic acid as the dominant fatty acid, with α-eleostearic, oleic, and linoleic acids in lower amounts. Supercritical extraction increased yield (about 18%) and selectively raised α-eleostearic and linoleic acids. Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling by HS-SPME-GC-MS showed higher aldehydes, esters, and terpenes in supercritical extracts, including (E)-cinnamaldehyde (absent in Soxhlet). Soxhlet oils contained more hydrocarbons, suggesting thermal degradation. Overall, supercritical CO2/IPA proved more sustainable and selective, preserving nutritional and aromatic quality and supporting PSO’s potential in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic uses.

Source: Foods

DOI: 10.3390/foods14172951

Authors: Caterina Fraschetti, Antonello Filippi, Antonia Iazzetti, Giancarlo Fabrizi, Francesco Cairone, Stefania Cesa

Institutions: Sapienza University of Rome, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Language: English

Topic: Pomegranate: compositions and health benefits

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499