Microbial biofilm inhibition, antioxidants, and chemical fingerprints of Afghani pomegranate peel extract documented by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Fourier transformation infrared

This study was investigated to explore the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential and microbial biofilm inhibition of the pomegranate peel extract of two cultivars. Maximum antioxidant activity (49.07%) and total phenolic contents (132.72‐mg GAE/100 g) were obtained by the peel extract of Turosha Taki cultivar of pomegranate. The highest biofilm activity, that is, 40.5% (Spin Trush), 19.12% (Turosha Taki), 18.82% (Spin Trush), and 15.65% (Spin Trush), was shown against the following four bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Eleven compounds were found in n‐hexane peel extract, while major volatile/bioactive compounds identified through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) of Spin Trush and Turosha Taki was found to be amino propionic acid (48.12%) and Alanine (48.12%). Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) identified different organic compounds in pomegranate peel extract of Spin Trush and Turosha Taki with a wavelength of 616.16 and 3,317.08 cm−1. It was concluded that peel extract of both pomegranate varieties exhibited maximum antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and total phenolic contents. The results also showed that using GC–MS and IR spectroscopy was an extremely effective method for determining the presence or absence of a wide variety of phytochemicals and functional groups in both varieties. Hence, this study also helps the researchers and industry to recognize the importance of pomegranate peel extracts and their health benefits used as antacids and laxatives in the pharmaceutical industry. Practical applications Bioactive compounds present in the pomegranate peel could be utilized in different food industries.