Antioxidant and Weight Loss Effects of Pomegranate Molasses.

ABSTRACT

Pomegranate molasses (PM) is a large compound of the eastern diets, yet no research has been performed on this product. In this study, we measured the total polyphenols content of PM, compared to fresh pomegranate juice, obtaining 252.28 and 79.49 mg of Gallic Acid equivalent/L respectively. The antioxidant effect of PM and juice was then measured in vitro using electrolysis as a free radical generating system. At the concentrations of 100 to 600 l PM has strong antioxidant properties (4 times more active than juice). Moreover, molasses or juice were added to the drinking water of mice (4 ml/l) during 11 weeks leading to a significant decrease of weight curve compared to control animals; also triglycerides and lipid peroxidation were decreased in the heart, lungs, and the liver, while superoxide dismutase activity increased. In conclusion, Pomegranate molasses possesses a powerful antioxidant activity and a weight loss effect in mice.