Valorizing Pomegranate Peel Waste in Circular Economy: New Insights Into Biological Activities for Pharmaceutical Applications

Pomegranate peel, a substantial byproduct of juice and food industries, represents an underused biomass rich in bioactive compounds with high relevance to pharmaceutics. Converting pomegranate peel into pharmaceutical ingredients offers a promising, sustainable pathway to fulfill circular bioeconomy objectives. This review summarizes recent insights into the biological activity of pomegranate peel. First, a brief analysis of green extraction methods shows how different techniques affect extract composition. Then, different biological activities of pomegranate peel extracts and constituents (punicalagin, ellagic acid, and more) are discussed, showing interesting pathway and target interactions. Finally, a critical acknowledgement of gaps and challenges is provided to guide research in translating future studies into effective pharmaceutical and nutraceutical solutions (antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, adjunct cancer therapies, food supplements) aligned with standard and safety regulations.