Production of Antioxidant Nutraceuticals by Solid-State Cultures of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel and Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Leaves

Cristóbal Noé Aguilar¹*, Antonio Aguilera-Carbo², Armando Robledo¹, Janeth Ventura¹, Ruth Belmares¹, Diego Martinez¹, Raul Rodríguez-Herrera¹ and Juan Contreras<sup>1

1</sup>Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, MX-25000 Coahuila, México
²Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Universidad Autónoma Agraria 'Antonio Narro', MX-25000 Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila, México

Article history:
Received August 8, 2006
Accepted January 5, 2007

Key words:
pomegranate peel, creosote bush, antioxidants, solid-state fermentation

Summary:
In this work, creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) leaves and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peels were characterized for their use as a source of antioxidants and a support in solid- state fermentation. This work focuses on the kinetic evaluation of physicochemical changes during the fungal fermentation of two tannin-rich plant materials, mainly on the polyphenolic content. Aspergillus niger GH1 was used in the fermentation processes, the cultures were monitored for 96 h. The content of proteins, crude fibres, lipids, reducing and total sugars was evaluated following the AOAC methods. Tannins were analyzed using a spectrophometric method. Biodegradation of ellagitannins was monitored kinetically and the accumulation of gallic and ellagic acids was determined by HPLC. Results demonstrated that pomegranate peel and creosote bush leaves are excellent supports for solid-state fermentation and sources of antioxidants.

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