Changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in pomegranate leaves

Pomegranate leaves are an important source of potentially healthy bioactive compounds. Changes in total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and antioxidant activities in pomegranate leaves were recorded from April 18th to September 16th, 2007. Total levels of phenolics and flavonoids decreased significantly in the early stages of leaf growth, and then increased gradually until the end of September. However, concentrations of total alkaloids increased during leaf growth and development. Antioxidant activities in pomegranate leaves were significantly correlated with the level of total phenolics and flavonoids. All bioactive compounds measured from pomegranate leaves increased during leaf growth and development. These trends suggest that the optimum picking time for tea is before May and bioactive compounds should be extracted from pomegranate leaves after August.