Abstract:

In order to explore a new approach to the utilization of pomegranate husk, wood vinegar was prepared by
pyrolyzing pomegranate husk in the temperature range of 150–400 ℃. Chemical constituents of the wood vinegar were
analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its antioxidant activities were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-
2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods. The results showed that the contents of total
phenols, total ketones and organic acid in the wood vinegar were 10.92 mg/mL, 7.81 mg/mL and 2.53% respectively. A
total of 27 compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis from the wood vinegar, mainly including phenols, organic acids,
alcohols, alkanes, aldehydes and ketones. Its scavenging activities against DPPH and OH hydroxyl radicals were 10.22 μg/mg
and 45.19 μg/mg VC equivalent, respectively. This study suggested that wood vinegar from pomegranate husk has the
potential to be used as a natural antioxidant resource.

Key words: pomegranate husk, wood vinegar, chemical constituents, antioxidant activity