Extraction and stabilization of pomegranate seed oil: a functional oil for the food industry

Several innovative strategies are being explored to obtain and apply essential and functional oils to human lifestyle such as food. These oils are extracted from different raw materials while prospecting for greener and sustainable options. Pomegranate stands out in this regard, with its seed constituting 20% of the total seed weight. In this review, we examined the profile of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and different extraction techniques to obtain PSO in its purest form. Since encapsulation systems play a role in safeguarding bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and phenolics in PSO from oxidative degradation, we discussed the formulation and encapsulation of PSO. This then dovetailed with the applications of PSO in the food industry. The reviewed literature showed that more studies dealing with the pilot scale production of PSO are warranted and crucial to the food sector.