Comparative phytochemical and biological assessment of <i>Punica granatum</i> (pomegranate) peel extracts at different growth stages in the Taif region, Saudi Arabia

The medicinal and commercial value of pomegranate peel is attributed to its rich content of phenolic compounds, yet little is known about their concentrations and biological activity across different ripening stages. Pomegranate peels at different growth stages 1-3 (40, 80, and 120 days after fruit appearance respectively) were collected, dried, and macerated with 90% methanol. Stage 2 and stage 3 extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against <i>S. aureus</i>, and <i>L. monocytogenes</i>. Further, stage 2 extract showed highest efficacy against lung, breast, and liver cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 19.76 ± 1.3, 24.28 ± 6.99, and 16.04 ± 2.78 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking, and simulation further confirmed the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of the most prominent stage 2 phytoconstituent (γ-Sitosterol). The study indicates that stage 2 pomegranate peel extract has potential as a safe and natural antimicrobial and cytotoxic agent. However, additional <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> testing is needed to validate these results.