Sustainable Valorization of Bioactive Compounds from Grape, Pomegranate, and Fig Seeds for Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Use

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are widely recognized as key materials for the development of innovative pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Alongside these valuable plants, agricultural byproducts—residues derived from widely cultivated crops—are gaining increasing attention as renewable resources in the field of natural compound extraction. These byproducts include a wide array of structures such as seeds (e.g., grape, pomegranate, fig, tomato), kernels (e.g., olive, cherry, melon), stalks, and peels. This review focuses on the valorization of grape, pomegranate, and fig seeds, emphasizing their phytochemical richness and potential health-promoting properties. These seeds contain notable quantities of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, tocopherols, unsaturated fatty acids, and sterols, which contribute to various biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and dermatological actions. Extraction methods, particularly cold pressing versus Soxhlet techniques, are critically compared in terms of oil yield and bioactive preservation. Furthermore, the review discusses the applicability of these seed-derived compounds in addressing metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and dermatological aging. Finally, the integration of these byproducts into circular bioeconomy frameworks is examined, highlighting their relevance to sustainable innovation and waste minimization. Current literature supports the perspective that strategic utilization of such fruit residues could enhance the development of functional and environmentally responsible health solutions.