Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from
pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing
pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds;
creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous
solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at
least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a
temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme;
maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient
to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and
removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture.
Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product,
beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin
supplements, food additives, and food supplements. The composition may
also be used for preventing or ameliorating disease conditions by
administering an effective amount of the composition to a subject in need
thereof.