Subcritical water extraction (SWE) of phenolic compounds from pomegranate seed residues (PSR) was performed.
Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities of the extracts obtained at different temperatures were
determined, and the individual antioxidant capacities were evaluated by coupling high performance liquid chromatography
with ABTS radical reaction system (HPLC–ABTS•+). The results showed that the optimum extraction
time was 30 min, solid to water ratio was 1:40, and the highest TPC was obtained at 220 ◦C. The effect of extraction
temperature on TPC was significant (p < 0.05), and TPC ranged from 651.7 to 4854.7 (mg/100 g DW) between 100 ◦C and
220 ◦C. HPLC–ABTS•+ profiles revealed that nine compounds had antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the formation of
Maillard reaction products during SWE was investigated, and the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was
determined. The comparative study indicated that SWE was a promising technique for preparation of PSR phenolics.