Antioxidant composition for oil

Abstract

The present invention discloses an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils. The composition includes an inert carrier, pomegranate peel extract, and optionally additive(s). The inert carrier is a wax, and the wax is selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax. The additive is selected from one or more of soy lecithin, rosemary extract, and the like. The antioxidant composition is cost-effective, readily available, non-hazardous, and prevents rancidity of oils. The antioxidant composition is in the form of pellets or granules.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antioxidant composition, more particularly to an antioxidant composition for oils. The present invention also relates to a process for making the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Edible oils are prone to rancidity during storage, which causes the oil to break down. Oxidation and hydrolysis of oil are the main causes of rancidity. Hydrolysis is catalyzed by the enzyme lipase, which can be inhibited by heating or refining. Oxidation involves a series of chemical reactions that require oxygen. Oxidation is the main cause of oil deterioration. Preventing oil oxidation is important to improve oil quality and shelf life. Antioxidants are needed to minimize the oxidative degradation of oils.

[0003] Antioxidants inhibit oxidation reactions through various mechanisms. They typically extend shelf life and preserve the quality of oils. Synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT, BHA, and TBHQ, are well-known antioxidants used in oils to prevent oxidative degradation. Nevertheless, the use of synthetic antioxidants has been reported to demonstrate potential tumor-promoting effects, and therefore their incorporation into fats and oils is subject to FSSAI tolerance limits. Therefore, natural antioxidants are needed to prevent oil oxidation. Natural antioxidants are widely present in fruits and vegetables.

[0004] PCT Application No. WO 2017156059 A1 to Saberi Amir teaches stabilized canola oil containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and an oil-soluble antioxidant. The present invention discloses an oil-soluble antioxidant composition. However, not all antioxidants are soluble in oil.

[0005] Chinese Patent Application No. 104911027A to Liu Jianhong et al. teaches a method for enhancing the oxidation resistance of edible vegetable or fish oils by using natural antioxidants. The invention discloses dissolving a hydrophilic natural antioxidant powder in a polar oil (such as propylene glycol caprylate). The propylene glycol disclosed in the patent application has been reported to cause potential adverse effects on infants and pregnant women.

[0006] Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a rich source of valuable nutritional substances. Pomegranates contain tannins, flavonols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, complex polysaccharides, and organic acids. Various studies have reported higher concentrations of phenolic compounds in pomegranate peel compared to pomegranate juice. Pomegranate peel is rich in phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, ellagic acid, ellagitanins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and minerals, which confer various bioactive health benefits. These phytochemicals contribute to the higher antioxidant activity of pomegranate peel compared to the fruit's arils and seeds. The most abundant and potent antioxidant of these polyphenols is known to be punicalagin. Punicalagin also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.

[0007] The main challenge in using natural antioxidants to prevent oil spoilage is that many natural antioxidants are insoluble in oil and precipitate during storage. To overcome this solubility issue, researchers have used chemical additives or synthetic carriers or solvents to solubilize pomegranate peel or punicalagin in oil. Research conducted by Mansouri RA has shown that pyrogallol can be used as a carrier to solubilize punicalagin in olive oil. Oral administration of pyrogallol is harmful because it causes oxidative damage and induces mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and hepatotoxicity.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for natural antioxidant compositions that stabilize oils by preventing oxidative degradation of the oils. There is a need for inert, non-toxic, and safe carriers for antioxidant compositions. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, the antioxidant composition comprising an inert carrier, pomegranate peel extract (PPE), and optionally additive(s). In the antioxidant composition, the inert carrier is a wax selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax. Additives include, but are not limited to, one or more selected from soybean lecithin, rosemary extract, etc. The antioxidant composition has a wax to pomegranate peel extract ratio of 1:0.01 to 1:5. A method for preparing the antioxidant composition includes adding pomegranate peel extract to wax and heating the mixture to obtain a molten antioxidant composition, adding the molten antioxidant composition to cold-pressed oil, whereby an excess amount of the molten mass precipitates. The precipitated molten mass is separated from the treated cold-pressed oil by decantation, filtration, or centrifugation, and separating a supernatant oil containing pomegranate peel extract (a premix for treating the cold-pressed oil to prevent oxidative deterioration). 1. A method for preparing an antioxidant, wherein the cold-pressed oil is selected from one or more of the group consisting of peanut oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, microbial oil, algae oil, and other edible and non-edible oils.

[0010] A method for preparing an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils, comprising the steps of melting a wax as a carrier, adding pomegranate peel extract powder and optional additive(s) with mixing in the molten wax to obtain a molten antioxidant composition, and cooling the molten antioxidant composition, preferably in a defined mold, to obtain pellets or granules, wherein one or more of the waxes are selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax, and the additive(s) are one or more selected from the group consisting of soybean lecithin and rosemary extract.

[0011] A method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising the steps of adding pellets / granules of an antioxidant composition to a small amount of oil under heating and stirring to dissolve the pellets / granules, and adding additional oil to dilute under continuous stirring to prevent oxidative deterioration. A method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising adding 0.8 to 1.2 g of the pellets / granules to 100 g of cold-pressed oil, applying heat under stirring to melt the pellets / granules, and adding 900 g of cold-pressed oil to the oil of step (b) under stirring, wherein the cold-pressed oil is one or more selected from the group consisting of peanut oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, linseed oil, fish oil, microbial oil, algae oil, and other non-edible oils. A method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, wherein the carrier comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax.

[0012] Antioxidant composition pellets / granules for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils. The antioxidant composition pellets / granules include pomegranate peel extract, an inert carrier, an emulsifier, and optionally an additive. The antioxidant composition pellets / granules include pomegranate peel extract having a purity of 10-50% punicalagin as measured by HPLC. The inert carrier includes one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax. The emulsifier includes soybean lecithin. The additive includes rosemary extract. The antioxidant composition pellets / granules include a wax to pomegranate peel extract ratio of 1:0.01 to 1:5. The soybean lecithin is present in an amount of 0.5 g per 1-8 g of the mixture of wax and pomegranate peel extract. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an antioxidant composition having a pomegranate peel extract, comprising an inert carrier and optionally containing additives.

[0014] The foregoing objects of the present invention are achieved and the problems and drawbacks associated with the prior art, techniques and procedures are overcome by the present invention as described below in preferred embodiments.

[0015] All materials used herein were either commercially purchased as described herein or prepared from commercially purchased materials as described herein.

[0016] Although specific terms are used in the following description for clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structures of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

[0017] References herein to an "embodiment" or "one embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0018] References in this specification to "preferred embodiments" mean that particular features, structures, characteristics, or functions have been described in detail, thereby omitting known configurations and functions for the sake of a clear description of the present invention.

[0019] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention provides an antioxidant composition derived from pomegranate peel extract.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the antioxidant composition of the present invention comprises: 1) pomegranate peel extract, 2) a carrier; Includes.

[0023] In this preferred embodiment, the pomegranate peel extract is in the range of 0.01 to 5 g, and the carrier is a wax selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax in an amount of 1 to 1.1 gm.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of wax to pomegranate peel extract is 1:1 to 1:2.

[0025] In another embodiment, the antioxidant composition of the present invention also includes the emulsifier soy lecithin in an amount of 0.5 g.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the antioxidant composition of the present invention further comprises rosemary extract in the amount of 2 g.

[0027] Pomegranate peel extract contains polyphenols that are responsible for antioxidant activity. Polyphenols prevent oxidation of the oil, which can cause it to go rancid or spoil. Wax acts as a carrier and aids in the solubility of the pomegranate peel extract in the oil.

[0028] Hereinafter, a preferred process for preparing an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils according to the present invention will be disclosed. The process for preparing an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils comprises: (a) melting a predetermined amount of carrier at a predetermined temperature; (b) dissolving a predetermined amount of pomegranate peel extract powder in a carrier to obtain an antioxidant composition; Includes. In step (a), the carrier is a wax selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax. The predetermined amount is 1 g, which is heated at a predetermined temperature of 65° C. In step (b), the predetermined amount of pomegranate peel extract is 1 g.

[0029] A preferred method for incorporating an antioxidant composition into oil to prevent oxidative deterioration according to the present invention is now disclosed. (a) adding a predetermined amount of a molten antioxidant composition to a predetermined amount of oil; (b) recovering the coagulated carrier by centrifugation; (c) separating the supernatant oil containing the pomegranate peel extract, considered as a premix, from the solidified carrier; (d) Adding a predetermined amount of premix, i.e., pomegranate peel extract in oil, to a predetermined amount of cold pressed oil and adjusting to volume to obtain treated oil.

[0030] The predetermined amount of oil is 40 g, and the oil is selected from the group consisting of peanut oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, microbial oil, algae oil, and other edible oils. In step (c), centrifugation is performed at 10,000 rpm and 35°C. In step (d), the resulting supernatant oil containing the pomegranate peel extract is considered as a premix. In step (e), a predetermined amount of 27.28 g of the premix is ​​adjusted to 1000 g using cold-pressed oil.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, 1.1 g of beeswax was melted and 0.5 g of soy lecithin and 2 g of PPE were added. The mixture was allowed to solidify to obtain solid pellets / granules. In yet another embodiment, 2 g of rosemary extract was added to the above mixture to obtain solidified pellets / granules.

[0032] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, antioxidant pellets / granules are added to a small amount of cold pressed oil under continuous stirring and heating and diluted with a desired volume of cold pressed oil under further stirring to obtain treated oil.

[0033] example: Only some examples and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications, and enhancements to the described examples and implementations, as well as other implementations, can be made based on what is disclosed.

[0034] Examples are set forth herein below and are illustrative of different amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions that may be utilized in practicing the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent that the present disclosure can be practiced with amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions other than those used in the examples, and the resulting devices will have a variety of different properties and uses in accordance with the present disclosure, as noted above and below.

[0035] Example 1: Preparation of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) Pomegranate peel extract is prepared by extraction from cleaned, crushed pomegranate peel. The aqueous extract is clarified to remove solids. The clarified extract is purified to remove impurities. The purified extract is concentrated and dried in a spray dryer to obtain a fine, free-flowing powder with a moisture content of less than 5%.

[0036] The extracted powder (moisture content <5%) is then packed and stored. The extract powder contains punicalagin-ellagitanin, estimated using HPLC. To quantify the punicalagin content, the highest purity standard was procured from Sigma-Aldrich.

[0037] The sample was dissolved in HPLC-grade methanol:water (1:1) at a concentration of 500 ppm. The solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm nylon syringe filter.

[0038] A 20 μl solution volume was injected into the HPLC system via an autosampler. Analysis was performed using a Shimadzu P Series HPLC System coupled with a photodiode array detector (PDA) and autosampler. Separation was performed on a Symmetry C-18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase for separating punicalagin consisted of mobile phase A: 1% v / v TFA in water and mobile phase B: 1% v / v TFA in methanol. The optimal absorption wavelength of punicalagin was 378 nm. The recorded peaks were integrated to obtain assay purities ranging from 10 to 50%.

[0039] The nutritional parameters of the obtained PPE powder are shown (Table 1). [Table 1]

[0040] Example 2: Preparation of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) treated oil and its antioxidant activity One gram of beeswax was melted and mixed with one gram of PPE, to which 40 grams of cold pressed groundnut (CPGN) oil was added. The mixture was centrifuged to settle the beeswax along with some of the PPE. The supernatant, containing some solubilized PPE, was separated.

[0041] The resulting supernatant was 34.53 g. 27.28 g of the supernatant was diluted to 1000 g with CPGN oil to obtain the treated oil (first dilution). This stock was further diluted to obtain seven serial dilutions. These dilutions were measured for their antioxidant activity by using the DDPH scavenging method. DPPH scavenging activity is performed according to AOAC guidelines. The method of treating the sample with methanolic DPPH solution and keeping it in the dark for 30 minutes is known in the art. The absorbance is read at 517 nm against a methanol blank. The activity was measured as follows:

number

[0042] Concentrated oil samples up to the fifth dilution showed activity equivalent to oil treated with 200 ppm TBHQ and 200 ppm BHA, the industry standard for preventing oil oxidation.

[0043] Example 3: Peroxide Value (PV) The treated oil samples were tested for their peroxide value under ambient conditions and in a stability chamber maintained at 38°C and 65% RH for 10 days, along with controls of TBHQ and BHA treated oil (200 ppm). The peroxide released in the oil samples is determined by FSSAI method 02.042:2021.

[0044] The concentrated oil showed a decrease in PV values ​​at ambient conditions and better control under stability.

[0045] Example 4: Acid Value (AV) and Free Fatty Acid (FFA) Analysis The acid number of the oil samples was determined by modified method FSSAI 02.009:2021. The treated oils were found to exhibit similar acid number and FFA values ​​as the TBHQ and BHA treated oils.

[0046] Example 5: Iodine value The iodine value is determined by FSSAI method 02.010:2021. The treated oil and the TBHQ and BHA treated oils showed similar iodine values ​​during the 10-day stability test.

[0047] Example 6: Total phenol content The total phenolic content is determined according to Iqbal S. et al. (Iqbal, S., Haleem, S., Akhtar, M., Zia-ul-Haq, M., & Akbar, J. (2008). Efficiency of pomegranate peel extracts in stabilization of sunflower oil under accelerated conditions. Food Research International, 41(2), 194-200). The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent is used to calculate the total phenolic content of the PPE extract. The results are calculated as the gallic acid equivalent (g / 100g) of the extract using gallic acid as the standard.

[0048] The total phenolic content present in the PPE is estimated to be 77.56 g gallic acid equivalents per 100 g PPE (gGAE / 100 g PPE).

[0049] Example 7: Fly analysis: Frying analysis is performed to determine the formation of peroxides in terms of PV values ​​before and after oil heating during food preparation. The first dilution of PPE-treated oil and CPGN (control) are used for the frying study. The oil samples were heated to 180±10°C in a steel container. 80 gm of dehydrated cabbage was first fried for a maximum of 12 minutes and further heated at 180°C for 1 hour. After heating for 1 hour, the PV values ​​of the oil samples are analyzed. [Table 2]

[0050] The results obtained after heating the PPE-treated oil showed lower PV values ​​compared to the CPGN oil (control), indicating less peroxide production after PPE treatment, indicating effective antioxidant activity.

[0051] Example 8: PPE treatment - PV analysis of sunflower oil, safflower oil and coconut oil PV values ​​are determined for PPE-treated oils in sunflower oil, safflower oil, and coconut oil. Similar experiments as described in Example 3 are performed to determine PV values ​​by heating at 105°C for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Cold-pressed peanut oil is substituted for each oil as described in this example. [Table 3]

[0052] PPE-treated safflower oil and PPE-treated coconut oil showed a significant decrease in PV values ​​after heating compared to the respective untreated oils. The overall results obtained indicate that incorporating PPE into oils can help inhibit oxidation in various types of oils.

[0053] Example 9: Antioxidant composition pellets / granules called oil SAHAYAK: Because the preparation of the concentrated oil in Example 2 produced a bulk of wax + PPE that made the product economically unfeasible and its disposal burdensome, a new method was devised to incorporate PPE into the oil, as shown in Example 9.

[0054] Composition 1 pellet: 1.1 g of beeswax was melted, and 0.5 g of soy lecithin and 2 g of PPE were added. The mixture was poured into a suitable mold to obtain pellets after cooling.

[0055] Composition 2 pellets: 1.1 g of beeswax was melted, and 0.5 g of soy lecithin, 2 g of PPE, and 2 g of rosemary extract were added. The mixture was poured into a mold, and pellets were obtained after cooling.

[0056] Example 10: Incorporation of oil SAHAYAK in oil: 0.8 grams of the solidified carrier described in Example 9(2) was placed in a beaker and heated on a hot plate until melted. 100 grams of hot oil was then added to the beaker. The mixture was allowed to cool while stirring with a magnetic stirrer. After complete cooling, an additional 900 grams of oil was slowly blended into the mixture with continuous stirring. The resulting oil was labeled PR1, an antioxidant-rich oil.

[0057] Example 11: In a variation of Example 10, 1.2 g of the PPE clot described in Example 9(2) was dissolved in 100 gm of hot oil under stirring, cooled, and then 900 gm of oil was added under stirring to make 1000 gm of oil, which is the concentrated oil labeled PR2.

[0058] Example 12: Carnauba wax and paraffin wax 2 gm of PPE was added to 1.1 gm of melted carnauba wax along with 2 gm of rosemary extract and 0.5 gm of soy lecithin. The mixture was allowed to cool.

[0059] 20 mg of the above solid mass was placed in a beaker, melted on a hot plate, and 10 g of hot oil was added. The mixture was cooled using a magnetic stirrer. After cooling completely, 15 g of oil was added slowly while stirring.

[0060] 2 gm of PPE was added to 1.1 gm of melted paraffin wax along with 2 gm of rosemary extract and 0.5 gm of soy lecithin. The mixture was allowed to cool.

[0061] 20 mg of the solidified paste was placed in a beaker, melted on a hot plate, and 10 g of hot oil was added. The mixture was cooled using a magnetic stirrer. After cooling completely, 15 g of oil was added slowly with stirring.

[0062] These two oils were kept in an oven at 80°C for 4 hours and subjected to peroxide values. Peroxide values ​​were found to be 1.8 and 2 meq / kg for the carnauba wax and paraffin wax oils, respectively.

[0063] Example 13: Peroxide Value, AV, FFA, and Iodine Value of Concentrated Oil Samples PR1, PR2, TBHQ-Treated Oil (200 PPM), and Untreated Control Oil The PV value of the control (CPGN oil) was observed to be 0.48 meq / kg on day 0, which increased significantly to 4.48 meq / kg on day 60, which was found to be the highest among the other treatment samples. However, the PV values ​​of all samples increased numerically with storage time from day 0 to day 60. PR1 and PR2 appear to have lower PV values ​​compared to the control.

[0064] It is observed that the AV and FFA values ​​are similar for the control (CPGN oil) and all treated oil samples, namely PR1 and PR2 (natural antioxidants), TBHQ (synthetic antioxidant).

[0065] After the 60-day incubation period, no variation in iodine value was observed across all samples, including the control. [Table 4] [Table 5] Amb: Storage at ambient temperature, Stb: Storage in a stability chamber at 38°C and 65% RH

[0066] Advantageously, the antioxidant composition of the present invention inhibits oxidation processes in oils that lead to rancidity and deterioration of the oil. The natural antioxidant composition with pomegranate peel extract solves the problems associated with the use of synthetic antioxidants in oils. The use of wax as a carrier helps to solubilize the pomegranate peel extract, which addresses the problems that arise from using carriers such as pyrogallol, which are harmful to health.

[0067] The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling the inventors to utilize the invention in the manner best known to them, with various embodiments incorporating various modifications suited to the particular applications contemplated.

[0068] The examples are illustrative of ways in which the invention can be practiced and do not limit the scope of the claims in any way; equivalents that do not depart from the scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention contained herein.

Claims

1. An antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising: a. an inert carrier; b. pomegranate peel extract; Includes c. Optionally, one or more additives An antioxidant composition comprising:

2. 10. The antioxidant composition of claim 1, wherein the inert carrier comprises a wax.

3. 3. The antioxidant composition of claim 2, wherein the wax is selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax.

4. 2. The antioxidant composition of claim 1, wherein the additive is one or more selected from the group consisting of soy lecithin and rosemary extract.

5. 2. The antioxidant composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of wax to pomegranate peel extract is 1:0.01 or 1:

5.

6. 1. A method for preparing an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising: a. adding pomegranate peel extract to molten wax to obtain a molten antioxidant composition; b. adding the molten antioxidant composition to the cold-pressed oil, whereby an excess of the molten mass precipitates; c. Separating the settled molten mass from the treated cold-pressed oil by decantation, filtration or centrifugation, followed by separating the supernatant oil containing the pomegranate peel extract, which is a premix for treating the cold-pressed oil to prevent oxidative degradation; A preparation method comprising:

7. A method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising: a. Adding the premix oil to the oil to be treated A method comprising:

8. 7. The method for preparing an antioxidant composition according to claim 6, wherein the cold-pressed oil is one or more selected from the group consisting of peanut oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, microbial oil, algae oil, and other edible and non-edible oils.

9. 1. A method for preparing an antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising: a. Melting a wax as a carrier; b. adding pomegranate peel extract powder and optional additive(s) with mixing in the molten wax to obtain a molten antioxidant composition; c. cooling the molten antioxidant composition, preferably in a defined mold, to obtain pellets or granules; A preparation method comprising:

10. a. one or more of the waxes is selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax; b. the additive(s) is one or more selected from the group consisting of soy lecithin and rosemary extract; 10. A method for preparing the antioxidant composition of claim 9.

11. A method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil, comprising: a. adding antioxidant composition pellets / granules to a small amount of oil under heat and stirring to dissolve the pellets / granules; b. Diluting with additional oil under continuous stirring to prevent oxidative degradation; A method comprising:

12. a. adding 0.8-1.2 g of antioxidant composition pellets / granules to 100 g of cold pressed oil; b. Melting the pellets / granules by applying heat under stirring; c. adding 900g of cold pressed oil to the oil of step (b) under agitation; 12. A method for preventing oxidative deterioration of the oil of claim 11, comprising:

13. 13. The method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil according to claim 12, wherein the cold-pressed oil is one or more selected from the group consisting of peanut oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, microbial oil, algae oil, and other non-edible oils.

14. 10. The method for preventing oxidative deterioration of oil according to claim 9, wherein the carrier comprises one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax.

15. Pellets / granules of antioxidant composition for preventing oxidative deterioration of oils.

16. 16. The antioxidant composition pellets / granules of claim 15, comprising pomegranate peel extract, an inert carrier, an emulsifier, and optionally additives.

17. a. the pomegranate peel extract contains punicalagins in the range of 10-50%; b. the inert carrier is one or more waxes selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax; c. the emulsifier is soy lecithin; d. The additive is rosemary extract.

17. Pellets / granules of the antioxidant composition of claim 16.

18. a. the ratio of wax to pomegranate peel extract is 1:0.01 to 1:5; b. soy lecithin is present in an amount of 0.5 g per 1-8 g of the blend of wax and pomegranate peel extract; 16. Pellets / granules of the antioxidant composition of claim 15.

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