Impact of Methanolic Extract of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Seeds on Serum Biomarkers in Wistar Rats Fed High Cholesterol and Fructose Diet

Abstract

Pomegranate has a potent antioxidant effect and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Also, it has a protective effect on different organs, such as the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle in obese rat models. This study aims to investigate the effect of pomegranate seed methanolic extract on lipid profile, renal function, and some blood parameters in high cholesterol / high fructose-fed rats. Four groups of ten male Wistar rats, A, B, C, and D, were created from the forty rats. As a negative control, Group A was fed a basal rat diet for six weeks. while groups B, C, and D were provided with 2% cholesterol added to the basal rat diet and +20% fructose in drinking water for four weeks (group B served as a positive control). After two weeks, groups C and D received 500 and 1000 mg of pomegranate methanolic extract/kg b.w/day, respectively; blood samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, 3, and 5. Compared to group B, groups C and D's serum levels of urea, triglycerides, and total cholesterol had significantly decreased by the end of the experiment. Groups C and D exhibited higher HDL-C levels than Group B. In comparison to the other experimental groups, group C's serum creatinine levels dramatically dropped. The blood glucose levels in group D were much lower than in group B. The pomegranate seed extract positively influenced serum lipid profile and blood glucose and protected creatinine and urea levels in Wistar rats.