A hepatoprotective effect of an aqueous extract of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L. ) rind against acetaminop hen treated rats

Abstract

In ancient times Egyptians regarded pomegranate fruit as a symbol of fertility due to the round shape and abundant seeds .They used it to heal many ailments. Pomegranate (El-Ruwmon ) that fruit mentioned in our holy Quran not less than three times, that paid attention for its importance. This investigation aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of an aqueous rind powder extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in its human therapeutic dose against overdose acetaminophen. Pretreatment of rats with 0.43g/KgB.W.of an aqueous rind extract of Punica granatum for 3 days before intraperitoneally (i. p.) injection of 0.5gm acetaminophen significantly reduced the acute elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST),serum alanine aminotransferase , lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)and alleviated the degree of liver damage after the i.p. injection of hepatotoxin. The group treated only with 0.5gm acetaminophen displayed significant increase in serum (AST),(ALT), (LHD)and liver displayed congestion of central and hepatic portal veins, vacuolization and ballooning also a lot of pyknotic nuclei were detected with many small necrotic areas of hepatocytes. Inflammatory cells inbetween hepatocytes and around the portal tract were observed. Some fatty droplets were scattered in the hepatocytes. In conclusion aqueous extract of pomegranate peels possess a strong antioxidant capacity could ameliorate the damage occurred in liver by overdose acetaminophen