Granatum Fruit Research Articles

Study on antiviral activities, drug-likeness and molecular docking of bioactive compounds of Punica granatum L. to Herpes simplex virus - 2 (HSV-2)

Herpes simplex virus – 2 (HSV-2) causes lifelong persisting infection in the immunocompromised host and intermittent in healthy individuals with high morbidity in neonatals and also increase the transmission of HIV. Acyclovir is widely used drug to treat HSV-2 infection but it unable to control viral latency and recurrent infection and prolonged usage lead to drug resistance. Plant-based bioactive compounds are the lead structural bio-molecules play an inevitable role as a potential antiviral agent with reduced toxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anti-HSV-2 bioactive molecules to prevent viral resistance and control of latent infection. Punica granatum fruit is rich in major bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial properties. Hence, we evaluated the anti-HSV-2 efficacy of lyophilized extracts and bioactive compounds isolated from fruit peel of P. granatum. As a result, ethanolic peel extract showed significant inhibition at 62.5 μg/ml. Hence, the fruit peel ethanolic extract was subjected for the isolation of bioactive compounds isolation by bioactivity-guided fractionation. Among isolated bioactive compounds, punicalagin showed 100% anti-HSV-2 activity at 31.25 μg/ml with supportive evidence of desirable in silico ADMET properties and strong interactions to selected protein targets of HSV-2 by docking analysis.

Analysis of phenolic compounds in different parts of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit by HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS and evaluation of their antioxidant activity: application to different Italian varieties.

The analysis of pomegranate phenolic compounds belonging to different classes in different fruit parts was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. Two different separation methods were optimized for the analysis of anthocyanins and hydrolyzable tannins along with phenolic acids and flavonoids. Two C18 columns, core-shell and fully porous particle stationary phases, were used. The parameters for separation of phenolic compounds were optimized considering chromatographic resolution and analysis time. Thirty-five phenolic compounds were found, and 28 of them were tentatively identified as belonging to four different phenolic compound classes; namely, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, and flavonoids. Quantitative analysis was performed with a mixture of nine phenolic compounds belonging to phenolic compound classes representative of pomegranate. The method was then fully validated in terms of retention time precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and linearity range. Phenolic compounds were analyzed directly in pomegranate juice, and after solvent extraction with a mixture of water and methanol with a small percentage of acid in peel and pulp samples. The accuracy of the extraction method was also assessed, and satisfactory values were obtained. Finally, the method was used to study identified analytes in pomegranate juice, peel, and pulp of six different Italian varieties and one international variety. Differences in phenolic compound profiles among the different pomegranate parts were observed. Pomegranate peel samples showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds, ellagitannins being the most abundant ones, with respect to pulp and juice samples for each variety. With the same samples, total phenols and antioxidant activity were evaluated through colorimetric assays, and the results were correlated among them.

Effect of Pomegranate extract on P53 expression in Cancer Cell line (Hep-2)

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits are widely consumed as juice. The potent antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic activities of pomegranate are attributed to its polyphenols. Aim: Pomegranate extract were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic and its effect on the level of p53 in Hep2 (Human larynx epidermal carcinoma). Methods: Aqueous extraction of pomegranate was prepared and in vitro cytotoxicity and amount of p53 was evaluated on cancer cell line Hep2 (Human larynx epidermal carcinoma). Results: The study showed that the pomegranate extract has greatest antiproliferative activity by inhibition proliferation from 13% to 73.9%, at 10 µg/ml and 24 hr period of exposure. Also, the study showed significant decrease of p53 in treated group in comparison to control. Conclusions: According to the in vitro antiproliferative activity, inhibition of p53 expression pomegramate extracts may be possess a potent anticancer activity.

Pomegranate juice inhibits periodontal pathogens biofilm In Vitro

Background: Pomegranate ( Punica granatum ) fruits are commonly regarded as medicinal plant in Indonesia, and the polyphenols found in pomegranate juice (punicalagin and ellagic acid) have been shown to have antibacterial properties. Objectives: Using monospecies and multispecies biofilms, we sought to examine the effects of pomegranate juice on the viability of three periodontal pathogens: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Treponema denticola. Methods: Biofilm assays were performed using crystal violet. Pomegranate juice was obtained from pomegranates using a juicer, and the juice was then diluted into different concentrations with phosphate saline buffer. The three pathogens were cultured in both monospecies and multispecies plates. Pomegranate juice was then added to each biofilm well. These were then incubated for 1h, 6h, or 24h, after which the optical density (OD) of the biofilm mass was measured using a microplate-reader (490 nm). Biofilm without treatment was used as a negative control and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate as a positive control. Data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA; the level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results: Compared to the negative control, biofilm mass was significantly decreased after treatment with pomegranate juice across all concentrations and incubation times, for both monospecies and multispecies biofilm ( p <0.05). The best results were achieved with P. gingivalis biofilm, with 100% concentration (OD 0.34 ± 0.03); A. actinomycetemcomitans, 50% concentration (OD 0.22 ± 0.01); and T. denticola , with 25% concentration (OD 0.87 ± 0.08), as well as with a multispecies biofilm with a 50% concentration in 1h incubation time (OD 0.09 ± 0.02). Conclusion: Pomegranate juice effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and T. denticola . Pomegranate juice may therefore be used as an alternative therapy in preventing periodontal disease. Additional research should explore this effect in an environment that mimics oral cavities.

Effects of anti-lipid peroxidation of Punica granatum fruit extract in endothelial cells induced by plasma of severe pre-eclamptic patients

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. This disorder involves oxidative stress and changes in endothelial homeostasis. This study was aimed to seek whether an ethanolic extract of Punica granatum fruit inhibits 8-iso-PGFα formation and modulates nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells induced by plasma from pre-eclamptic patients. Endothelial cells were cultured from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. At confluence, endothelial cells were divided into five groups, which included endothelial cells exposed to 2% plasma from normal pregnancy (NP), endothelial cells exposed to 2% plasma from pre-eclamptic patients (PP), endothelial cells exposed to PP in the presence of ethanolic extract of P. granatum (PP+PG) at the following three doses: 14; 28; and 56 ppm. Analysis of 8-iso-PGFα was done by immunoassay technique. Analysis of NO level was done by colorimetric technique. Plasma from PP significantly increased 8-iso-PGFα level compared to cells treated by normal pregnancy plasma. This increase in 8-iso-PGFα was significantly (p<0.05) attenuated by all doses treatments of P. granatum extract. The level of NO was insignificant (p>0.05) between groups. P. granatum fruit extract protects endothelial cells from oxidative stress induced by plasma from pre-eclamptic patients.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT AGAINST D-GALACTOSAMINE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES

Objective: Hepatoprotective activity of Punica granatum Linn. (Family: Punicaceae) was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo model. HepG2 cell lines were used for in vitro study and D-Galactosamine (D-GalN) induced hepatic damage model for in vivo evaluation.Methods: Hepatoprotective potential was assessed by measuring serum level of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and albumin. Enzymatic antioxidant parameters like TBARs (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) also evaluated in this study. Results: Rats treated with D-GalN showed a significant increase in serum levels of SGOT (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), bilirubin and TBARs, reflecting liver damage. The in vitro study indicates a beneficial effect of aqueous extract of P. granatum in comparison with methanolic extract, on D-GalN induced toxicity to HepG2 cells. On the basis of in vitro study, aqueous extract was selected for in vivo evaluation. The aqueous extract of P. granatum significantly reduced the elevated serum biomarkers, indicating the recovery of hepatocellular injury. It was also observed that D-GalN induced a significant decrease in GSH, SOD, CAT, protein, and albumin level were increased on the treatment of the rats with aqueous extract of P. granatum. The findings were also confirmed by histopathological studies. Periportal area and extensive hepatocyte damage and haemorrhage are seen in D-GalN treated group. The portal triad with less degree of inflammatory cell infiltration around the bile duct is seen in P. granatum (500 mg/kg)+(D-GalN) treated group.Conclusion: Results of this study revealed that P. granatum fruit could afford a significant protection for the alleviation of hepatic toxicity. Possible mechanism may involve its action against oxidative stress.

Punica granatum fruit extract inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors of HUVEC cells induced by plasma from patients with pre-eclampsia

Summary This study aims to find out whether the ethanol extract of Punica granatum fruit can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-angiogenic factors (sFlt-1 and sEng) of endothelial cells given plasma stimulus of pre-eclamptic patients. When the cells reached confluence, cells would be grouped into five groups (five replicates per group), i.e. endothelial cells exposed to the plasma of normal pregnancy, endothelial cells exposed to the plasma of patients with severe pre-eclampsia, endothelial cells exposed to the plasma of patients of severe pre-eclampsia and given the extract of P. granatum in various doses (14 ppm; 28 ppm, and 56 ppm). Once induced, measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and anti-angiogenic factors would be carried out by using the technique of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contains phenolic, flavonoid and tannin. Plasma from patients with pre-eclampsia increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, sFlt-1 and sEng significantly compared with normal pregnancy plasma exposure group. The increase in the levels of TNF-α, sFlt-1 and sEng was significantly inhibited by the administration of extract at a dose of 56 ppm (P

Termiticidal Activity of Punica granatum fruit rind fractions and its compounds against Microcerotermes beesoni

Plant extracts may provide natural alternative to crop pest control because of their bioactive components. Moreover they are biodegradable and seem to resolve problems associated with synthetic pesticides. Punica granatum fruit rind extracted in methanol and fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and water. All the solvent extracts along with partially purified column fractions were evaluated for termite mortality against Microcerotermes beesoni termite species. Methanolic, ethyl acetate extract were found to be effective however column fraction (PGR) found to be significantly effective. Moreover five compounds have also been identified from the Punica granatum fruit rind and evaluated for termite mortality against Microcerotermes beesoni termite species with Chlorpyriphos 20% TC. Although Chlorpyriphos found to be very effective none of the compound had shown comparable results but Quercetin is found to be moderately active comparative to other compounds. Five known marker compounds have been quantified in the column fraction PGR via HPLC and GC–MS. Fraction PGR has shown significant activity may be because of Quercetin found to be present in the higher amount in the column fraction PGR analyzed by HPLC and GC–MS. Punica granatum fruit rind is a waste material which can be utilized as natural termite managing agent easily available to the farmers around the world.

A chemometric-assisted LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 17 limonoids from different parts of Xylocarpus granatum fruit.

The marine mangrove Xylocarpus granatum is used as a folk medicine and is rich in bioactive limonoids. The quantitative determination of the chemical composition and distribution of limonoids in different parts of X. granatum fruit (fruit peel, seed coat, seed kernels, seed, and fruit) is significant for authentication and quality control purposes. However, the quantitative determination of limonoids in X. granatum has not yet been reported. In this study, a chemometric-assisted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 17 limonoids to reveal the chemical composition and distribution in different parts of X. granatum fruit. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), was more accurate than the general one-variable-at-a-time method. The overall distribution of 17 limonoids in different parts of X. granatum fruit had the following order: seed kernels > seed > fruit, and 13 limonoids showed a rank order of seed kernels > seed > fruit > fruit peel > seed coat. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze the LC-MS/MS data and provide a chemometric model for easy visualization and interpretation to classify the different parts of X. granatum fruit. In addition, the study indicated that the chemometric-assisted strategy, consisting of RSM, PCA, and OPLS-DA for the development, optimization, and data analysis of multicomponent quantitation by LC-MS/MS, is effective and feasible. This study provided the chemical composition and distribution evidence for the authentication and quality control of X. granatum fruit.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF POMEGRANATE PEEL POWDER

The aim of present study was to evaluate in-vitro anti-oxidant properties of Punica granatum fruit (Pomegranate fruit) peel. Antioxidants are molecules involved in defense mechanisms against the deleterious effects of free radicals in most organisms. Antioxidants are the agents responsible for scavenging free radicals. A number of methods are currently being used for the evaluation of the antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties of natural and synthetic antioxidants, including the DPPH method. The Punica granatum fruit (Pomegranate fruit) peel powder suspension was prepared and the DPPH radical scavenging assay was the method adopted to determine antioxidant potentials of aqueous suspension of pomegranate peel powder. Results revealed that DPPH aqueous solution gave comparable free-radical activity 24 hours post preparation compared with the freshly prepared solution. After 24 hours, activity was greatly reduced. It is, therefore, recommended that freshly prepared DPPH solution should be used at all times; however for prolonged experimental schedules, the DPPH solution should be used within 24 hours post preparation, so as to give comparable results with the freshly prepared solution and avoid ambiguity in results interpretation. Aqueous suspension of peel powder showed good antioxidant effect. Phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids are the major phytochemicals present in the pomegranate peel. Percentage of inhibition increased with the increased concentration of extracts. The present study provides evidence that the Punica granatum fruit peels is potential source of natural antioxidant Keywords: Antioxidant, Pomegranate peel powder suspension, DPPH, Free radical scavenging.

Anticancer Activity ofPunica granatum(Pomegranate): A Review

Cancer is a pathological condition where excessive and abnormal cell growth leads to widespread invasion within the body to affect various organ functions. It is known that chemotherapeutic agents are themselves possible candidate of cancer generation as they can kill normal cells. So, therapeutic approach for cancer treatment and prevention is weighed in terms of benefit to risk ratio. Nowadays, there is an immense interest for the search herbal formulation with cancer preventive effect because of the problems, generated with existing chemotherapeutic regimens. Research interest in fruits rich in polyphenols is increasing because of their anticancer potential. In this review, we highlight the potential health benefits of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit and the underlying mechanism of its inhibition of cancer progression. Pomegranate has demonstrated anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-invasive effects on various cancer cell line in vitro as well as in vivo animal model or human clinical trial. Although several clinical trials are in progress for identifying the pomegranate as a candidate for various cancer treatment. It is necessary to replicate and validate its therapeutic efficacy by multiple clinical studies in order to formulate pomegranate products as an integral part of the dietary and pharmacological intervention in anticancer therapy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Enhancement of the Bark of Punica granatum Fruit through the Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity Studies

In our days, the use of medicinal plants in phytotherapy has received a great interest in biomedical research and becomes as important as chemotherapy. This research focuses on the phytochemical study and determination of polyphenolic compounds of various phenolic extracts from the bark of the pomegranate on one hand, and evaluation of antibacterial activity of the other. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of groups of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, phenols and polyphenols, and tannins with total polyphenol values ranging from 270.5 μg EAG/mg to 284.61 μg EAG/mg, That the flavonoid content varies between 16.83 μg EQ/mg and 38.47 μg EQ/mg. Very interesting bactericidal properties of the phenolic extracts of the pomegranate bark have been found on the bacteria. At the end of the antimicrobial tests, we found that this extract has a very high activity with diameters of the zones of inhibition varying between 12 and 34 mm. MICs of the extract varied between 0.01 and 0.31 mg/ml. This work showed antibacterial activity against five bacteria can contribute to the fight against infectious diseases.

Evaluation of Punica granatum fruit juice for anti-anxiety activity

Background and Objectives : In traditional system of Indian medicine, Punica granatum L. fruits are widely used for treatment of brain diseases, fever, heart diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, piles, inflammation and bronchitis. However, there is no authentic scientific data reported regarding anxiolytic activity of Punica granatum (Linn) fruit juice. To evaluate the anxiolytic activities of Punica granatum L. fruit juice in various validated animal models of anxiety in mice. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical investigation was carried out with the fruit juice of Punica granatum for qualitative identification of phytoconstituents. Animals were administered with orally 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 ml of Punica granatum fruit juice and observed for its mortality upto 48 hours study period (short term toxicity) to determine LD 50 . From the LD 50 dose, 1/20, 1/10 & 1/5 doses were selected and considered as low, medium and high dose respectively. For assessing the anxiolytic activity, models like Elevated Plus Maze, Hole-Board were used Diazepam was used as a standard reference for anxiolytic. Results: Preliminary phytochemical investigation of the PGFJ ( Punica granatum L. fruit juice) revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, sterols, polyphenols, alkaloids, carbohydrates and proteins. LD 50 (acute oral toxicity) of Punica granatum fruit juice was determined in mice with a dose limit of 2000 mg/kg as per OECD guidelines no.425 and even upto 2000 mg/kg dose no mortality was recorded. Hence the experimental doses selected were 1/20, 1/10 and 1/5 of the LD 50 value and considered as low, medium and high doses of Punica granatum fruit juice 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. In Elevated Plus Maze model, low, medium and high doses PGFJ and Diazepam (2 mg/kg) had significantly increased number of entries, time spent in open arms and decreased the number of entries and time spent in closed arms. In Hole- board model, Diazepam (2 mg/kg), medium and high doses (200 and 400mg/kg) but not the low dose (100mg/kg) of PGFJ had significantly increased the number of head dips, latency of first head dip and No.of rearings. Conclusion: The present study ascertains that the plant Punica granatum L. fruit juice possesses significant antianxiety activity in mice and study concludes the beneficial effects of Punica granatum fruit juice in treatment of anxiety signifies the rational basis for its traditional use.

Chemical analysis of Punica granatum fruit peel and its in vitro and in vivo biological properties.

BackgroundThe medical application of pomegranate fruits and its peel is attracted human beings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro α-Glucosidase inhibition, antimicrobial, antioxidant property and in vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity of Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit peel extract using Caenorhabditis elegans.MethodsVarious invitro antioxidant activity of fruit peel extracts was determined by standard protocol. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined using disc diffusion and microdilution method respectively. Anti-hyperglycemic activity of fruit peel was observed using fluorescence microscope for in vivo study.ResultsThe ethyl acetate extract of P. granatum fruit peel (PGPEa) showed α-Glucosidase inhibition upto 50 % at the concentration of IC50 285.21 ± 1.9 μg/ml compared to hexane and methanol extracts. The total phenolic content was highest (218.152 ± 1.73 mg of catechol equivalents/g) in ethyl acetate extract. PGPEa showed more scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with IC50 value 302.43 ± 1.9 μg/ml and total antioxidant activity with IC50 294.35 ± 1.68 μg/ml. PGPEa also showed a significant effecton lipid peroxidation IC50 208.62 ± 1.68 μg/ml, as well as high reducing power. Among the solvents extracts tested, ethyl acetate extract of fruit peel showed broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Ethyl acetate extract supplemented C.elegans worms showed inhibition of lipid accumulation similar to acarbose indicating good hypoglycemic activity. The normal worms compared to test (ethyl acetate extract supplemented) showed the highest hypoglycaemic activity by increasing the lifespan of the worms. GC-MS analysis of PGPEa showed maximum amount of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 4-fluorobenzyl alcohol (48.59 %).ConclusionIn the present investigation we observed various biological properties of pomegranate fruit peel. The results clearly indicated that pomegranate peel extract could be used in preventing the incidence of long term complication of diabetics.

Pomegranate peel Extract Protects Cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in albino mice.

Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) is a toxicant heavy metal displays adverse properties in humans creating public health risks. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is widely known as antimicrobial and antioxidant. This study investigated the cadmium-induced structural effects in mice and evaluated the beneficial effect of alcoholic extract of P. granatum fruit peel (PPE) to protective CdCl2 nephrotoxicity. Animals were divided into 4 groups; group 1: control, group 2: given 25ml/kg PPE, group 3: given CdCl2 at a dose level of 2mg/kg, and Group 4: given CdCl2 and PPE. The animals were given the previous treatment daily for 14days. CdCl2 intoxication led to obvious many histopathological alterations in kidney glomeruli accompanied with wide and congested blood vessels, renal tubules missed their distinct form with cytoplasmic vacuolation of their epithelial cells and pyknotic nuclei and leucocytes cells infiltration in the intertubular spaces. On the other hand, the immunohistochemical staining of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions were positive after CdCl2 exposure compared with the control group. Ultrastructure observations revealed thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and fusion of the podocytes foot processes, tubular epithelial cells vacoulation with pyknotic nuclei, perforation and vacoulation of mitochondria, deterioration of endoplasmic reticulum, and increase of lysosomes. CdCl2-exposure accompanied by increased level of serum urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as well as significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) besides decreased of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level. In contrast, co-administration of PPE plus CdCl2 ameliorated these parameters around the normal levels. It contributed the improvement by the histological, ultrastructure, and decreased Bcl-2 and α smooth muscle protein expression, and kidney function through a significant decrease in urea, creatinine, and BUN, reduced the level of serum MDA as lipid peroxidation marker and restored the altered antioxidant system activity. It was concluded that Cd-induced nephrotoxicity at a dose level 2 mg/kg b.w. in mice. The PPE may be involved in the protection of toxicity displayed by CdCl2 induction attributed to the high antioxidant capacity.

WITHDRAWN: Protective effect of Punica granatum fruit extract on inflammatory cytokines and antiangiogenic factors in endothelial cells induced by plasma from preeclamptic patients

WITHDRAWN: Protective effect of Punica granatum fruit extract on inflammatory cytokines and antiangiogenic factors in endothelial cells induced by plasma from preeclamptic patients

Investigation of resistant to microbial substances for 100% Cotton Knitted fabric treated with water &amp; methanol extracts from Punica granatum fruit and its influence on physical properties

Investigation of resistant to microbial substances for 100% Cotton Knitted fabric treated with water &amp; methanol extracts from Punica granatum fruit and its influence on physical properties

Effect of Punica granatum fruit peel on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase in amphistome Gastrothylax indicus.

Increasing anthelmintic resistance and the impact of conventional anthelmintics on the environment, it is important to look for alternative strategies against helminth parasite in sheep. Important lipogenic enzymes like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) show subcellular distribution pattern. Activity of G-6-PDH was largely restricted to cytosolic fraction while MDH was found in both cytosolic and mitochondrial fraction in Gastrothylax indicus. Following in vitro treatment with ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Punica granatum fruit peel and commercial anthelmintic, albendazole G-6-PDH activity was decreased by 19-32%, whereas MDH was suppressed by 24-41%, compared to the respective control. Albendazole was quite effective when compared with negative control and both the extracts. The results indicate that phytochemicals of plant may act as potential vermifuge or vermicide.

Inhibitory Effect of the Punica granatum Fruit Extract on Angiotensin-II Type I Receptor and Thromboxane B2 in Endothelial Cells Induced by Plasma from Preeclamptic Patients.

This study aims to evaluate whether the Punica granatum fruit extract modulates the Angiotensin-II Type I receptor (AT1-R) and thromboxane B2 level in endothelial cells induced by plasma from preeclamptic patients. Endothelial cells were obtained from human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. At confluence, endothelial cells were divided into five groups, which included endothelial cells exposed to 2% plasma from normal pregnancy (NP), endothelial cells exposed to 2% plasma from preeclamptic patients (PP), and endothelial cells exposed to PP in the presence of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum (PP + PG) at the following three doses: 14; 28; and 56 ppm. The expression of AT1-R was observed by immunohistochemistry technique, and thromboxane B2 level was done by immunoassay technique. Plasma from PP significantly increased AT1-R expression and thromboxane B2 levels compared to cells treated by normal pregnancy plasma. The increasing of AT1-R expression significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated by high dose treatments of Punica granatum extract. Moreover, the increasing of thromboxane B2 levels significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated by lowest dose treatments of Punica granatum extract. We further concluded that Punica granatum fruit protects and inhibits the sensitivity of endothelial cells to plasma from preeclamptic patients due to inhibition of AT1-R expression (56 ppm) and reduced thromboxane B2 levels (14 ppm).

Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Potential and Anti-cataract Activity of Punica granatum Fruit Extract

Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Potential and Anti-cataract Activity of Punica granatum Fruit Extract