Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peels Ameliorates the Glycemic Indices and Antioxidant Gene Transcripts in Diabetic Rabbits

Abstract Context: Pomegranate peel (PP) characterized by high content of antioxidant activity. So, there is an increased interest in its potential role in the amelioration of diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective: This study focused on the ability of PP powder to restrain the detrimental effect of streptozotocin (STZ)-high fat diet (HFD) induced diabetes in rabbits. Material and Methods:  A total of forty white male New Zealand rabbits were allocated tofour equal groups of ten animals each. Control group, received basal diet; diabetic group, injected with STZ (35 mg/ kg BW., i.p) and fed on HFD; PP I, diabetic rabbit were fed on PP powder 1.0% of the basal diet and PP II, diabetic rabbit was fed on PP powder 2.0% of the diet. Results: PP powder significantly increased (P >0.05) insulin level, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and gene expression, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Furthermore, PP significantly decreased blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation, kidney and liver damage biomarkers, and lipid profile in diabetic rabbits. Conclusion: PP powder has a therapeutic effect against STZ-HFD-induced biochemical alteration, increased insulin secretion and sensitivity, reduced glucose level, and has the potent antioxidative capacity and lipid lowering effects.

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Updated: June 25, 2023 — 9:52 am