Therapeutic Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Juice on Liver of Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious metabolic disorder. Pomegranate has various biological effects. The present study evaluated pomegranate juice (PJ) therapeutic effects on the liver of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced DM mice model. Fifty male mice were distributed into 5 equal groups (10 each). Groups were negative control, PJ group received orally PJ (180 mg/kg), diabetic group received STZ (60 mg/kg), the diabetic received pomegranate juice (STZ+PJ) group, the diabetic received metformin (250 mg/kg) (STZ+MET) group. The experiment duration was 6 weeks. Initial and final body weights and liver weights were measured. At the experimental end, blood glucose levels and liver enzymes serum levels as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. A liver histological examination was made under a light microscope. STZ led to a significant decreased in final body weight, and an increase in blood glucose and serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP versus control. PJ administration to diabetic mice significantly decreased blood glucose and serum levels of liver enzymes versus the STZ group but AST and ALP levels were still elevated versus control. Histopathological liver examination of PJ-and MET-treated groups showed amelioration of histological changes of DM. Metformin repairs damaged hepatic cells but was not as effective as PJ. In conclusion, pomegranate juice improves liver health in diabetic mice.