Hepatoprotective role and antioxidant capacity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) flowers infusion against trichloroacetic acid-exposed in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the protective and antioxidant properties of Punica granatum (PG) beverage against trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-exposure in rats. The hepatopreventive and antioxidant potential of the plant's infusion was evaluated by measuring level of serum enzymes, antioxidant defense systems (ADS) and lipid peroxidation content in various organs of rats. Three experimental groups: A (untreated=control), B (only TCA-treated) and C (TCA+PG treated). According to the results, while the levels of AST and ALT increased significantly in B groups' they decreased significantly in the C groups'. LDH and CK did not change significantly in B groups' whereas decreased significantly in the C groups'. Liver, brain, kidney and heart tissues MDA content significantly increased in B groups', whereas no significant changes were observed in the C groups'. On the other hand, SOD decreased significantly in liver of the B group but did not change significantly in the C groups'. GST activity increased significantly in liver, brain and spleen of C group while significant decrease was observed for kidney as compared to those of control. Hence, the study reveals that constituents present in PG impart protection against carcinogenic chemical induced oxidative injury that may result in development of cancer during the period of a 52-day protective exposure.