Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed through the body’s metabolism. Uncontrolled production of ROS occurs during oxidative stress-induced in various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Polyphenolic compounds are widely recognized to possess a wide range of biological properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties including. This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the Punica granatum L. peels extract in mice toxicity induced by a mixture of Nerium oleander extracts, acetaminophen and gentamicin. Methods: 40 mice were classified into four groups: Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (Punica granatum L. cortex control group), Group 3 (toxin control group), Group 4 (toxin and Punica granatum L. cortex extract). Weights of the mice showed significant differences between all groups (p < 0.05). The serum HDL-C level was higher in Group 2 than control group (p < 0.05). Biochemical markers were significantly decreased in Group 4 compared with toxins group (p<0.01). In cardiac tissue, GSH-Px, GSH, and catalase levels increased in Group 4 compared with its level in the toxins group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p<0.05). In hepatic and kidney tissues, catalase and GSH-Px levels had been higher in Group 4 compared with toxins group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Conclusion: Punica granatum L. peels induced hypolipidemic effect. This effect might be anticipated to the potential antioxidant effect against cholesterol oxidation. There is a protective effect of the extract on liver histology against mixture of toxins. Also, the extract protects the heart from necrosis and massive haemorrhage.
Keywords: Punica granatum L., Nerium oleander, oxidation stress, antioxidants