Therapeutic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) pith and carpellary membrane extract on lead-induced toxicity in rats

Pomegranate is an ancient edible fruit with various pharmaceutical bioactivities such as antioxidant, lipid regulation and anti-inflammation. In this study the effectiveness of pomegranate pith and carpellary membrane (PPCM) extract in treatment of experimental lead intoxication was assessed in rats. Female Wistar rats were exposed to 1000ppm lead acetate in drinking water for 35 days and treated thereafter with PPCM extiract (100 and 200mg/kg, orally) twice a day for 35 days. The concentration of lead in blood, kidney, liver, bone and brain were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Treatment with PPCM extract reduced lead retention in blood and tissues. With the highest dose of PPCM extract, the greatest rate of reduction of lead concentrations were observed in brain (61%), blood (53%), and bone (34.5%). No significant changes were observed in copper, zinc and iron concentration of serum and liver, in neither doses of PPCM extract. In conclusion it was demonestrated that PPCM and carpellary membrane had therapeutic effect in the treatment of lead intoxication without any side effects on essential elements in blood and tissues of rats.