Effect of Pomegranate Peels Aqueous Extract on the Histological Structure of Small Intestine of Local Male Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Most feed materials are predominantly complex and in insoluble forms as animals use them. The aim of digestion processes, therefore, is to sequentially modify the feed substances into simple and soluble forms that are appropriate for absorption and ingestion. This study aimed to investigate the possible effect of pomegranate peel aqueous extract on the histological structure of the small intestine of local male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Twelve healthy adult male rabbits acquired from a local market in Iraq- Baghdad was used in this study. The animals were divided into two main groups, six animals in the control group, while the other six were considered as treated groups with pomegranate peel extract. The pomegranate extract was prepared by the maceration method. The experiment lasted for two months, from 1/10/2020 to 1/12/2020. The results showed that the tunica mucosa of the duodenum of the experimental group has huge overcrowded intestinal villi associated with hypertrophy of mucosal villi, in addition to a marked increase in the population of goblet cells and their secretory activities. The tunica submucosa was occupied by a thick layer of Brunner's glands, which were compound tubular mucous alveolar type and had clear cytoplasm. The jejunum of the experimental group showed that the mucosal layer was characterized by a marked increase of intestinal plica circularis, which is associated with the projection of pyramidal-shaped intestinal mucosa. The epithelial mucosa was (pseudostratified columnar epithelium) covered by a thick brush border of microvilli. The histological arrangement of various layers of the ileum was nearly analogous to that of the jejunum except for some distinctive differences. An evident aggregated lymphocytes forming Payers patches occupied the tunica submucosa in both the control and treated groups. The most historical parameters in all segments of the small intestine revealed a significant increase in experimental animals compared to control animals. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of pomegranate peels have apparent positive effects on the histological structure of the small intestine of rabbits improving, positively the digestive efficiency of animals and enhancing the efficiency of the immune system in the animal through an apparent increase in the numbers of goblet cell that plays importance for immunity of the body.