Ameliorating effect of pomegranate peel extract supplement against type 1 diabetes-induced hepatic changes in the rat: biochemical, morphological and ultrastructural microscopic studies

Background: Diabetes mellitus could result from disorders in insulin secretion or receptors mainly characterised by hyperglycaemia. Natural antioxidants including pomegranate are traditionally used as hypoglycaemic agents. The present research was designed to evaluate the possible therapeutic role of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) against type 1 diabetic-induced hepatic biochemical and histological alteration. Materials and methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 48) were sorted into four groups: G1: control group, G2: normal rats received PPE, G3: streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, received IP STZ (55 mg/kg body weight), and G4: diabetic rats post-treated with PPE (200 mg/kg body weight/day). Effectiveness of PPE was assessed by measuring serum glucose, liver enzymes, and morphological features of liver tissue using light and electron microscopy. Results: Histological examination showed degenerative necrotic changes in diabetic rat liver which were improved by post-treatment with PPE. Biochemical results confirmed microscopic morphological and ultrastructural findings. Conclusions: Pomegranate peel extract was found to have a moderate therapeutic effect against hepatic alterations in male rats. It could be advised for diabetic patients suffering from early alterations of liver functions.