Protective Effect of Pomegranate Juice Extract Against Antitubercular Drugs Induced Hepatic Fibrosis

Abstract

The current study aimed to know the therapeutic efficacy of Punica granatum (fruit juice extract) against anti-TB druginduced hepatic fibrosis in rats. 24 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six rats in each. INH at 27 mg/kg B.W., RIF at 54 mg/kg B.W., and PZA at 135 mg/kg B.W. were administered orally to Groups 2, 3 and 4 from days 1 to 28. Group 1 was maintained as normal control, and group 2 was a toxic control (administered anti-TB drugs, p/o). Groups 3 and 4 were administered (p/o) with Enalapril at 5mg/kg B.W. and Punica granatum (fresh juice extract) at 1 ml/rat, respectively, from day 1 to 28. Serum samples were collected on the 14th and 28th to assess various biochemical parameters, and liver samples were collected at the end of the experiment to analyze antioxidant parameters, TGF β1, and histopathological examination. The biochemical parameters showed significant (p<0.05) alterations in AST, ALT, GGT, antioxidant profile (TBARS GSH, GST, GPx and SOD), and expression of TGF β1 levels in group 2 along with collagen deposition and alterations in the histopathology when compared with group 1. There was a significant improvement in treatment groups 3 and 4 at different time intervals. These changes were reversed in groups 3 and 4, which were administered Enalapril and Punica granatum juice extract, respectively.