Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Analysis and in vivo Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate Seeds (Punica granatum) in Female Albino Mice

Abiola T, Falana LK and Adediji DO

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) of the Punicaceae family is an ancient fruit which is rich in nutrients and also contains various bioactive compounds adduced to some of its medicinal properties observed in vivo.
Aim: The aim was to determine the proximate, phytochemical composition and the antioxidant activity of pomegranate seed extract in female albino rats.
Methodology: Crude extraction protocol was done using ethanol. The proximate and phytochemical composition of the seeds was determined using standard methods. Sixteen rats were divided into four groups. Rats in group I served as control, while rats in group II, III and IV received 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg per body weight of P. granatum seeds extract orally respectively for 14 days. Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide (SOD) levels were determined from the serum using standard kits.
Result: Proximate analysis shows the contents of moisture (6.84%), ash (1.55%), fiber (27.59%), protein (14.06%), fat (26.03%) and carbohydrate (23.96%). Phytochemical screening reveals the contents of flavonoids (121.22 mg/g), tannins (3.30 mg/g), saponins (12.87 mg/g), alkaloids (1.51 mg/g) and phenols (78.12 mg/g). There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the GSH, CAT and SOD levels of the groups that received the extract, while the highest significance was noted with the group that received the highest dose as compared to the control.
Conclusion: The results obtained corroborates the antioxidant activity of the seed which might be due to its high amount of phenols and flavonoids and might be relevant in the prevention and management of oxidative stress-induced diseases.