Evaluation of the Effect of Pomegranate Flowers on Antioxidant Activity and Bdnf Levels in Experimental Renal Failure in Rats

Abstract

This study was performed with the aim of researching the effects of pomegranate flower on antioxidant activity and BDNF levels in rats with experimental renal failure induced. With this aim, 42 adult Wistar albino rats were used. Rats were divided into 6 groups containing 7 rats according to the amount of pomegranate flower administered. The groups were named control, 20% pomegranate flower, 10% pomegranate flower, 20% pomegranate flower+gentamicin, 100% pomegranate flower+gentamicin and gentamicin group. Diets were prepared containing 20% and 10% pomegranate flower. The relevant groups were fed with this diet for 4 weeks. In the final week, gentamicin was administered by ip injection for 8 days. The lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), glutathione (GSH), Glutathhion peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in blood were researched. Compared with the control group, rats administered different doses of pomegranate flower had significant reductions observed in serum lipid peroxidation levels, while there was clear increase in GSH,GSH-Px and SOD levels identified. Groups administered 20% pomegranate flower had an increase identified in BDNF levels. In conclusion, our findings support the view that pomegranate flower may have strong antioxidant activity and increase serum BDNF levels.